‘The Batman’ Would Have Featured Batgirl and Deathstroke

Back before Matt Reeves took over as director, and before Robert Pattinson became the Dark Knight, Ben Affleck was attached to do both. However before walking away from the project, Ben Affleck had some seriously cool ideas planned for the caped crusader. ‘The Batman’ was originally planned as an entry within the DCEU. The script was written by Affleck himself with the help of comic book writer Geoff Johns. 

In a recent interview with the Phase Zero podcast, Joe Manganiello revealed a few key points of interest form the original script. 

There was like a big showdown, I think Between Batgirl…Batman jumps in to try and help Bruce because Deathstroke is so fast.

Joe Mangeniello 

‘The Batman’ would have featured a showdown between Deathstroke and The Dark Knight throughout the streets of Gotham. Additionally, Mangeniello goes on to say that the film would have been a psychological thrill of sorts. He compared the dynamic between the two to something akin to a shark and prey.

Unfortunately, we will likely never get to see this version of ‘The Batman’. Much like the rest of the DCEU properties, it is unclear what will and will not be part of the same continuity. Although, if ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ is any sort of indicator, perhaps one day we will see some form of Affleck’s Batman on HBO Max. 

Read More: ‘Black Widow’ Will Premier In Theaters And Disney+ Simultaneously

All new, all different, Batman.

Since Affleck’s departure from ‘The Batman’, Matt Reeves has taken up the helm of director. Robert Pattinson will be playing Bruce Wayne/Batman this time, with Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. Colin Farrell and Paul Dano will be joining the rogues gallery as The Penguin and the Riddler. ‘The Batman’ wrapped principle photography early this month and is on track for its March 4th 2022 release. Based on casting and the little plot details we have available, this version is aiming for a more comic accurate take on Batman.