Christian Bale Admits He’s Jealous Of Ben Affleck Playing Batman

Without a doubt, Christian Bale has, in many viewers’ minds, played the definitive version of a live-action Batman, who embodied the angst, darkness and morals the character deserved. The Dark Knight trilogy has come and gone, and though it has left a great impact on the both the comic book film world, and the film world in general (it was one of the first comic book film series to transcend the comic book genre as a whole into something greater), Warner Bros. and DC have officially moved on into the world of shared universes. A world where Batman will be played by Ben Affleck and not Christian Bale.

While it seems that Bale had left on his own terms (It’s not clear if there was ever an offer on the table for him to continue his role into the new universe), it only makes sense that there would be some hints of envy upon seeing the character he played for seven years go to someone else. In an interview with Empire Magazine, Bale finally opened up on his feelings upon hearing the news of Affleck taking on the iconic role (via Comic Book Movie).

“I’ve got to admit initially, even though I felt that it was the right time to stop, there was always a bit of me going, ‘Oh go on… Let’s do another.’ So when I heard there was someone else doing it, there was a moment where I just stopped and stared into nothing for half an hour. But I’m 40, The fact that I’m jealous of someone else playing Batman… I think I should have gotten over it by now. I haven’t spoken with Ben, but I emailed him offering bits of advice that I learned the hard way. I would imagine he is doing everything he can to avoid anything that I did.”

As sad as it may be for Bale, Nolan set out to tell a complete, standalone, multiple-film story with The Dark Knight Trilogy, and has thus far been the only filmmaker able to do that with a comic book superhero (even if The Dark Knight Rises wasn’t everything fans wanted it to be). Having Christian Bale cast as the upcoming Batman could potentially undermine what credibility the films have established, and with this new Justice League world that Zack Snyder is establishing, it is only fitting fans would get treated to an all-new interpretation of the character.

Would you have preferred Christian Bale continue his role as Bruce Wayne and Batman in the film Batman V. Superman, or are you content with Affleck picking up the mantle?