Why Nolan Told Goyer to Avoid Ben Affleck’s Batman
David S. Goyer, the writer behind Man of Steel and The Dark Knight Trilogy, recently revealed that director Christopher Nolan advised him against working on Ben Affleck’s Batman. During an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Goyer explained that Nolan found the creative direction “confusing,” especially after their successful Batman reboot just a few years earlier.
“I remember Chris advising me not to work on the Affleck Batman,” Goyer recalled. “Just because it’s confusing. We did one and just stick with that.”
Goyer and Nolan’s Batman Legacy
Goyer and Nolan share a long creative history. Their collaboration began in the early 2000s. During that period, Nolan brought Goyer on board to help reboot Batman for Warner Bros. Working together, they developed and co-wrote the story for Batman Begins. As a result, the film launched Nolan’s critically acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
Goyer played a key role throughout the trilogy. In particular, he contributed to its grounded, character-driven approach. Furthermore, their partnership extended beyond Batman. In 2013, they reunited for Man of Steel—an ambitious attempt to launch a new, interconnected DC cinematic universe under Zack Snyder’s direction.
Ben Affleck’s Batman: A Stark Contrast
Nevertheless, Goyer chose to work on Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), despite Nolan’s warning. The film introduced Ben Affleck’s Batman to the big screen. In this interpretation, Bruce Wayne was portrayed as older, more jaded, and deeply scarred by years of loss and violence. Moreover, the character’s arc was heavily influenced by Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, giving the film a darker, more intense tone.
In contrast to Christian Bale’s introspective and morally driven Batman, Ben Affleck’s Batman operated with brutal efficiency and little restraint. As a result, the shift in tone—from Nolan’s realism to Snyder’s mythic style—was both dramatic and polarizing for audiences and critics alike.
Goyer’s Continued Role in the DCEU
While Nolan chose to exit the franchise, Goyer continued his involvement with the DCEU. He played a key role in expanding the universe to include Superman, Wonder Woman, and Justice League storylines. His decision to work on Ben Affleck’s Batman marked a turning point in DC’s cinematic history—even if it came with creative risks.
Goyer’s commitment to building interconnected stories across a broader universe shows his long-term vision for DC, even when that vision diverged from past interpretations.
Ben Affleck’s Batman became a bold and divisive chapter in DC film history. While Christopher Nolan urged Goyer to avoid revisiting the character, Goyer’s decision to stay reflects the complexity of modern superhero storytelling. As DC moves into a new era under James Gunn, the legacy of these creative choices continues to shape its evolution.
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