Christian Bale Opens Up About Feeling ‘Jealous’ When Ben Affleck Took Over as Batman: “I Just Stopped and Stared Into Nothing”

Over a decade ago, Christian Bale, the guy who played Batman in three epic films, admitted he was pretty bummed about Ben Affleck taking over the role.

In a chat with Empire magazine, Bale shared how he felt when he heard Affleck would be the new Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. “When I heard there was someone else doing it, there was a moment where I just stopped and stared into nothing for half an hour,” he said.

Bale confessed he was a bit jealous but knew it was time to move on. “But I’m 40. The fact that I’m jealous of someone else playing Batman … I think I should have gotten over it by now,” he added.

Bale even thought about returning as the Dark Knight. He admitted to Empire that a part of him was tempted to do another Batman film, but he ultimately passed the torch. Wanting to help Affleck out, Bale sent him an email with some tips on playing Bruce Wayne.

“I haven’t spoken with Ben, but I emailed him offering bits of advice that I learned the hard way. I would imagine he is doing everything he can to avoid anything that I did,” he said. He also gave Affleck a practical piece of advice about the Batman suit.

Speaking to Access Hollywood (via The Wrap), Bale said, “The only thing I said to him was to make sure to [be able to] take a piss without having anyone help him, because it’s a little bit humiliating. “

Apparently, getting out of the costume for a bathroom break was a hassle for Bale, and he didn’t want Affleck to deal with the same struggle.Affleck’s time as Batman didn’t last long, though.

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) eventually got a big reboot, with James Gunn and Peter Safran taking charge of the new DC Universe (DCU).

According to Gunn, Batman’s official live-action debut in the DCU will happen in The Brave and the Bold, a movie inspired by Grant Morrison’s comics. It’ll focus on Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian Wayne, who’ll be Robin, making it a unique father-son story compared to past Batman films. A glimpse of Batman appeared in Creature Commandos, but no actor or voice was tied to him yet.

Andy Muschietti, who directed The Flash, is set to direct, with his sister Barbara producing alongside Gunn and Safran. Development’s been slow due to scheduling issues and the need to keep it separate from Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II. Gunn’s keeping the writer’s name under wraps, and the big question of who’ll play Batman in the DCU is still unanswered.

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