Ben Affleck is looking back at his time wearing the cape, and the memories are far from pleasant. During a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actor discussed the turbulent production of 2017's Justice League, labeling the entire ordeal as the absolute low point of his professional career. The film faced massive behind-the-scenes hurdles, most notably when original director Zack Snyder departed following a family tragedy. Joss Whedon stepped in to oversee reshoots, shifting the tone and direction of the blockbuster amidst friction between the studio and filmmakers.
Affleck pointed to that fractured relationship between studio executives and creators as the primary flaw that doomed the project from the start. Personal struggles, combined with the heavy atmosphere on set and the studio's handling of Snyder's departure, created a toxic environment. Mentioning the experiences of co-stars like Ray Fisher and Gal Gadot, Affleck described the overall vibe during production as exceedingly grim. Despite the frustration, the actor expressed genuine happiness for Snyder when the director's cut eventually found its way to HBO Max in 2021.
During the same interview, the Academy Award winner also touched upon a major career crossroads involving a galaxy far, far away. Around the time Disney was readying The Force Awakens, Affleck was approached about directing a Star Wars film. Rather than jumping at the iconic franchise, he declined the offer, admitting that he lacked the specific passion needed to reinvent the universe. Recognizing the immense challenges and the passionate fan base surrounding the property, Affleck preferred to walk away rather than helm a project he could not fully commit to taking pride in.
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