Ben Affleck explains why he is no longer Batman

In January, it became official that Ben Affleck would no longer play Batman, DC’s comic book superhero, as he would be hanging up the iconic cape and cowl. Initially, there were plans for him to play the Caped Crusader himself and also direct DC’s The Batman. While a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live last week, Affleck confirmed the news of his retirement from the role and gave reasons for it.

“I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter, but just couldn’t come up with a version – I couldn’t crack it,” he said. “And so it was time to let someone take a shot at it. They’ve got some really good people.”

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While the show was still on, Kimmel threw a little hilarious “retirement” ceremony for his guest. “We’re going to officially retire your bat cape in the rafters,” said Kimmel. “That is your official cowl and cape,” he said, as Kimmel’s sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez presented Affleck’s cape and cowl once again.

The 46-year old originally debuted for the role of Bruce Wayne or Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, carrying on to the role in Suicide Squad and Justice League (2017), inspiring the beloved “#Batfleck” hashtag and criticisms as regards his appropriateness for the role.

Director Matt Reeves took over from Affleck to handle The Batman around two years ago. He has been working on a Batman feature scheduled for summer 2021.