It’s no secret that Ben Affleck is stepping down from the role of Batman in the DC Extended Universe.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live, the actor spoke about his now-nixed solo Batman film and how even with a good screenwriter, they just couldn’t figure out the caped crusader.
“It’s time to let someone else take a shot at it,” said Affleck.
In memoriam of Affleck’s Batman, Kimmel decided to put together a surprise ceremonial send-off. Enter Kimmel’s “sidekick” Guillermo Rodriguez, clad in an original Robin costume (yes, tight short shorts and all), carrying Affleck’s Batman cape and cowl. But before they could send the cowl up to the studio rafters in the sky, Kimmel needed to exchange another piece of Hollywood costume legacy — in this case, the sparkly thong Matt Damon wore in Behind the Candelabra. (“Still has that Damon musk,” said Affleck after taking a hefty whiff).
Affleck and Kimmel prepared to say goodbye to the Bat-cape, but Kimmel noticed that beneath the embroidered Batfleck on the back is Tom Brady’s number.
“I insisted to Warner Bros. that it be on it the whole time,” Affleck joked. “They actually paid $80 million to digitally remove it.”
While Affleck’s Batman may be leaving the DCEU, the solo Batman film is still greenlit, though the role will be focusing on a younger actor. Other upcoming DCEU projects include Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker movie, Wonder Woman 1984, Birds of Prey, and Shazam.
