Casey Affleck discusses brother Ben's Batman future

Ben Affleck set DC fans at ease by solidifying his future as Batman during an address at San Diego Comic-Con this year, but now his brother, Oscar winner Casey Affleck, might have inadvertently sent the speculation-fueled rumor mill back into motion.

While visiting WEEI’s Dale & Holley with Keefe radio program, Casey was asked about the rumor that Ben won’t return as the Dark Knight in The Batman, to be directed by War for the Planet of the Apes‘ Matt Reeves after Ben bowed out of the helmer’s seat. “I thought he was an okay Batman,” Casey said. “As far as…No, he was great. He was great. He’s a hero, so he had something to channel and work with there. But he’s not going to do that movie [The Batman], I don’t think. Sorry to say.”

However, when the hosts mentioned this was breaking news, the actor added, “Is that breaking news? Because I was just kind of making that up. I don’t know.”

Watch the video below beginning at the 6:00 mark to hear his comments.

Ben’s latest statements on the matter were to EW at Comic-Con.“My status remains what it always is,” he said. “I’ve done the two movies. I’ve always intended on doing a third if Warners wants to make it. Certainly, if the Batphone rings, I will answer.”

Despite reports that he dropped his director’s status on The Batman over lack of interest, the actor explained, “It’s such a big job, in terms of the stunts and the suit and the action and the character. Trying to do that, and direct, would probably be too much. Something would be compromised. I think it came off, optically, to the broader world, like lack of interest or enthusiasm. When in fact I love this character.”

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“I’d love to do it as long as they’ll have me,” Affleck added of the role. “Eventually it’ll be somebody else, and I’m sure they’ll get somebody great. But while I’m doing it, I’m going to do the best job I can, and really appreciate how lucky I am.”

After appearing as Bruce Wayne in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, Affleck picks up the cowl and cape again for this November’s Justice League, which he says will feature “a much more traditional Batman.”

Joss Whedon, who is set to write and helm Warner Bros.’ Batgirl, took over directing duties after Zack Snyder was forced to depart due to a family tragedy. The result created “an interesting product of two directors, both with kind of unique visions, both with really strong takes,” Affleck explained to EW. “I’ve never had that experience before making a movie. I have to say, I really love working with Zack, and I really love the stuff we’ve done with Joss.”