A creative vision that pushed boundaries, blending superhero action with psychological thriller elements akin to David Fincher.
Insiders whisper that Affleck’s attempt to wear every hat—writer, director, producer, star—was a recipe for disaster, a sentiment Ben himself confirmed by calling the era the 'low point' of his career.
Manganiello’s memoir 'Bloodlines' reveals Deathstroke would have killed Commissioner Gordon. Affleck stated on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast that the Justice League reshoots were the 'low point of my career.'
The Batman movie we didn't get was darker, bloodier, and clearly a project that broke Ben Affleck.
Joe Manganiello is finally letting the world see the ghost of the Batman movie that never was. In his new memoir, 'Bloodlines,' published this past Tuesday, the actor drops the hammer on what Ben Affleck’s scrapped DC project would have looked like. Manganiello, who was set to return as Deathstroke after a brief appearance in 2017’s 'Justice League,' describes a film that wasn't just an action movie—it was a psychological dismantling of the Bruce Wayne persona.
Affleck, who was attached to write, direct, produce, and star, envisioned a 'superhero version of David Fincher’s The Game.' The stakes? Deathstroke would have murdered Commissioner Gordon and held Alfred Pennyworth hostage, all driven by the belief that Batman killed his son. The plot details are grim and specific.
According to Manganiello’s writing, the revenge arc would have seen Deathstroke breaking into the Batcave and nearly killing both Batman and Batgirl before they escaped via an aboveground train. It culminates in a 'climactic one-on-one showdown through the streets of Gotham.' Manganiello admits he was sold on the vision, telling Affleck he loved 'The Town' and was eager to see his 'Best Picture version' of a Batman film. It sounds intense, but the sheer weight of the production seems to have been the undoing of the entire operation.
Here is where the drama gets real. Manganiello noted that Affleck’s multiple roles on set sounded like 'a lot' for one person. Affleck’s response, as quoted in the memoir, was a shaky reassurance: 'Yeah, I know…But don’t worry, you’re in good hands.
You’re in good hands, man.' That confidence apparently didn't hold up in the face of studio interference. The film never materialized, and the wounds from that era are still fresh. Affleck recently appeared on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, where he didn't mince words about the 'Justice League' reshoots, labeling them the 'low point of my career.' Affleck explained that the negative experience stemmed from the studio being 'at odds with the filmmaker,' a dynamic he now sees as a critical mistake. He expressed genuine gratification that Zack Snyder was able to release his cut, calling it 'fucking great' and noting he was happy for Snyder after he was 'taken off that movie.' Manganiello’s reveal serves as the final nail in the coffin for Affleck’s Batman, proving that while the vision was ambitious, the execution was a personal and professional nightmare for the star.
