What ifBen AffleckandRobert Downey Jr.had taken different superhero paths in their respective DC and Marvel careers? That is the question asked in a new piece of fan art that pulls aFreaky Fridaywith the actors’ comic book counterparts.
There are not many big actors who have avoided the world of comic book movies. While there are those who are committed to never appearing in either the MCU or DCU, there are others who have fully embraced what has become the biggest driving force in cinema blockbusters. In 2008,Robert Downey Jr.made the unlikely step into the role of Iron Man, and several years later Ben Affleck became the fifth actor to don the Batsuit on the big screen in the dual role of Bruce Wayne and his vigilante alter-ego.
Now thanks to the creative output ofthe_ai_dreams on Instagram, we can see what could have been if those roles were switched. The results are as intriguing as the possible avenues these multiverse heroes could have taken their characters down, if things had been different. However, this is as close as we will get to seeing this particular scenario playing out – perhaps, pointing out that retrospective AI usage is one way of getting the most out of the technology in a good way.
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Downey Jr. and Affleck Have Retired Their Comic Book Roles
Robert Downey Jr. signed off from his role as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Tony Stark in epic style inAvengers: Endgame, sacrificing himself to the sake of the world and creating one of the most gut-wrenching moments for those who followed his journey from 2008’sIron Man. While fans have speculated on whether the actor would return to play the character again in a future Marvel project, specifically theMCU’s multiverse culmination inAvengers: Secret Wars, Downey Jr. has so far suggested that any kind of reprisal of his role is unlikely.
Ben Affleck’s time as Batman has been less of a smooth ride as Downey Jr. had as Iron Man. Making his first appearance inBatman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, to a very mixed reception, Affleck returned inJustice Leagueand set in motion plans for a solo Batman movie. However, things change and the loss of Snyder, combined with a terrible reception for the theatrical version ofJustice Leaguesaw Warner Bros.' Batman plans changing. Affleck stepped away from his solo movie, making way for Robert Pattinson’s take on the Dark Knight to come to fruition away from the spectacular world of the DCEU.
Affleck has subsequently made cameo appearances as Batman, including what appears to be his last time in the role inThe Flash. Having managed toovercome many of the doubts about his versionof the character, the fact that his Batman has not been given the chance to truly shine will always be one of the biggest tragedies for his fans.
