Ben Affleck Explains His Exit From Batman: ‘I Couldn’t Crack It’

The rumors are true. Ben Affleck is hanging up his cape and ending his reign as the Dark Knight.

In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the actor, 46, explained why he will not be returning as the Caped Crusader in the 2021 film The Batman.

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Affleck said he gave it his best shot, but feels he isn’t right for the role anymore.

“I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter but just couldn’t come up with a version, I just couldn’t crack it,” he explained. “So I thought it’s time for someone else to take a shot at it. They got some really good people so I’m excited.”

Affleck is retiring from the role after playing Bruce Wayne in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League.

Despite earlier statements about playing the role for as long as Warner Bros. would have him, Affleck originally announced on Twitter that he would not be involved in the forthcoming film.

The star quoted a story about his departure from the series writing, “Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life.”

Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life. https://t.co/GNgyJroMIO

— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 31, 2019

The Batman will focus on a younger Bruce Wayne, whereas Affleck’s incarnation was much older, more experienced and more cynical.

War for the Planet of the Apes‘ Matt Reeves signed on to direct and write The Batman following Affleck’s departure. Affleck was originally supposed to write, direct and star in the film. He pulled out of directing duties two years ago, though he said at the time that he remained committed to starring in the film.

During an interview with USA Today in January 2017, Affleck said he was having issues with directing and writing the film.

“Superhero movies get the level of attention that is nothing like any film I’ve done. You cast the 14th lead in these movies and the Internet goes crazy,” Affleck said. “I understand and embrace that. That’s part of the pressure that comes with doing it. That’s why I am not going to do it, unless I really feel confident about it.”

The new Dark Knight has yet to be cast but the film will hit theaters on June 25, 2021.

In the meantime, Affleck will star in and produce an adaptation of Kate Alice Marshall’s novel I Am Still Alive. He will also star in the upcoming Gavin O’Connor-directed drama, Torrance.