Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Preparing his next Oscar-winning project?
Just a year ago, Ben Affleck was on the Tinseltown scrapheap – best known as a tragic participant in the “Bennifer” hullabaloo and maligned for his role in the powerfully dreadful Gigli. But one film changed everything. The brilliant Argo was crowned Best Picture at the Oscars and brought him back into the Hollywood circle. While he’s now focusing on smaller projects that could garner similar plaudits, he’s also signed up for a role in what could be one of the biggest films in history.
A new superhero for the Avengers?
And, even more excitingly, he’s going to play Batman in the sequel to Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel. He’ll face off against Henry Cavill’s Superman in the film, which forms part of Warner Bros’ slate for summer 2015.
Bad idea!
Affleck has a lot to live up to. Christian Bale played Batman to perfection in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed trilogy, and it’s rumoured he turned down a $50m offer to reprise the role. Snyder, it must be said, lacks Nolan’s flair behind the camera, and the latest Superman incarnation was derided for its crash-bang-wallop storytelling. What’s more, let’s not forget the Oscar curse. Look at what happened to Halle Berry’s career after she took on the role of Catwoman just after bagging an Academy Award.
Is there any hope at all?
Affleck played Daredevil in the poorly reviewed 2003 big-screen adaptation of the comic and said the experience had “inoculated” him from “ever playing another superhero”, so he must think it’s worthwhile enough to give it a second spin. Heath Ledger was dismissed as unsuitable for the role of the Joker and yet his performance was excellent. Michael Keaton, Tim Burton’s Batman, was another successful choice who had Batman fans burning their comic books when his casting was announced.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments