Ben Affleck Says “Justice League” Was the ‘Low Point of My Career’: ‘So Negative’

**Ben Affleck Reflects on ‘Justice League’ Experience as Career Low Point**

In a recent episode of the podcast “Happy Sad Confused,” Ben Affleck spoke candidly about his experience portraying Batman in the 2017 film “Justice League,” describing it as a significant low point in his career. The actor, who has faced considerable personal challenges, highlighted the turmoil surrounding the production and the profound impact it had on him.

Affleck, now 54, recalled the various difficulties he encountered during filming, noting that these were compounded by his personal struggles at that time. “The truth is that the experience of ‘Justice League’ for me was so negative for lots of different reasons,” he revealed to host Josh Horowitz. He suggested that significant events occurring in his life, including the loss of a loved one, contributed heavily to his tumultuous experience while making the film.

The actor’s comments appear to reference the departure of the film’s original director, Zack Snyder, who stepped away from the project due to the tragic death of his daughter, Autumn Snyder, in 2017. Following Snyder’s exit, Joss Whedon took the helm, leading to extensive reshoots and alterations. This shift, Affleck explained, significantly affected the overall project.

“It was challenging to see Zack being taken off that movie and the reshoots,” Affleck shared. “If you want to talk about the low point of my career, that was it.” His remarks underscore how the disconnection between the studio and the creative team can adversely affect a film’s outcome, something he expressed as a critical lesson learned from the experience.

“Justice League” brought together a powerhouse roster of superheroes, with Affleck portraying Batman alongside Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as the Flash, and Ray Fisher as Cyborg. The ensemble aimed to protect Earth from the threat of Steppenwolf, following the climactic events of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”

During this period, Affleck was also grappling with personal issues, including his battle with alcoholism and the dissolution of his marriage to actress Jennifer Garner. The couple announced their separation in 2015, finalising their divorce three years later. “That’s when I started to feel like, ‘Boy, I’d like to quit drinking, and I’m having a hard time not drinking,'” he recounted. Affleck described this time as particularly challenging and tumultuous in his personal life.

It is essential to note that Affleck made it clear he did not believe his personal struggles directly impacted the production of “Justice League.” “I can imagine that those things, while painful, were not what impacted that movie,” he clarified, indicating that these life changes merely coincided with the film’s challenging production ordeal.

In a twist that delighted many fans, Zack Snyder eventually released his version of “Justice League” in 2021. Affleck praised his former director for managing to share his original vision, expressing satisfaction that the full scope of Snyder’s work could finally be appreciated. “I was really glad and gratified that Zack got to release it in a very canny way,” Affleck commented, underscoring his happiness for Snyder amidst the chaos that characterised the initial theatrical release.

Snyder’s four-hour cut of “Justice League,” available on HBO Max, restored much of the footage that had been cut from the original film. This version has since received a more positive reception from audiences, many of whom argued that it provided a more comprehensive and cohesive storyline.

As Affleck looks back on his time as Batman, it is evident that the experience has left a lasting impact on him, both professionally and personally. While his portrayal of the iconic character may not have unfolded as he had envisioned, the lessons learned from this chapter of his career undoubtedly shape his approach to future projects.

With “Justice League” now available for streaming, fans can revisit the film with a fresh perspective, informed by the insights shared by its leading man. As Affleck continues his journey in the film industry, many will be interested to see how these experiences inform his artistic endeavors moving forward.