Matt Reeves’ The Batman continues to dominate the Box-Office, but this iteration of the Caped Crusader could have looked very different.
Originally, Ben Affleck was set to reprise his take on the character, as well as writing and directing The Batman. However, the actor announced he would not be directing the film back in 2017. It was then later announced that Affleck would no longer play Batman as the focus moving forward would be on a younger version of the character.
While details on the film remain limited, we have been given some idea of what was planned. Joe Manganiello, who was set to play Deathstroke in the film, described the unrealized Affleck version, saying:
“It was a really dark story in which Deathstroke was like a shark or a horror movie villain that was dismantling Bruce’s life from the inside out. It was this systemic thing: He killed everyone close to Bruce and destroyed his life to try and make him suffer because he felt that Bruce was responsible for something that happened to him.”
Now, early concept art has been revealed, giving fans a closer look at what could have been. Released by concept artist Keith Christensen via his Instagram, the artwork showcases Affleck’s Batsuit and the design for Manganiello’s Deathstroke.
Check it out below.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
More details can be seen on Christensen’s Instagram page.
While we never got to see the pair square off on the big screen, Manganiello would return as Deathstroke in Zack Synder’s Justice League.
Fans will get the chance to see Affleck as The Dark Knight once again in the upcoming Flash movie, although it is expected to be his swansong as the character.
What are your thoughts on the character designs? Would you have liked to see this version of The Batman? Let us know in the comments section below.
