UPDATED: Injustice 2: WB Games Releases New Trailer — But Doesn’t Mention Ben Affleck!
Update 4:
Ben Affleck has taken to Twitter a further 147 times, welcoming everybody from incoming The Batman director Matt Reeves to Strawberry Shortcake.
Update 3:
An anonymous source close to both Injustice 2 and The Batman contacted Silent Protagonist about Ben Affleck’s involvement. We cannot reveal their identity, but they assure us they are an insider, so that is enough for us to trust them and report the following as indisputable fact.
Ben Affleck, make no mistake, he does want out. He doesn’t want to be Batman anymore. I’ve been told, Ben Affleck is talking with Warner Bros in an attempt to get out of being Batman. And if they do not let him out of being Batman, the standalone Batman film that ultimately happens will be the last time we see Ben Affleck as Batman.
It is true that he welcomed Injustice 2, but this will see release before The Batman. However, WB Interactive Entertainment has only just opened negotiations for him to record a few lines of dialogue, but he is doing whatever he can do to get out of this commitment.
The welcoming of Injustice 2 was the result of a late stage realisation that by having no reference to him in the game’s marketing campaign makes people fear for its future. As sites like Silent Protagonist jump the gun and declare that Injustice 2 is in trouble with their hyperbole, WB has made a deal with Ben to welcome people to the Batcave in exchange for him spending less time in the recording booth for each welcome.
Update 2:
Ben Affleck has taken to Twitter again, this time welcoming Injustice 2:
Welcome to the Batcave, @Injustice2
So, case closed for now, however it is worth noting that Affleck did not appear as Batman in Powerless, so make of that what you will.
Update:
Ben Affleck has taken to Twitter:
Welcome to the Batcave, @AlanTudyk
Ben Affleck is apparently supporting Powerless, but does this tell us anything about Injustice 2? Could the game feature a Van Wayne as Robin skin?
Original Story:
Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment has released a new trailer for its upcoming Injustice 2.
But in a telling omission, the announcement for the trailer titled “Shattered Alliances, Part One” does not reference Ben Affleck. Casting information is standard when promoting upcoming media, particularly where there are stark similarities between properties. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice whet fans' appetites for the two heroes each determined to stop the other once and for all, but this, bizarrely, has not been reflected in Injustice 2’s marketing campaign.
The original Injustice: Gods Among Us featured skins revoiced by new actors, including Stephen Amell as Arrow’s Green Arrow. While the first game received such attention from Warner Bros, the silence about Injustice 2 has been deafening.
It is more than a little curious — and worrying for Batfleck fans the world over — that there has been absolutely no mention that Ben Affleck also plays Batman. Fans weren’t even treated to a token “Here’s Batman trying to destroy Superman, just like Ben Affleck” quote. Further, the trailer’s announcement does not reference Geoff Johns, who is co-writing The Batman with Affleck, or Joe Manganiello, who was cast as Deathstroke in the film, all clear signs that not only is Injustice 2 is in trouble, but so is The Batman, despite Matt Reeves having just signed on to direct it.
Silent Protagonist reached out to Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, and received a standard response, which provides no clarity:
Ben Affleck is still attached to The Batman.
The above quote tells us absolutely nothing, which makes one wonder exactly what WB is hiding. At the very least, the lack of an acknowledgement of Ben Affleck lends credence to the rumours that he wants to hang up his cape and cowl, moving away from the role.
When it was originally announced that Affleck would no longer direct The Batman, the Oscar winner said:
There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions. Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film. I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director. I remain extremely committed to this project, and look forward to bringing this to life for fans around the world.
Affleck may be talking up his commitment to the franchise, however given the Injustice 2 trailer announcement made no mention of him, this is incredibly questionable. Stay tuned to Silent Protagonist as the greatest gaming controversy of 2017 unfolds.
You can watch the Injustice 2 trailer below:
