Ben Affleck’s lesser-known turn as Superman in a 2006 movie has gained a particularly strange tone after his tenure as the DCEU’s Batman. Ben Affleck delivered a celebrated rendition of Batman throughout the DCEU timeline, lauded for his gritty and mature interpretation of the Caped Crusader. Years prior, Ben Affleck had starred as George Reeves in Hollywoodland, which, when viewed through a contemporary lens, has garnered a poignant and bizarre quality.
Hollywoodland starred Affleck as George Reeves, the iconic actor behind the Man of Steel in the 1950s. The movie presented a fictionalized biography, specifically concerning Reeves’ tragic death – which has proved a point of contention for years since. While Affleck delivered a typically captivating performance, it has taken on a much different atmosphere since Affleck’s Batman and the DCEU concluded.
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Ben Affleck’s Superman Role In Hollywoodland Is Stranger Viewing After The DCEU’s Ending
Ben Affleck’s role as George Reeves in Hollywoodland takes on an intriguingly meta quality after his portrayal of Batman in the DCEU. As Reeves, Affleck played an actor struggling with the weight of portraying Superman. While during the DCEU, he himself grappled with the responsibility of embodying another iconic superhero, Batman. As such, Affleck’s performance becomes even more poignant. Viewers are reminded of the complexities and pressures faced by actors who take on these larger-than-life roles. This is especially moving when you consider the difficulty Affleck had in producing his own Batman movie for the DCEU.
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Affleck’s journey as a superhero actor, mirroring that of George Reeves, adds layers of depth to both his real-life experiences and his on-screen portrayals. Moreover, the parallels between Reeves and Batman/Superman highlight the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Affleck’s portrayal of Reeves becomes a curious precursor to his own journey in the DCEU and a poignant reflection on his performance in Daredevil. This meta quality adds a notably surreal inflection to Hollywoodland and Affleck’s performance as the iconic Superman actor.
Ben Affleck’s Hollywoodland Performance Proves He Could Have Been Superman
Ben Affleck’s performance in Hollywoodland aptly demonstrated his ability to embody Superman. Affleck showcases his range by delving into Reeves’ struggles with fame, identity, and the burdens of wearing the cape. Affleck’s portrayal exudes charisma, capturing the beloved hero’s essence while exploring the vulnerabilities and conflicts beneath the surface. His commanding presence and subtle nuances convey a depth of emotion and introspection, qualities essential for portraying the Last Son of Krypton.
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Furthermore, Affleck’s physicality and screen presence align closely with the stature and demeanor associated with Superman – much like Batman. The actor’s natural charm and gravitas could have lent a fresh perspective to Superman, infusing him with a sense of gravitas and relatability. It’s a testament to his versatility and talent, proving that he could have brought a compelling and memorable interpretation to the role of Superman in the DCEU.
DCU
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Peacemaker
Key Release Dates
The Batman Part II
Release Date:2026-10-02