Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice star Ben Affleck has shared insights into his difficult experience portraying the Dark Knight for DC.

In a recent GQ interview, the actor discussed his decade-long stint as Batman, describing it as a “profoundly tough ordeal.” He highlighted how his complex dynamics with DC leadership ultimately diminished his enthusiasm for superhero roles.

“Several factors made that experience particularly challenging,” Affleck noted. “It wasn’t just about being in a superhero film. I’ve lost the spark that once drew me to this genre, not solely because of that ordeal, but I have no desire to revisit such an experience.”

Affleck has touched on this subject before, but he now provides deeper clarity on the root of his struggles. He attributed much of it to a “clash of visions, goals, and expectations” while acknowledging his own shortcomings. Reflecting on his DC tenure, he admitted, “I wasn’t contributing anything extraordinary to the role at that time.”

“You can judge my acting by watching the films, but the real issue was the negativity I brought to the set daily,” he explained, elaborating on his personal challenges.

“I wasn’t disruptive, but I did the bare minimum—showing up, doing my part, and leaving. You need to bring more energy than that.”

Affleck’s DC journey began with Zack Snyder’s Batman v. Superman alongside Henry Cavill, followed by years of cameos and a scrapped solo project. Fans may recall his appearances in Justice League (both the 2017 version and the 2021 Snyder Cut), The Flash, and a brief role in 2016’s Suicide Squad.

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Details on the canceled Batman film remain scarce, though speculation suggests it might have spanned 80 years of the Dark Knight’s legacy, potentially delving into Arkham Asylum and featuring Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke.

Affleck previously credited longtime friend Matt Damon for helping him step away from the iconic role, but in the latest GQ interview, he revealed his son also influenced his decision.

“The films started feeling too mature for much of the audience. Even my son found Batman v. Superman too frightening to watch,” Affleck said. “That’s when I realized we had an issue.”

“You had a director committed to one path and a studio aiming to appeal to younger viewers, creating conflicting goals. When two parties want different things, it’s a recipe for trouble.”

DC is now carving a new path, separating its darker and more family-friendly narratives. The former will continue with The Batman 2 in 2027, while the latter will launch with James Gunn’s DCU starting with Superman this July. As for Affleck, don’t expect him to return to DC to helm a project in Gunn’s new vision.