From the mixed critical reception of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" to recent behind-the-scenes woes for the upcoming Batman standalone film, DC's newest iteration of the Caped Crusader hasn't seen the smoothest of rollouts. While Ben Affleck recently stepped away from the director's chair for the solo outing, it's been generally assumed that he'd at least stick around as Bruce Wayne for the conceivable future. However, even that may be up in the air if a recent rumor making the rounds is to be believed.

RELATED: Affleck Addresses The Batman’s Script Progress, Fan Pressure

Note that this should be taken with a major grain of salt, but Collider Movie Talk host John Campea indicated in his last episode that three separate sources have informed him that Affleck is doing all that he can to get out of any future Batman appearances beyond this year's "Justice League." "What all three have told me was that... they're telling me, Ben Affleck, make no mistake, does want out. He doesn't want to be Batman anymore," said Campea. If those rumors are true and those talks fall through and he can't get out of the solo Batman film, then his standalone feature would also be his final ride in the Batmobile.

Again, in no way are these rumblings confirmed, so the whole thing could be completely false. It'd certainly present a huge shakeup for the DCEU -- so if true, the powers-that-be are probably doing all they can to keep Affleck signed on for more. That being said, the rumor does put that Sad Affleck meme in a whole new light.

"Justice League" -- which will feature Affleck as Batman -- hits theaters on November 17.

(via ComicBookMovie)