Watch Ben Affleck Officially Retire As Batman

Ben Affleck made an appearance on last night's Jimmy Kimmel Live, where - for the first time ever, as far as we know - the Oscar-winner publicly explained what went wrong on his long-gestating solo Batman movie. Said Affleck:

“I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter, but just couldn’t come up with a version. I couldn’t crack it and so I thought it’s time for someone else to take a shot at it. They got some really good people so I’m excited.”

Kimmel, never one to pass up an opportunity to make Ben Affleck feel a little less than comfortable, then revealed he'd put together a retirement ceremony of sorts to mark the occasion. It involves Batman's cape and cowl, Jimmy Kimmel Live's Guillermo in a Robin costume, and Ben Affleck being an exceptionally good sport.

Take a look:

Those "good people" Affleck's referring to are Matt Reeves and his creative team, who even as we speak are working on their version of The Batman, due to arrive in the summer of 2021. We're not entirely sure what that film will entail - or who'll replace Affleck! - though the word on the street suggests it'll be a noir-ish detective story (and that, yes, the Penguin may be involved). 

As for Affleck, well, as we said above: the man's a great sport, and while we're sad to see him leave this role (again: say what you will about Batman V. Superman and Justice League, but Ben Affleck's Batman definitely wasn't the problem on either of those films), we're happy to see him having such a sense of humor about the whole thing, and wish him well.

Stay tuned for more on The Batman - and whatever Affleck does next! - as further updates roll in.