‘Batman’ Co-Writer Geoff Johns Reveals Comic Book Origins of Ben Affleck’s New Movie

Well that didn’t take very long. Just a couple of hours ago we learned that Ben Affleck will co-write, direct and star in a new Batman solo movie ahead of his appearance at Comic-Con 2015 this Saturday. If you thought you’d have to wait to learn more details about the project, DC’s chief creative officer and comic book writer Geoff Johns is already dropping hints.

According to THR, Johns revealed the origins of Affleck’s new solo Batman story, and if you’re familiar with his work on the Batman comics, then you know there are only a few places to look. Johns will be co-writing the script with Affleck, and has revealed that they’re taking inspiration from his own Batman: Earth One volumes for DC Comics.

Here’s what makes that a bit strange: when we meet Affleck’s Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, he’ll be the older, more jaded version of the character inspired by Frank Miller’s stories. Johns’ Earth One is a standalone series, and isn’t tied into the larger DCU, nor is it beholden to the character’s previously established history. It also features a younger version of the hero, one who is all by himself and trying to figure out how to be a better man. This iteration of Batman / Bruce Wayne is much more kind and relatable than the typically gruff, broody versions that have been popularized in film.

Earth One also explores how Batman’s actions may be partially responsible for the development of some of his most notable villains, like Scarecrow and the Riddler. That’s an interesting angle, and might explain why Affleck’s Batman is so hardened in Batman v Superman — it could also further shade his relationship to and views of Superman.

As far as Johns and Affleck concocting an origin story — that doesn’t seem likely, given that Affleck has a very specific age range with which he can play.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on March 26, and we’ll have more updates on Batman and Superman from WB’s panel at Comic-Con this weekend.