Ben Affleck denies rumors he is retiring from Batman

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) — Ben Affleck won’t be hanging up Batman’s cape and cowl anytime soon.During a San Diego Comic-Con panel for “Justice League,” the actor hit back at a report in The Hollywood Reporter that Warner Bros. was looking for ways to usher Affleck out of the DC Comics Extended Universe.”I am the luckiest guy in the world,” Affleck said to thunderous applause. “Batman is the coolest part in any universe — DC, Marvel — and I’m so thrilled to do it.”Affleck had originally been slated to direct “The Batman,” a standalone film featuring the Dark Knight. However, last winter he opted out of sliding behind the camera on the film, ceding directing duties to Matt Reeves, the filmmaker behind “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” and “War for the Planet of the Apes.””There’s a misconception that because I wasn’t directing it, I wasn’t enthusiastic about it,” said Affleck.The Reporter story speculated that the 44-year-old actor was aging out of the part, noting “it would be wise to bet against Affleck starring in ‘The Batman.'”Warner Bros. also debuted a new poster for “Justice League” ahead of the panel. In the photo, Batman is joined by Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Aquaman and the Flash. On stage, Affleck was flanked by Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa and Ezra Miller, the actors who play the other super team members.Affleck grew emotional as he talked about appearing in front of the geek faithful.”It’s really great to come to Hall H and say, ‘I’m Batman,'” he said, before wondering aloud how many people get to do that.”I’m Batman, I’m Batman,” Miller and Fisher chimed in, drawing big laughs from the packed convention hall of fans.