Batman isn't a hero that's known for his public appearances. Everyone knows the Dark Knight is known for his brooding isolation and loneliness; it's one of the reasons the character is still compelling after 75 years on the market. Then again, it looks like Batman's public image may change a bit with Ben Affleck donning the cape and cowl. Affleck's been as open as he possibly can be about playing Batman, and hasn't shied away from public appearances like many of his peers are wont to do.
Bat-fleck's latest PR move took place at Michigan State University. While on-site for the filming of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Affleck took time off from shooting to work out with a few of the MSU Spartans before giving a short speech to the team.
Ben Affleck just lifting some weights with the MSU football team and giving pump up speeches https://t.co/EUnB5WpKJw pic.twitter.com/v284GgADf3
— Kmarko (@Kmarkobarstool) October 17, 2014
Seeing as how Michigan State's campus is being used for something in Batman v. Superman, it only makes sense that Affleck would take a break to get a little one-on-one time in with the Spartans. Affleck spent more than an hour working out with the Division 1 football team, then followed it up with a short speech encouraging the Spartans to give it their all in the team's upcoming game against the Indiana Hoosiers. And the best part about the whole speech? Affleck opened with two simple words: "I'm Batman."
#MichiganState Thx for letting us film & letting me work out in the weight room. Good luck Saturday RT @MSU_Spartans pic.twitter.com/hDAR07dR3W — Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) October 17, 2014
It's unknown exactly what Affleck and Batman v. Superman were filming at Michigan State. However, the production was shooting in Detroit for some time, and it's likely that the two are related. Sets have been popping up all over the country; the latest set to be discovered was a large fortress being built in the New Mexico desert, and before that, images of a large mansion and a Gotham City Police Department cruiser were also leaked.
Regardless of what was shot on Michigan State's campus, it's easy to see that Affleck is noticeably bigger than he's ever been. It's understandable, and the new costume does look to be a bit bulky...either way, this could be the biggest Affleck has ever been.
Batman v. Superman's filming may be well underway, but fans still have a long ways to go before Affleck appears in costume on the big screen. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice is set to premiere on March 25, 2016.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment
