Jay Oliva, a prominent figure in the world of DC and Warner Bros. films, renowned for his contributions to “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and “Wonder Woman,” recently engaged in a revealing conversation with Inverse, shedding light on the captivating details of the canceled solo Batman film that was in development under the helm of Ben Affleck.
Affleck’s portrayal of Batman made its debut in Zack Snyder’s “Dawn of Justice” and later returned for the ensemble “Justice League.” Before his decision to step back from the project, Affleck had been actively immersed in the creation of his very own Batman film, which he intended not only to direct but also to star in.
Jay Oliva, who has had a deep involvement in the DC cinematic universe, conveyed his excitement for the project, exclaiming, “I’m limited in what I can share, but it was simply fantastic.” His enthusiasm was palpable as he elaborated, describing the experience as “the absolute best – an extraordinary journey.”
Oliva went on to provide insights into the creative process, revealing, “From my understanding, the script underwent multiple iterations. When I joined the team, I believe it was in its second draft or thereabouts, and it was a version conceptualized by Geoff Johns and Ben [Affleck] himself.”
Drawing from his extensive background in shaping Batman narratives, Oliva emphasized the uniqueness of this endeavor, stating, “What truly set this project apart was its ingenious fusion of various untapped Batman storylines. These narratives, while never having been brought to the forefront, were about to be ingeniously intertwined in Ben’s vision. This approach resonated with the rich 80-year legacy of the Batman mythos, presenting it from a fresh, unprecedented angle.”
Oliva delved deeper into the project’s innovation, explaining, “Ben Affleck’s creative vision aimed to explore uncharted territories within the comic book canon while simultaneously building upon the narrative foundations established over the past eight decades. The result was poised to introduce audiences to novel aspects that had not yet been explored, crafting a distinctive and original narrative.”
While the specifics of the shelved solo Batman venture remain largely veiled, Oliva’s insights have granted a glimpse into the remarkable direction that Affleck had envisioned. The potential of the film was tantalizing, hinting at a captivating amalgamation of classic Batman narratives interwoven with unexplored themes. Although the film remains unrealized, it serves as a testament to the creative depth and innovative approach that Affleck brought to his time in the role of the Dark Knight.
