In a recent interview with GQ, actor Ben Affleck candidly shared his thoughts on wearing the iconic Batsuit, stating that he “hated” it and found it “horrendous to wear.” Affleck revealed that the elaborate costume posed significant challenges during filming, primarily due to the intense heat it generated. He explained, “They don’t breathe. They’re made to look the way they want them to look. There’s no thought put into the human being.”
Affleck elaborated on the discomfort caused by the suit, noting that it caused profuse sweating. He said, “You just start sweating … So in that thing, you’d just be pouring water, because you have that cowl over it.” He emphasized that while wearing the Batsuit was challenging, the real struggle began once the cowl was put on. “That’s where all your heat kind of escapes and you feel it,” he added.
Interestingly, even highly trained stunt performers faced difficulties in the Batsuit. Affleck mentioned that they could only tolerate the suit for about 45 to 50 minutes before risking heatstroke. “So you had to come out of it,” he remarked, highlighting the physical demands of the costume. He continued, “It just made it difficult to make the movie because you’re so hot. It also does not make you feel very heroic, because you’re instantly exhausted and really sweaty.”
Ben Affleck portrayed Batman in two feature films directed by Zack Snyder: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 and Justice League in 2017, which was later re-edited and released in 2021 as Zack Snyder’s Justice League. He also made cameos in Suicide Squad and The Flash. Initially, Affleck was set to star in, direct, and co-write a standalone film titled The Batman. However, following the disappointing commercial performance of Batman v Superman and Justice League, he was ultimately replaced by Robert Pattinson in the role.
The Batsuit worn by Affleck was designed by Oscar-nominated costume designer Michael Wilkinson and constructed by Jose Fernandez and Ironhead Studio. This intricate costume was reportedly made from multiple layers of Lycra and foam, requiring Affleck around 25 minutes to get into it, with the assistance of up to six costume helpers. In 2015, Wilkinson praised the cowl as “incredible engineering.” He stated that previous Batsuits had limitations, preventing actors from turning their heads, but this design was “comfortable and very flexible,” allowing Affleck to perform in “a very natural and forceful way.”
Ben Affleck's insights into the challenges of wearing the Batsuit provide a unique perspective on the physical demands of playing such an iconic character. Despite the discomfort, his portrayal of Batman has left a lasting impression on fans, showcasing both the triumphs and tribulations of bringing a superhero to life on the big screen.
