Christopher Nolan warns against involvement in Affleck's Batman films

In a recent podcast celebrating the 20th anniversary of 'Batman Begins', screenwriter David S Goyer shared insights about his collaboration with filmmaker Christopher Nolan. Goyer recounted how Nolan explicitly advised him against contributing to the Ben Affleck-led Batman projects. Goyer noted that Nolan found the situation confusing and suggested they should maintain the continuity of the Batman narrative established in their earlier films together. Despite this advice, Goyer chose to move forward, participating in the creation of 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice', a sequel that achieved significant commercial success upon release. During the development of 'Batman v Superman', Goyer faced challenges with Warner Bros regarding the timing of introducing the Batman character. He criticized the movie's structure, as Batman only donned his costume after an hour of runtime, which raised concerns among studio executives. Goyer defended this creative choice, asserting that it was essential for audiences to connect with Bruce Wayne before he transformed into Batman. He believed that showcasing an engaging and thrilling action sequence involving Bruce Wayne would enrich the storyline. The transition from 'Batman Begins' through subsequent films positioned Batman as a well-known character within the DC universe, yet the change in direction with Affleck's portrayal prompted conversations about character continuity. Goyer and Nolan’s prior collaborations had defined a specific approach to the storytelling of superhero films, and Goyer's decision to diverge from that path created tension with the studio. Goyer's dedication to crafting an authentic version of Bruce Wayne served to establish a strong narrative foundation, despite the operational pressures imposed by the production studio. Overall, Goyer's reflections highlight the complexities of creative decision-making in film adaptations, especially when dealing with beloved comic book characters. The clash of creative vision between filmmakers and studios can result in divergent storytelling paths, as was evident in the handling of Batman's character during the transition from Nolan's trilogy to the Affleck-led installments. The importance of maintaining narrative consistency in adaptations remains a significant discussion point among fans and creators alike.