Ben Affleck is back in the cape and cowl for The Flash and perhaps more. It was rumored not too long ago the actor/director would get the chance to adapt his rejected The Batman script for HBO Max if he wanted to. Word is he does but so long as he possesses creative control.
In Affleck’s storyline, the Dark Knight goes toe-to-toe with Deathstroke, played by Joe Manganiello. He has his place but he won’t be alone if the project moves forward.
Jared Leto’s Joker, consistent with new reports and ones from back in the summer, has a part to play.
Related Rumor: Ben Affleck Is Open to a Batman Movie But Wants Creative Control
The latest updates from YouTuber Warstu via Taylor Murphy at the LightCast Podcast indicate Affleck’s The Batman, if it happens, would be a miniseries delving into the history and origin of Leto’s Joker, what he took from his nemesis, and vice versa.
How he got that tattoo reading “Damaged” on his forehead would be explained as would how and when Batman lost his moral compass – strongly suggested to be Robin – and turned out the way he did.
Going with Zack Snyder’s continuity and feeling on the matter, that lost – as in fallen – Robin is none other than Dick Grayson. Snyder admitted this to fans when taking questions over the last few years about his vision for DC’s Extended Universe. He also revealed his intended replacement was Carrie Kelly from Dark Knight Returns.
Related Rumor: Ben Affleck Still Back as Batman for HBO Max Despite New Claims
So it sounds like Joker kills Dick Grayson, maybe Death in the Family Style, but the series isn’t expected to be set in the period of time this occurs. Instead, this aspect of the story gets told in flashback, reportedly, while the rest of it takes place at some point after Justice League.
All well and good, but what of the missing link in all this, Jared Leto? Well, the rub is he is willing to reprise Mr. J and is lobbying for another crack at the gangster clown. His portrayal in Suicide Squad ravaged by studio interference, Leto sees it as unfinished business, say some reports.
Warstu notes Joker’s arc in David Ayer’s original cut was much different, which Ayer himself confirmed. It was further said by Warstu Warner Bros. is working on the Ayer Cut in some capacity too, but it doesn’t’ mean they’ll release it anytime soon.
Do you want to see more of Jared Leto as The Joker after he was denied by WB at every turn? Leave your answers below.