Ben Affleck is an incredibly talented and well-known actor, who has been with the DC Universe for quite a few years now. Playing the Batman in a number of films, with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and The Flash being some examples, he certainly brings something completely different and unique to the table. Compared to the past actors who have taken on the role of the caped crusader, showing much darker and more aggressive take of an already complex character.
While Affleck has done wonders with his acting capabilities for the DCU, it is difficult not to imagine what more the actor could bring to the table through his filmmaking capabilities. What many seem to brush past is the fact that the Batman actor has actually won an Academy Award for his directorial skills. Here are six potential projects that Affleck could create for the DCU that could help save Gunn’s dying franchise.
Swamp Thing
The Swamp Thing formerly went by Alec Holland, until a horrible event in his life transformed him into a humanoid/plant elemental creature that could control any form of plant life. While this may seem simple on paper, the character and his story in itself is quite dark. Looking back at one of Ben Affleck’s past works, Argo, the film that won the filmmaker his Oscar for Best Picture, shared similar themes. The film features elements that can be only described as dark, displaying his ability of Affleck to portray this genre very well. This also showcases how the director would know exactly how to portray and bring the character of Swamp Thing alive on screen.
The Question
The Question, also known as Vic Sage, is a vigilante protector, martial artist, and detective. He has been driven by a deeply personal quest for philosophical meaning. Ben Affleck would specifically be good at showcasing this as his own cancelled Batman film was supposed to be a mixture of a detective film, set in a James Bond sort of world. This type of tone and setting would be perfectly fitting for a character such as this.
Deadman
Deadman is best known for being a member of the Justice League Dark. His origin story on its own is extremely morbid and grotesque. While these types of themes may deter certain filmmakers from the project, as previously mentioned, Ben Affleck is extremely good at portraying darker subjects, characters, and stories.
Animal Man
Animal Man is a much more lighthearted character compared to the others on this list. However, under Ben Affleck, this character could thrive in so many different ways. A specific issue, however, that will be perfect to be turned into a film or a life. The issues in question are #1 to #26 by Grant Morrison, that showcase a deeply investing storyline to be turned into a film.
Nightwing
Nightwing is, perhaps, one of the most well-known sidekicks turned superheroes. Dick Grayson started off as Robin, the first of four, and over time turn into Nightwing, having his mantle taken by Jason Todd, the future Red Hood. Having some extremely intriguing character plots and personality traits, Grayson would be the perfect addition to the DC universe, adding to the fact that if we cannot have Affleck’s Batman have an individual film, we might as well have his protege being brought to life in a new way by him.
Batgirl
The final name on this list is Batgirl. Though the movie that had already been made about this character was cancelled, it may not be as far-fetched as many might think to consider that Ben Affleck could revive this character and make something better then what was made before. Knowing his storytelling and directorial capabilities, one could imagine that Affleck could make this film much better than it was before.
