Ben Affleck Labels Justice League Reshoots as Career Low Point

Key points

• Affleck called the Justice League reshoots the 'low point of my career' on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast.
• He criticized Warner Bros. for using Zack Snyder's daughter's suicide as an excuse to replace him with Joss Whedon.
• Affleck noted that the reshoots covered approximately 60 new pages of material, altering Snyder's original vision.
• He confirmed Lucasfilm approached him to direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but he declined the offer.
• Affleck stated he did not want to direct a franchise he did not feel passionate enough to reinvent successfully.

Background

This revelation follows Affleck's previous comments to Entertainment Weekly describing the Justice League experience as a 'nadir' that deterred him from continuing as Batman. The 2017 film underperformed commercially and critically, leading to the eventual release of Zack Snyder's director's cut in 2021. Recent coverage has also highlighted Affleck's personal life, including his custody arrangements with his children and his divorce from Jennifer Lopez.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and SlashFilm both report on Affleck's podcast appearance, but SlashFilm provides additional context on the DC Extended Universe's financial struggles and the broader industry shift away from the 'Avengers' model. While Variety focuses on Affleck's personal reaction and the Star Wars anecdote, SlashFilm emphasizes the systemic issues within Warner Bros. and the negative impact on actors like Ray Fisher and Gal Gadot. Both sources agree on the core facts regarding the reshoots and Affleck's criticism of the studio's actions.

Why it matters

Affleck's comments highlight the ongoing tension between studio executives and filmmakers, particularly in the context of high-budget superhero films. His criticism of the handling of Snyder's personal tragedy underscores the ethical concerns surrounding creative control and the treatment of actors and directors in the industry. The Star Wars anecdote also illustrates the challenges of reinventing major franchises and the importance of directorial passion in such projects.

What to watch

There are no immediate next steps mentioned in the sources, but Affleck's continued involvement in projects like 'Animals' and his focus on family suggest a shift away from high-profile superhero roles. The legacy of Justice League and the DCEU remains a topic of discussion in the industry, with ongoing debates about the balance between studio control and creative vision.