Zack Snyder has revealed that he always had Ben Affleck in mind for his upcoming "Batman vs. Superman" film.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Snyder had approached Affleck months before the movie was even announced. The publication reported that Affleck would not take the role unless he had say on the script and how his character was portrayed. "Affleck has been signed for multiple movies, should sequels continue to proliferate. The talks were so secretive that many Warners execs and most WME agents remained unaware of their existence," wrote The Hollywood Reporter.
Snyder's casting choice received intense backlash from fanboys but the director defended Afleck's acting talent. "Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry's Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can't wait to work with him," said Snyder.
Recently Warner Bros. revealed that Snyder and Affleck would create a completely new Batman that would not resemble past incarnations. The studio stated: "Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder's as-yet-untitled project-bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director's vision of their universe, which he established in 'Man of Steel.'"
The film is currently in pre-production with production set to start in 2014. The film will star Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishbourne and Diane Lane. "Batman vs. Superman " will be produced by Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder and Benjamin Melniker; Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller wil serve as executive producers. It will be released on July 17, 2015.