Ben Affleck is our new Batman

Warner Bros. broke the news and set the filmsphere ablaze when they announced that Ben Affleck will play Batman in the 2015 Man of Steel sequel. The news comes as general shock for most because of Affleck's stardom and type cast. An ideal casting for the older, retired Bruce Wayne was said to likely be a less recognizable figure (Luke Evans and Richard Armitage were rumored candidates). This would make sense as Henry Cavill (Superman) is the newcomer and intended focal point. Affleck's stardom now transcends any interest in Cavill, making Bruce Wayne the more anticipated factor of this sequel than the main character.

My other issue (and this is an issue for me) is the degradation of Batman. I would not dare challenge Affleck's talent or credentials as an actor, but come on, this isn't Daredevil. Not only have you casted a significantly larger name than your main character, but you've casted someone who will have to prove his worth as the most daunting super hero. I can see Affleck as Bruce Wayne, but not as Batman. Given the nature of this casting, you may or may not resonate with my befuddlement. Check out some reactions tweets from the casting announcement. How do you feel about our new Batman?

Side fact: Ben Affleck's movies have earned over $1.67 billion at the domestic box office (via Box Office Mojo)

#Battfleck is now trending. Good Lord.

Ben Affleck as Batman... pic.twitter.com/QBm48Zj7LK
— Thor Odinson (@GodAwesomeHair) August 23, 2013

Ben Affleck as Batman in Man of Steel 2. Could be awesome. Could be Gigli.
— Cameron Atfield (@CameronAtfield) August 23, 2013

Ben Affleck is Batman and no that wasn't just a bad dream you had last night. #Batfleck
— Sporcle (@sporcle) August 23, 2013

Latest rumors for new Batman

Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, and Joe Manganiello are all rumored to be the next Bruce Wayne. 

Zack Snyder has the ball rolling from his announcement at San Diego Comic-Con last month that our 'Man of Steel' sequel will actually be a Batman/Superman film. With Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale's Dark Knight moniker officially off the table, a new Bruce Wayne will be casted and created. As reported, Snyder will consult with Frank Miller, the author of the original comic series which featured the Batman-Superman merger. Apparently, this will be an older, wiser Bruce Wayne, much like from Miller's story. 

Also in the mix: Luke Evans and Richard Armitage.

Many candidates are rumored to be in the conversation, from more decorated actors such as Ryan Gosling to lower profile actors such as Joe Manganiello and Richard Armitage. ENSTARS has included Jon Hamm and Jude Law into the batch of latest contenders as well. Based on some deliberate biases and an innate sensitivity to this matter, here is how I would rank these potential candidates for the next Bruce Wayne:

1. Josh Brolin - He's just popular enough to be recognized but not too polished to outshine Henry Cavill as Superman. He's used to being the tough guy. Plus, he's around the same age as the desired Bruce (45).

2. Luke Evans - Shown above, I like Evans' potentially piercing presence. I enjoyed his role as Zeus in 'Immortals' and could see the 35-year-old actor shaping into Bruce Wayne form.

3. Jon Hamm - The only high profile guy mentioned that I think would actually work, Hamm is perhaps best known for starring in AMC's 'Mad Men'. Look at Hamm and tell me he doesn't give off a Bruce Wayne vibe.

4. Richard Armitage - Also in his 40's, Armitage has the look and the element of most unfamiliar. The film might benefit most from a less recognizable face.

5. Jude Law - I love Law's work, and I personally wouldn't put any role past him, but he's not necessarily the hero type.

6. Joe Manganiello - Alcide Herveaux from 'True Blood'? I don't think so.

7. Ryan Gosling - Seriously? Stop insulting me.

Casting has not officially begun, but we can continue to speculate. For those of us who remain cautious about a new Batman figure, this casting move is highly delicate. The Man of Steel sequel, rumored to be named Batman vs. Superman, is scheduled for a 2015 release. 

Who do you think should be the new Bruce Wayne? 

Batman/Superman film is happening

The proverbial bomb shell in this week's COMIC-CON action came from Man of Steel director Zack Snyder. Somewhat contrary to initial reports from Snyder and writer David Goyer regarding an imminent sequel, developments have since reached chronicle heights.
Actor Harry Lennix read a charismatic excerpt from Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" comic series, followed by a teaser logo with the Batman logo backgrounding Superman's emblem.

Reports are that Warner Bros. is teaming up the two DC Comics heroes for a 2015 film, followed by a Flash movie in 2016, and an ultimate Justice League mash up for 2017. Based on reports, and the format of the teased logo, it's understood that Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight portrayal is no more, and Christian Bale has formally retired from Bruce Wayne. Not that I don't trust Snyder to reproduce a reasonable Batman, but you're essentially starting from scratch. I commend the message to The Avengers, but you still want this thing done right on the big screen, because it's the two most esteemed super heroes.

Warner Bros. did try to merge these two in 2002: Tim Burton and Nicholas Cage's "Superman Lives" and Brett Ratner and J.J. Abrams' "Superman: Flyby" were both scrapped. The studio also toyed with a "Batman vs. Superman" which was set to film in 2003, until they chose to focus on separate projects. Check out Snyder's emphatic announcement at COMIC-CON below, and share your comments on this upcoming Batman/Superman tandem.


              

Justice League rumors FINALLY confirmed

Surrounding the anticipation for Zack Snyder's Man of Steel installment has been stealthy chatter about the possibility of a future Justice League movie. As reported by Slashfilm.com, Warner Bros. is already fast tracking the Man of Steel sequel with writer David Goyer. Apparently the plan is to bring back Snyder and Christopher Nolan to extend the series much like we've seen with their Marvel counterparts Spiderman and Ironman. In concordance with the sequel update, the Justice League spectacle is finally taking shape. Deadline reported that writer David Goyer's deal is part of a 3-picture deal he signed which will include the Man of Steel sequel and, officially, the Justice League movie. 

SFX: 'Man Of Steel' star Henry Cavill says joint Superman and Batman movie could be 'really interesting'

The common responses from Snyder and Goyer in response to Justice League have been attributed to the success of Man of Steel. Understandably, you need Superman to have a massive box office return before considering that option. But as Goyer now endures questioning about what to expect from a Justice League universe, premature developments have since begun to unfold.

Talking to Jon Lyus from Hey U Guys, Goyer shared, "Zack (Snyder) has said that Bruce Wayne exists in this universe," adding, "It would be a different Bruce Wayne from Chris' (Nolan) Dark Knight trilogy". Whoa. So this shared DC Comics universe commenced by Man of Steel is veering off from Nolan's legendary resurgence of Batman? As if formally combatting their Marvel rivals, the highest grossing and greatest super hero franchise of all time in The Avengers wasn't difficult enough. Along with having to create original versions of fellow Justice League members Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg, not to mention a desperate re-creation of Ryan Reynolds' pathetic Green Lantern, an effective re-modulation of Batman will now also be needed. I don't think the pressure could be any greater for Snyder, Goyer, DC Comics, and Warner Bros. as they have now officially declared war against Marvel. 

Man of Steel is now in theaters, and is reportedly on pace to rake in at least $100 million in it's opening weekend. 

New 'Man of Steel' trailer

"Fate of Your Planet"

Now the fourth released official trailer for Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' we finally catch subtle glimpses of battle footage and a warped introduction ad from our villain General Zod (Michael Shannon), who means to obliterate Earth by surrender of Superman (Henry Cavill). We also see Lois Lane (Amy Adams) confidently suited in what looks like a mechanized space suit. You have to love the anticipation for the film which is supplemented by only peeks at what to expect visually and creatively from Snyder. The combination with Christopher Nolan is impeccable and vastly encouraging for the production and story. You expect Snyder's version to hilariously surpass Bryan Singer's 'Superman Returns' from 2006, which you might only remember because of, Kevin Spacey? Anyway, check out the intense, hard-hitting new trailer below. 'Man of Steel' hits theaters June 14.