Moviefone Editorial

Tag: Batman

  • Ben Affleck Wrote a ‘Really Cool’ Script for His Batman Standalone Movie

    Remember when the Internet clutched its pearls in horror at the casting of Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman? The horror! Now, a week after the box office (if not critical) success of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” many fans — possibly even some of the early Batfleck doubters — are looking forward to seeing his Caped Crusader again, and asking about his own solo Batman film.

    The Hollywood Reporter talked to Patrick Whitesell of WME-IMG, which represents Ben Affleck, to get details on the star’s DC contract, and scoop on a potential standalone film.

    “He’s contracted to do at least Justice League One and Two, so at least three times wearing the cape,” Whitesell said, adding, “there’s a script that he’s written that is a really cool [Batman] idea, so that’s out there as an option.”

    Nice. You may recall the scoop last summer, around Comic-Con, when Deadline reported, “I’m told that Ben Affleck is teaming up with Geoff Johns to co-write a standalone Batman movie that Affleck will direct and star in after he completes his longstanding plan to helm his scripted adaptation of the Dennis Lehane novel ‘Live By Night.’” At the time, the thought was that they would turn in that script before the end of the summer.

    Even if this standalone “Batfilm” gets the green light right away, it’s hard to say when DC and Warner would schedule it for production and release. They have a pretty full slate going already. Whatever happens with the standalone, we won’t actually have to wait for 2017’s “Justice League” to see Affleck’s Batman again. He’s meant to have a cameo in this summer’s “Suicide Squad,” which comes out August 5.

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  • 6 Things You Need to Know Before Seeing ‘Batman v Superman’

    2016 is the year when superheroes stop being nice and start using each other as punching bags.

    Before Marvel’s “Civil War,” Warner Bros. kicks things off with the long-awaited “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” This film introduces Ben Affleck‘s Batman and marks the first time the two heroes have appeared together in a live-action movie. But Batman and Superman are just the tip of the iceberg, as this movie will pave the way for a much more ambitious DC Universe on the big screen.

    Not sure why Batman and Superman are fighting? Having trouble keeping track of all of these characters? Not to worry. We’re here to break down six important things you should know before watching “Batman v Superman.”

    WARNING: *minor spoilers ahead*

    1. Not Everyone Is a Fan of Superman
    “BvS” picks up in the aftermath of 2013’s “Man of Steel.” Superman (Henry Cavill) finds himself a controversial figure, to say the least. Though he saved the world from being wiped out by General Zod (Michael Shannon), the massive collateral damage to Metropolis has many questioning whether Superman is a blessing or curse to mankind. Many feel the world would be a safer place without Superman around, including a certain Dark Knight.

    2. Batman Is Old(ish) and Cranky
    Though the blockbuster will debut DC’s newest cinematic version of Bruce Wayne, this Batman is already a grizzled veteran by the time the movie opens. “BvS” take cues from the classic graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns,” as Batman is compelled to come out of retirement and resume his war on crime, a war that now includes Superman. Batman is determined to take down the Man of Steel by any means necessary, even if it means donning a suit of armor and beating his opponent to death.

    3. Lex Luthor and Doomsday Are the Real Enemy
    It’s pretty much a requirement in any superhero team-up that two heroes fight before putting aside their differences to join forces for the greater good. “Batman v Superman” looks like it’ll keep that trend alive. Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) is eager to take advantage of the public’s mistrust of Superman. Based on the trailers, it appears that Luthor will harvest genetic material from the body of General Zod and use it to create the unstoppable monster Doomsday.

    Fans have been waiting to see Doomsday in action ever since he killed Superman in the 1992 storyline, “The Death of Superman.” By the size of the baddie, Supes will need all the help he can get in this fight.

    4. Wonder Woman Is Badass
    Though Batman and Superman are the main focus of this movie, look for Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to play a significant role as well. The trailers hint that there’s a potential for romance between Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince, though Bruce doesn’t seem to be aware of the fact that his would-be girlfriend is also an invulnerable Amazon princess. Apparently his detective skills are a little rusty.

    Wonder Woman will likely be the voice of reason who convinces Batman and Superman to stop fighting each other and focus their attention on Luthor and Doomsday. Early reactions to Wonder Woman’s first live-action appearance in a DC movie have been nothing but positive, which fans can’t wait to see for themselves.

    5. Other DC Characters Will Appear
    Look for a number of other familiar faces to appear as DC expands its cinematic universe and builds towards the Justice League movies. Much of the “Man of Steel” supporting cast will return, including Lois Lane, Perry White and Martha Kent. Batman will be assisted by his faithful butler, Alfred (Jeremy Irons). It’s believed that the film will also include small cameos from future Justice Leaguers like Aquaman (Jason Mamoa). Ezra Miller‘s Barry Allen, aka the Flash, will appear as well — in a dream/vision thing to Bruce Wayne. Yup. In a dream. That’s how they introduce a character who has never had a solo film before. That’s happening.

    6. It Sets the Stage for More DC Movies
    All of this is in service to set up the DC-themed solo films for the rest of the Justice League characters. But the events of “BvS” will be picked up first in 2017’s “Justice League,” which could potentially bring another fan-favorite villain that audiences have been waiting to see on the big screen: Darkseid.

    Also, look for a new series of solo Batman films that will build on the events of this movie and the upcoming “Suicide Squad” (pictured). With any luck, WB will soon have a superhero lineup to rival Marvel Studios at the box office.

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  • Ben Affleck Got Advice on Playing Batman From George Clooney, Christian Bale

    18th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Backstage And AudienceBefore he donned the cape, Ben Affleck put up the bat signal to the men who’ve previously Batman, George Clooney and Christian Bale.

    As he related on “Good Morning America,” he received some sage words of advice from the two actors before embarking on filming “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”

    “I talked to Clooney and he gave me some advice which is not repeatable,” Affleck said. “And I talked to Christian, who just told me to make sure I got a zipper in the suit, which was valuable, practical advice as it turned out.”

    Clooney played Batman in 1997’s lamentable “Batman & Robin,” while Bale crusaded in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy of films: “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight,” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”

    Aside from seeking wisdom from his predecessors, Affleck had a more difficult task in preparing to play Batman — getting in shape. Seeing co-star Henry Cavill’s ripped physique in the first movie, “Man of Steel,” was daunting.

    “He has definitely set a high bar but he also has to be in that high bar because he’s, you know, an alien,” Affleck said. “I figured I had a lower bar to reach because I’m just a man after all, but I ended up putting on about 20 pounds of muscle, which is really hard to do in my advanced age.”

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  • ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ Final Trailer Kicks Major Ass

    batman v superman, dawn of justice, trailer, final trailer, wonder womanThe final trailer for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” puts the spotlight on the Caped Crusader, as he starts things off by taking down a bunch of bad guys in a single bound — though really, it’s Clark Kent’s alter ego who’s in his sights.

    The clip bends over backwards to prove Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) is a powerful vigilante, while also explaining why he’s so immediately threatened by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) arrival.

    “He has the power to wipe out the entire human race,” Wayne reasons. “If we believe there’s even a one percent chance that he is our enemy, we have to take it as an absolute certainty.”

    That latter bit paints Wayne as more of a paranoid politician-type than a man truly looking out for his planet’s best interests, though it does an effective job of establishing his motivation to start the titular battle with the Man of Steel. Or as Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) puts it, it’s really a case of “God vs. Man” or “Day vs. Night.”

    Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) certainly seems intrigued by the latter half of that equation, though she coolly smirks and dismisses Wayne when they first meet.

    “I don’t think you’ve ever known a woman like me,” she tells the billionaire, in the first words audiences have heard her speak so far. That exchange is followed by some footage of the heroine springing into action, a tease of the kickass girl power to come. We’re already rooting for her.

    “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is due in theaters on March 25.

    Photo credit: YouTube

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  • Kevin Smith Says Ben Affleck May Be ‘the Best Batman’ Ever

    Superhero fans have been waiting for what feels like forever for the release of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Now, with the flick only weeks away from release, Kevin Smith has promised that Ben Affleck‘s Batman will be worth the wait — and may be the best iteration of the hero ever seen on the big screen.

    Smith spoke with Variety this week about “Batman v Superman” while promoting his latest film, “Yoga Hosers,” at Sundance. The director said that Affleck’s take on the iconic character reminds him of the hero as depicted in Frank Miller’s graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns,” which Smith considers the seminal work about the Caped Crusader.

    “So right away, he’s the best-looking Batman we’ve ever seen,” Smith said of Affleck. “And he’s moving the way the character moves in the comics, punching out six people in the span of two seconds. So [director] Zack Snyder is kind of nailing that version of it.”

    But Smith added that the action sequences aren’t the most difficult aspect of portraying the character.

    “The hardest thing to nail about Batman is Bruce Wayne, because that’s where you’ve got no mask and that’s where you’ve got to be a human being, and not just somebody who’s punching people,” Smith explained. “But that dude is Bruce Wayne, so he’s born to play that role. From everything I’ve seen so far that’s come out, I think he’ll be our best Batman. And I ain’t just saying that ’cause I know the guy. I haven’t spoken to him in years. But I’ve always loved him as an actor.”

    The director also recalled that years ago, when Affleck was first offered the lead in the now much-maligned “Daredevil” movie, he hesitated, because he always wanted to play Batman instead. Smith said that he counseled his friend to take the “Daredevil” part, since Smith didn’t think another Batman movie would ever be made. After that flick flopped, Affleck swore off superhero roles, telling Smith, “If anybody ever wants me to wear a costume again, I don’t want to do it.” But his latest comic book gamble may just pay off.

    “Now it looks like he is the best Batman we’ve seen so far,” Smith said.

    Audiences will get to judge for themselves when “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” hits theaters on March 25.

    [via: Variety]

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  • Will Smith’s Deadshot May Star in Ben Affleck’s Solo Batman Movie

    deadshot, will smith, suicide squadWill Smith has yet to make his debut as Deadshot in next summer’s “Suicide Squad,” and already there’s talk of him reprising the role in another film.

    According to Latino Review, Smith may appear in Ben Affleck‘s upcoming standalone Batman movie, and it may be more than just a cameo. “If Deadshot joins the Bat in the movie, it will be for a ‘major role’ for a ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly‘ scenario,” the site reports, referencing the classic western that featured the unlikely partnership between three gunslingers of varying degrees of morality.

    Latino Review notes that Smith is eager to play Deadshot again, and since he’s already “signed on for multiple appearances” as the villain in other future films, he “wants to be an ongoing part of Warner’s and DC’s plans.” Co-headlining a solo “Batman” flick would certainly achieve that goal, and with Warner Bros. striving to imitate Marvel’s massive MCU success, there should be no shortage of opportunities for Smith should he want to sign up for another flick.

    Of course, the site says — and we echo — that this idea is still in its infancy, and there are no concrete plans in place just yet for this team-up. Such a scenario no doubt hinges on the performance of both “Suicide Squad” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and we won’t have the final verdict on either until summer 2016. But the prospect of seeing A-listers Affleck and Smith go toe-to-toe is an intriguing one, and we’re eager to see if this rumor pans out. Stay tuned.

    [via: Latino Review]

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  • New ‘Batman v Superman’ Trailer Reveals Doomsday, Lots of (Bad) Lex Luthor

    So… this just happened.

    The new trailer for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is here and, well, it’s a trailer. Lots of punching and Bruce Wayne sounding like Bruce Springsteen ensue.

    Also, the rumor that fan-favorite villain Doomsday will appear in the Warner Bros. epic is finally confirmed.
    And it looks like, based on this trailer, he is the thing that gets Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) to stop fighting each other and start kick-punching the latest threat to their world.

    Also also? Jesse Eisenberg as Carrot Top Lex Luthor. He’s seemingly channeling Jim Carrey’s voice and hair from “Batman Forever.” (Shut it down.)
    So much is crammed into this unevenly edited trailer that one walks away expecting the movie to have a similar feel — if not also a five-hour running time. Nice to see Wonder Woman get some love, though, albeit too brief.

    What do you guys think? Do you like the trailer’s less dour tone when compared to previous ones? Will this movie be the comic book film that fans both need and deserve?

    We’ll find out when “BvS” hits theaters March 25, 2016. Watch the trailer below:

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  • Paul Reubens Will Play Penguin’s Father on ‘Gotham’

    Premiere Of HBO's "True Blood" 5th Season - Red CarpetTwenty-three years after he first originated the role of the Penguin’s father in Gotham.”

    Actor Robin Lord Taylor, who plays Oswald Cobblepot, a.k.a. the Penguin, on the show, revealed the news himself during a “Gotham” panel at New York Comic Con this weekend. Here’s the scoop, per Entertainment Weekly:

    “So we’re all familiar with Oswald’s mother, the fabulous, fabulous Carol Kane,” the actor said leading up to the news. “We don’t know a lot about his father… We just found out that I do have a father. And he will be showing up very soon, and he will be played by none other than Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman! He’s playing my dad! What! The! Hell!”

    The actor was so excited actress Erin Richards (who plays Barbara on the show) grabbed his name card and fanned him with it while the audience cheered his enthusiasm.

    This is excellent casting news, not only because Reubens and Taylor look a lot alike, but because “Gotham” is clearly striving to pay homage to previous iterations of the “Batman” story; casting an actor in the same role he played more than two decades ago is not only smart, but great tribute to the series’s onscreen history.

    Writer John Stephens said during the panel that season two of “Gotham” would have less of an “old-time mobsters” feel, like season one, and instead would “trace the trajectory of the rise of the supervillains.” Sounds pretty awesome to us.

    “Gotham”‘s sophomore season is currently airing on Mondays at 8 p.m. on Fox.

    [via: Entertainment Weekly]

    Photo credit: Getty Images

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