The Internet flipped its lid last week when Ben Affleck was picked to play Batman in the Man of Steel sequel, which is slated to hit theaters in 2015. Comic book aficionados even submitted a petition to the White House to make it illegal for the actor to portray the masked man. But there's at least one guy who is happy to see Affleck as the new Bruce Wayne — his longtime BFF Matt Damon.
During a recent interview with The Times of India, the actor said his friend would make a "terrific" Batman (Damon is in India working with his Water.org charity):
"I think it will be great. It will be terrific. I know there are a lot of people grousing on the internet. I just think it's kind of funny. You know, he's not playing King Lear. It's Batman! Certainly within his skill set.
If anybody saw Argo or The Town, and all the work he's been doing lately, it's way more nuanced and interesting and way more difficult than Batman! Batman just sits there with his cowl over his head and whispers in a kinda gruff voice at people. Bruce Wayne is the more challenging part of the role, and Ben will be great at that."
While we're sure Ben appreciates the support, Damon's words come off as a backhanded compliment, implying Affleck can definitely handle the role because it's not very challenging.
Regardless, the Affleck-Damon friendship — which goes back to their 1998 Oscar wins for their film Good Will Hunting — caused an onslaught of memes with Damon cast as the Robin to Affleck's Batman.
Damon was quick to shut down the rumors, saying, "I am a little older than Ben. I never saw Robin as older than Batman. Somebody sent me a picture, actually (of his face photoshopped on Robin's body and Ben's on Batman's). It was really funny. But it's safe to say I won't be Robin."
Looks like director Zack Snyder will still have to find a sidekick for Affleck. But in the meantime, the Internet has already cast Bryan Cranston as the villainous Lex Luthor.
Which actors do you think should play Robin to Affleck's Batman? Tell us in the comments below.