Ben Affleck never held back when it came to sharing his thoughts on wearing the iconic Batsuit. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor opened up about his experience playing Bruce Wayne across several DCEU films, including “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Suicide Squad,” “Justice League,” and “The Flash.”
While fans embraced Affleck’s portrayal over time, the actor made it clear that donning the Batsuit was anything but enjoyable.
Affleck Hated the Suit — And Didn’t Hide It
When asked if the suit from “The Flash” was his favorite, Affleck didn’t sugarcoat it. He responded that he hated wearing every version of the Batsuit. According to him, they were “horrendous to wear” and turned each day on set into a test of physical endurance.
He explained, “They’re incredibly hot and don’t breathe at all. Once you wear the cowl, the heat just traps inside. I sweat easily, and in that suit, it just poured.” His frustration became clear as he shared how even seasoned stunt professionals struggled after less than an hour inside the suit.
Heat, Exhaustion, and Discomfort Took a Toll
Instagram | @nerdinformants | Heat exhaustion made filming feel intense but actors pushed through every scene.
Affleck described the costume as so poorly ventilated that actors risked heatstroke after extended periods. He recalled, “Even the stunt guys could only wear it for about 45 to 50 minutes before they needed a break.” The suit drained their energy and made acting feel far from heroic.
He added, “It gets so hot, it doesn’t even feel like you’re filming a superhero movie. You’re sweaty, exhausted, and just trying to hide how uncomfortable you are. Sometimes, black eye paint would run down your face between takes.”
Affleck’s Experience Wasn’t Unique
Affleck wasn’t the only actor who struggled with Batman’s costume. From Michael Keaton’s immobile neck in 1989’s “Batman” to George Clooney’s infamous “bat-nipples,” actors have battled the practicality of these suits for decades.
Only with “The Dark Knight” did Christian Bale’s suit finally allow for head movement. Even then, complaints about weight and stiffness persisted. Robert Pattinson’s armored suit in “The Batman” also faced similar criticisms for being heavy and restrictive.
Costume Design - A Longstanding Challenge
The Batsuit’s design rarely considered actor comfort. Filmmakers prioritized style over practicality. Although each film introduced new variations — including Affleck’s gray-and-black comic-inspired version in “The Flash” — none addressed the underlying issue: unbearable heat.
In “Batman v. Superman,” Affleck wore two suits — a fabric-style traditional look and a heavy armor set modeled after “The Dark Knight Returns.” Later, “Justice League” and Zack Snyder’s cut introduced yet another design. While fans admired the aesthetics, Affleck endured the same physical discomfort across all versions.
Walking Away From the Cowl
Affleck's decision to step away from directing, writing, and starring in a stand-alone Batman movie was not surprising given these difficulties. Although that project evolved into “The Batman” starring Pattinson, Affleck cited personal struggles and discomfort with the costume as key reasons for leaving.
The pressure of performing while physically miserable clearly wore on him. Despite fan support, the actor felt little incentive to revisit the role.
Fans Wanted More, But Affleck Moved On
Instagram | @eltribunaldelbuho | Fans wished for more but Affleck chose a different path instead.
While Affleck’s Batman developed a loyal fanbase, his comments signaled a firm goodbye. He moved on to other projects and appeared content with his decision. As a result, fans who hoped for his return began to accept that his time as the Dark Knight had ended.
His words served as a reminder that the realities of acting often clash with the glamor perceived from outside. For Affleck, the Batsuit symbolized more struggle than strength.
The Struggles Behind the Scenes Matter Too
Behind every superhero film lies a complex production process. While viewers enjoy the final product, actors often endure physical strain that affects their performance. The discomfort became a deal-breaker for Affleck.
His portrayal of Batman is still special despite this. His commitment, even through discomfort, highlighted his dedication to the role. Still, as his career evolved, he chose projects that brought more creative freedom — and far less sweat.