Ben Affleck has announced that he will not direct a film in James Gunn’s DC Universe, despite meeting with Gunn last year to discuss the possibility. Affleck cites his experience on Justice League as a reason for his decision to step away from directing in the DCU, saying that the production was riddled with issues, bad decisions, and tragedy. Affleck’s negative experience with Justice League made him lose interest in directing superhero films, and he has since decided to take a step back from the genre entirely.
Affleck’s departure means that he will not direct Superman and Shazam!, as well as any plans for Black Adam to interact with Shazam!. The future of Doctor Sivana and Mister Mind, as well as the Justice Society of America, which were both introduced in Black Adam, is also unclear. Although Affleck remains friendly with Gunn, he is “not interested” in directing a DC movie under his leadership. Despite Affleck’s departure, the DC Universe is moving forward under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership.
