Reaction was swift and powerful to the announcement that Ben Affleck will play iconic DC character Batman in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel (see "Ben Affleck Will Play Batman"). Apparently concerned that Affleck’s turn as Daredevil indicated his general unsuitability for superhero roles, fans were in an uproar on social media, with numerous petitions started on Change.org. The most successful one, asking Warner Bros. to drop Affleck, had over 65,000 signatures by around 72 hours after the announcement. That petition spawned an anti-petition petition, which called the Affleck petition "a frivolous use of the resources of Change.org." The petition opposing the anti-Affleck petition had attracted 32 signatures.
Some high profile defenders of Affleck emerged. The Avengers director Joss Whedon offered a collegial tweet. "Affleck’ll crush it," he said. "He’s got the chops, he’s got the chin--just needs the material. Affleck & Cavill two to tow--I’m in."
And two former Batman actors weighed in. Val Kilmer tweeted, "Give Ben a chance!," while Adam West tweeted, "Remember Ben, with the cape and cowl comes great responsibility (and lots of heat). Bring deodorant."
It’s unlikely Warners will make any changes due to the outcry, which must have been anticipated.
Whedon, Others Support
Posted by ICv2 on August 26, 2013 @ 2:03 am CT
MORE COMICS
And Reveals What Happened to his Eye
May 3, 2024
Massive Publishing will release a manga-style comic take on the venerable Popeye characters, with the story to reveal how Popeye lost his eye.
'Baby-Spawn' Reacts to a Snub with a Killing Spree in Dark but Cute Comedy
May 3, 2024
"Baby-Spawn" doesn’t like not being liked.
MORE NEWS
New Expansion for Evergreen Days of Wonder Title
May 3, 2024
Days of Wonder will release Ticket to Ride Iberia & South Korea, a new expansion for the evergreen classic, in June.
'Starter Set - Hungering Abyss'
May 3, 2024
Edge Studio will launch a new Arkham Horror RPG with Starter Set – Hungering Abyss in August.