Ben Affleck's experience in the DCEU rarely looked pleasant. The early controversies surrounding such efforts as Batman v. Superman and Justice League appeared to weigh heavily on him, and in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he called the Justice League reshoots "the worst experience I’ve ever seen in a business which is full of some shitty experiences." In the same interview, he denied any interest in returning to the DCU either as an actor or a director. It's safe to say that Affleck's appearance in The Flash this summer will be his last for DC.

That doesn't necessarily mean he's done with superhero movies, however. While his experiences with DC may have turned him off to the concept, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still an option. In fact, should Affleck show interest, it could make for a very strong pairing both in front of the camera and behind it. If anything, the MCU could use his particular talents right now.

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Ben Affleck Made a Great Batman

Affleck's negative experiences are indicative of the DCEU's creative struggles, and the heartbreak of it is that his performance as Bruce Wayne was fantastic. The cast was never among the franchise's problems, and his older, world-weary Batman helped him stand out amid Christian Bale's and Robert Pattinson's younger Dark Knights. The actor is a lifelong comic-book fan, and clearly understood his assignment as Bruce Wayne. Fans can continue to debate the merits and flaws of the DCEU, but Affleck's work was an undeniable strong point.

Affleck has also had experience on the Marvel side of the coin too, notably in the title role for the 2003 version of Daredevil. Though maligned at the time and eclipsed by Charlie Cox's later turn as Matt Murdock, it retains a cult following. More importantly, it demonstrated a loyalty to the comics at a time when superhero films often strayed far afield from their roots.

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The MCU Could Benefit from Affleck's Direction

Ben Affleck starring in Argo

At the same time, Marvel finds itself in uncharacteristically murky waters. Recent efforts like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Thor: Love and Thunder have opened to critical and audience indifference despite have respectable box office earnings. While fans have high hopes for Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3, any success will serve as a reminder that director James Gunn is currently leading the Distinguished Competition.

Affleck could be a viable solution to a number of the MCU's problems. Another role from Marvel's stable would suit him quite well, and in fact, there are a number of as-yet uncast parts that he could be quite good for. Reed Richards comes to mind, as does Doctor Doom. Beyond that, he remains a formidable director, and the MCU may be able to offer him the creative freedom that DC and Warner Bros wouldn't. The right project could help re-center the MCU's focus, as well as providing a clear creative direction to a franchise that suddenly finds itself in need of one.

Of course, that depends on Affleck's willingness to return to superhero movies as much as Marvel's willingness to give him one. His interview with The Hollywood Reporter suggests he may be done with the genre for good. But if he isn’t, he may find more fertile soil on the other side of the genre's great divide. His background, experience, and historic passion for comic books might be just what the MCU needs right now.