Having achieved critical acclaim and awards for his work–both in front of and behind the camera–on “Gone Baby Gone,” “The Town” and “Argo,” Ben Affleck seemed to have regained the respect he lost in the era of films like “Gigli.”
But backlash to news that he was cast as Batman in the upcoming “Man of Steel” sequel, which features the Dark Knight alongside fellow DC icon Superman, suggested otherwise. It revealed that for all the adulation Affleck had received over the past few years, he had yet to fully earn the movie marketplace’s trust.
One person’s trust he did earn, however, is that of cult hero and “Avengers” writer-director Joss Whedon. Optimistic about Affleck doing justice to Batman, Whedon Tweeted his support for the actor.
“Affleck’ll crush it,” wrote Whedon. “He’s got the chops, he’s got the chin — just needs the material. Affleck & Cavill toe to toe — I’m in.”
Set for release in 2015, the “Man of Steel” sequel features Henry Cavill reprising his role as Superman and Ben Affleck taking over the Batman reigns from Christian Bale, who portrayed the character in the megahit “Dark Knight” trilogy.
