Affleck Calls Justice League Reshoots Career Low Point, Blames Studio Interference

3 min read
Source: Deadline
Affleck Calls Justice League Reshoots Career Low Point, Blames Studio Interference
Photo: Deadline
TL;DR

Ben Affleck identified the 2017 reshoots of Justice League as the lowest point of his career in a new podcast interview. He criticized Warner Bros. for replacing director Zack Snyder with Joss Whedon following Snyder's family tragedy, calling the studio's handling of the situation 'gross.' Affleck noted that the conflict between the studio and the filmmaker doomed the project, though he expressed relief that Snyder eventually released his director's cut on HBO Max.

Key points

  • Affleck stated that the Justice League experience was 'so, so negative' due to personal struggles and the studio's interference.
  • He criticized Warner Bros. for using Snyder's daughter's suicide as an excuse to remove him from the project.
  • Affleck acknowledged that his personal issues, including drinking and divorce, occurred during this time but did not impact the film's quality.
  • He praised Snyder's ability to secure the release of his director's cut, calling it a 'canny' move.
  • Affleck confirmed he declined an offer to direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens, stating he lacked the passion to reinvent the franchise.

Background

This interview follows Affleck's recent comments about his custody arrangements with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and his refusal to buy his son a Lamborghini. It also comes after his public statements about wanting to co-star with Garner again, which reportedly upset her boyfriend John Miller. The Justice League controversy has been a long-standing topic in Hollywood, with previous reports detailing the tension between Snyder and Warner Bros. during the production of the film.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline, TheWrap, and Variety all reported on Affleck's comments, emphasizing his criticism of the studio's handling of the reshoots. Cosmic Book News added that Affleck confirmed he passed on directing Star Wars: The Force Awakens and that Kevin Feige has not contacted him about a Daredevil return. All sources agreed that Affleck expressed relief that Snyder eventually released his director's cut, but differed in their emphasis on the personal struggles Affleck faced during the production.

Why it matters

Affleck's comments shed light on the behind-the-scenes turmoil that affected one of the most high-profile superhero films of the 2010s. His criticism of Warner Bros. highlights the ongoing tensions between studios and filmmakers in the DC Extended Universe. The interview also provides insight into Affleck's personal struggles during this period and his decision to decline other major projects, such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

What to watch

Affleck is currently working on his new film, Animals, which is set to release on Netflix. He has also been involved in various other projects, including a potential Daredevil return and a new Batman film. The interview suggests that he may be open to working with Snyder again, given his praise for the director's cut of Justice League.

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