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UPDATE: Ben Affleck May (Or May Not) Star in Three Solo BATMAN Movies

It’s hardly a secret that Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne/Batman is a crucial character in the DC Extended Universe. He will make his debut in next year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, before making an appearance in Suicide Squad a few months later. Then, Batfleck will be in the two-part Justice League epic, while Affleck will direct, co-write and star in a standalone Batman feature. Fortunately, it looks like we’ll get even more from Affleck’s Batman than expected.

According to Den of Geek, a “near finished” cut of Batman v Superman was screened for the film’s crew and Warner Bros. executives within the past 24 hours. Apparently, the film received a standing ovation from the audience. The studio was particularly impressed with Affleck’s performance as Batman. So much so, it is now in the process of extending Affleck’s contract, which will include not one, not two, but three solo Batman films.

It may have seemed inevitable, but it looks like Affleck will indeed go on to star in a complete Batman trilogy, rather than one standalone film. Under this contract, the acclaimed actor-director could play Batman for ten years or so. WB reportedly sees Batfleck as the “definitive” Batman, and the studio is looking to make him the centerpiece character of the DCEU. Den of Geek’s source says, “Basically, Warners are now working their movie universe around Ben’s Batman.”

There’s no word if this updated contract will also include other DC films, such as Justice League sequels, or if Affleck will direct the rest of the Batman trilogy. For now, take this rumor with a pinch of salt until we receive verification. Stay tuned for more as we have it.

UPDATE: Following this rumor, Bloody-Disgusting has weighed in with its own sources, claiming that this info is inaccurate. From the get-go, Affleck apparently signed a five-picture deal to play Batman. These movies are Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, a standalone Batman movie (rumored for a 2018 release), and the two-part Justice League.

And, despite this new rumor, Affleck is not even considering extending his contract right now. If he does, it’ll likely be near the end of what he’s signed on for now; the last movie on his contract is 2019’s Justice League Part Two. When he does consider renewing the contract, Affleck will likely look at profitability, creative choices within his career, and what the audiences think of his Batman.

This makes sense; Affleck probably doesn’t want to play the same character several films in a row without doing other movies. And in the event that audiences dislike his Batman, why would he bother continuing to play him?

So, while it’s possible that Affleck will go on to star in a Batman trilogy, it looks like this report was premature. Hopefully, we’ll receive some official clarification sooner than later.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WOBAM! Entertainment.