Ben Affleck’s Batman: The Dark Knight Who Killed Off His Rogue Gallery

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A heartbreaking fan theory about the DCEU suggests that Ben Affleck’s Batman was crueler than the Joker behind the scenes, before the storyline of Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”. The DCEU is the first live-action DC franchise to create a universe populated by heroes and villains at their peak. Batman stands out in the DCEU, as Ben Affleck’s portrayal of the Dark Knight came after he had already donned the cape and cowl on screen.

In the movie “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman stirred up quite a debate. Not only was Batman seen primarily pursuing Superman out of unjustified anger for much of the film, but he also showed little hesitation in taking the lives of criminals. While other live-action Batmans have shown similar disregard for life, Affleck’s version stands out as particularly brutal in his approach to crime-fighting. Furthermore, it appears that Affleck’s Batman may have had a more troubling backstory than what the DC Extended Universe depicts.

Ben Affleck’s Batman May Have Killed His Rogue Gallery Prior To Dawn of Justice

The DCEU’s Batman May Have Snapped After Robin’s Death

In the film “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” we see a hardened Bruce Wayne, who isn’t hesitant to use lethal force against his foes and even marks criminals with his Bat-symbol. Portrayed by Ben Affleck, this Batman is deeply affected by the murder of Robin at the hands of the Joker, an event that pushed him towards a more ruthless path where he disregarded his previous no-kill policy. However, it’s important to note that while the DC Extended Universe confirms Batman has killed minor criminals, it’s speculated that he might have also eliminated many of his usual adversaries before encountering Superman.

Following the death of Robin by the Joker, there’s a possibility that Batman, consumed by rage, embarked on a deadly rampage that effectively resolved his conflicts with various criminal elements in Gotham City. Enraged, Batman might have resorted to using lethal force against any criminal who dared challenge him. Potential adversaries such as Mr. Freeze, Bane, Poison Ivy, Two-Face, the Penguin, and Scarecrow may have been taken off guard by a relentless Dark Knight. Recognizing that his lethal approach could exacerbate problems when dealing with supervillains, Batman might have opted to incarcerate the remaining villains at Arkham Asylum, among them Killer Croc, Harley Quinn, and Deadshot.

In Zack Snyder’s Justice League, it seems that Batman’s compassion may not endure for long, given the grim future depicted in the Knightmare timeline. When Batman faces off against the Joker, the Joker exploits Robin’s death to provoke Batman, who responds by reminding him of Harley Quinn’s plea on her deathbed to let the Joker die a slow death. Notably, Batman mentions that he held Harley as she died much like he did with Robin. This suggests that Harley’s demise occurs between the present day events in Justice League and the start of the Knightmare future where Batman fails to save Lois Lane.

Batman’s Broken No-Kill Rule Explains Why He Feared Superman

Batman May Have Been Intimidated By Superman’s Invincible Nature

In the opening scene of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” Bruce Wayne experiences the catastrophic event known as Black Zero in Metropolis personally. This sight not only reinforces the constant threat Superman poses to mankind, but it may also fill Batman with a sense of vulnerability against an adversary he cannot defeat. If Batman had indeed eliminated some of his classic foes before the events depicted in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” witnessing an apparently invincible deity descend from the heavens and impose his own notion of heroism, after causing the death of countless innocent civilians, would likely feel like a deeply personal affront.

One piece of evidence suggesting that Batman may have become accustomed to killing powerful DC characters is demonstrated in his fights with Superman, where he actively seeks to end the battle by killing him. In this instance, only Lois Lane and Superman’s “Martha” moment saved Superman from being killed by a Kryptonite spear at Batman’s hands. Given that Batman was prepared to kill Superman, it wouldn’t be surprising if he might have also been willing to take the lives of lesser virtuous characters like Victor Zsasz and Jonathan Crane shortly after the Joker murdered Robin.

Among Batman’s foes who narrowly escaped a similar fate as his victims are Deathstroke, introduced in the post-credits scene of Justice League’s Legion of Doom, and the Riddler, who was part of Zack Snyder’s original plans for Justice League sequels. In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Alfred Pennyworth makes a reference to Oswald Cobblepot, but his comment about “exploding wind-up penguins” might be seen as underestimating the Penguin’s potential threat level.

The Snyderverse’s Killer Batman Theory Makes 1 Justice League Scene Even Better

Batman Probably Regrets Sparing The One Villain Who Made Him Kill

In a future depicted by Zack Snyder in Justice League, an unlikely alliance forms between Batman, the Joker, and Deathstroke. This is their sole screen appearance together, bringing to a close over twenty years of hidden conflict within their universe. Tension between them is inevitable, but if Robin’s death caused Batman to eliminate most of his rogues gallery, working with the Joker could be especially challenging. If Batman’s anger drove him to kill dangerous villains, he halted before reaching the Joker, now finding himself facing the end of days alongside this arch-nemesis.

In Zack Snyder’s DCEU, the themes and atmosphere are influenced by the “Injustice” universe, where Superman takes the life of the Joker, as well as classic DC Comics stories like “The Killing Joke,” in which Batman ends up killing the Joker himself. However, contrary to these sources, the Snyderverse’s bleak setting allows the Joker to endure the apocalypse unscathed. Nonetheless, Batman exacts a measure of vengeance by eliminating Harley Quinn, an action that, although the Joker may not openly acknowledge it, likely impacts him deeply.

Batman’s Broken No-Kill Rule Makes Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight A More Tragic Character

Batman Couldn’t Enjoy His Superhero Status Properly

In the DCEU narrative, Batman’s tale unfolds predominantly post Robin’s demise and his abandonment of the no-kill rule. This shift in his moral compass transforms Batman from a seeker of justice to a pursuer of vengeance. Regrettably, this breach of his no-kill rule negatively impacts his standing as a global hero saving the world. As the story progresses, following the formation of the Justice League, events take a turn for the worse when Superman succumbs to Darkseid’s corruption, leading Batman to contemplate a self-sacrificial plan aimed at preserving humanity.

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2025-04-22 14:09