Ben Affleck, the American actor, director and screenwriter, spoke candidly about his stance on DC Studios projects under James Gunn. In a lengthy interview, he made clear that he has no interest in directing DC films led by Gunn, despite not holding any animosity toward him. Affleck expressed respect for Gunn and suggested that his own directing ambitions lie elsewhere within the superhero realm or beyond. The conversation highlighted his preference to pursue projects that align with his creative vision rather than conform to a specific studio direction.
Back in 2016, announcements indicated Affleck would star in a Batman standalone film and also write and direct it, focusing on Arkham Asylum and exploring Batman’s darker facets. That particular project did not come to fruition. Instead, a different DC adaptation directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson took shape as a standalone film about the Caped Crusader outside the DC Extended Universe.
Affleck stressed that he would not run or direct for DC under Gunn and Safran, noting that while he holds no grievance toward James Gunn, he does not see a path to collaboration in the way some executives envision. He described a clear personal boundary about participating in that framework and indicated a preference for pursuing other storytelling routes.
The interview suggested that meetings occurred between the cinematographer and the DC leadership, including Safran and Gunn, who discussed a broader future vision for DC Comics projects. Affleck’s response, though, pointed to a mismatch between that vision and his own interests as a filmmaker.
Affleck also reflected on the reception and impact of his experience directing and acting within the Justice League project. He recalled a challenging period during the film’s production that influenced his later decisions. He described the experience as one of the most difficult in an industry filled with tough moments, and he noted how it shaped his approach to future work and his desire to protect his creative integrity.
Despite past frustrations, Affleck continued to appear in upcoming superhero-related productions, including appearances as Batman in high-profile projects. He explained that the process of preparing for these roles taught him new ways to portray the character, informing his performances in subsequent installments and keeping him engaged with the universes he loves to explore.
Recent developments indicate that Zack Snyder has teased a new DC Comics project, signaling continued interest in expanding the universe while allowing creators to pursue their own interpretations. This evolving landscape reflects the ongoing tension between authorial intent and studio-driven storytelling in blockbuster franchises.
Affleck’s career thus presents a nuanced portrait of a performer who seeks artistic alignment over brand-wide directives. His comments underscore a broader conversation about creative control, collaboration, and the pressures of working within a long-running comic book cinema ecosystem. Fans and industry observers alike will be watching how this dynamic unfolds as new DC initiatives take shape and as Affleck continues to contribute to the genre in ways that align with his evolving artistic priorities.