Ben Affleck could direct an upcoming DCU film that is assumed to be part of the first chapter, titled Gods and Monsters, even if he won’t be playing Batman. The Flash is said to give an “emotional sendoff” to the DCEU Batman, and the film will reset the universe to make way for this new initiative by DC Studios' co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.Affleck was set to star in and direct his own solo Batman film, which did not happen due to studio pressure and personal issues. Although Affleck shot scenes as Batman for Aquaman 2, those scenes were reportedly cut partly because Gunn's DCU has no intention of paying them off. Even so, there may be a silver lining: Affleck could direct a DC film under the new management at DC Studios.When Gunn's DC slate was announced, the filmmaker said they’re "working with Ben Affleck,” adding that he “really wants to be a part of our architecture team trying to bring things together. And he really wants to direct one of our projects, and we're looking forward to him doing that." In a subsequent Twitter post, Gunn reiterated this point. "Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct & we want him to direct," Gunn wrote. "We just have to find the right project."
Peter Safran wants Gunn to direct Superman: Legacy and James Mangold is in talks to direct Swamp Thing. This dwindles the number of projects from Chapter 1 of the DCU for Affleck to direct. Batman: Brave and the Bold is the fitting option, even though Safran quickly shot this down by suggesting that no decisions have been made, with Gunn adding that it is between two projects.
Another possibility for Affleck is his previously written solo Batman film, featuring Deathstroke and set in Arkham Asylum. Fans are campaigning for Affleck's Batman film, which Jay Oliva has described as “the best Batman script” he “ever read.” While this could fit nicely under the DC Elseworlds label, either as a one-off or as a continuation of the Snyderverse, it is unlikely that this option is the case since it wasn't announced as part of the DCU slate.
If DC Studios proves to be a healthier work environment than what it was under Warner Bros.' management during Justice League re-shoots, then Affleck directing is an exciting prospect. The former Batman actor's talent behind the camera, from films like The Town, Argo, and Gone Baby Gone, should not be understated.
Source: DC Blog