When James Gunn took the helm of the DCU, one of his big statements was that he wanted Ben Affleck to direct a movie in the new DCU once the right project came around. It seems though that Ben Affleck has no interest in being one of James Gunn’s directors, and made his feelings very clear while speaking to The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the release of his new movie Air. According to Affleck, what he wants to do in the director’s chair doesn’t line up with what is being done at the DC Studios. He said:

“I would not direct something for the [James] Gunn DC. Absolutely not. I have nothing against James Gunn. Nice guy, sure he’s going to do a great job. I just wouldn’t want to go in and direct in the way they’re doing that. I’m not interested in that.”

It is clear that there is no animosity between Affleck and Gunn, but it seems that Affleck doesn’t intend being a part of something where he would have to conform to a set of rules that restricts his freedom as a filmmaker. Looking down his CV, it is not hard is see why he would want to continue to be in control of his own movies.

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James Gunn Originally Suggested That Ben Affleck Would Be Part of the DCU.
DC Studios/DC Comics

Although Ben Affleck is seemingly hanging up his cape as Batman this year, last year James Gunn gave Affleck fans the hope that the actor would still be part of the new DCU in some way, even if that was behind the camera. In December, Gunn wrote on his Twitter account that he had “Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct & we want him to direct; we just have to find the right project.” What exactly has happened since that time, or whether Affleck’s desire to direct a DC was maybe not as strong as suggested.

Ben Affleck has more than proven himself behind the camera, but his movies have always been very different from the kind of movies that are going to inhabit the shared universe of the DCU. While Affleck was at one time expected to direct himself in a solo Batman movie, that never happened, and now it seems like his future lies away from any DC projects.

Affleck is currently focusing on the release of Air, his sports biopic drama which he directs and co-produces with Matt Damon, who also stars alongside him in the film. Affleck stars as Phil Knight, the head of Nike, while Damon plays shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro who uncovers the key to putting their failing company back on the playing field. Air will be screened at SXSW on Saturday with stars of the movie making an appearance for the Q&A session that will accompany its premiere. The film will then debut in cinemas on April 5, and will late become available on Prime Video following the theatrical run.