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Rep says Casey Affleck was 'having fun' when he made Batman comment

By Wade Sheridan and Karen Butler
Ben Affleck attends the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 28, 2016. Ben's brother Casey Affleck has said he doesn't think Ben will portray Batman again. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI
1 of 2 | Ben Affleck attends the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 28, 2016. Ben's brother Casey Affleck has said he doesn't think Ben will portray Batman again. File Photo by David Silpa/UPI | License Photo

Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning actor Casey Affleck "was having fun" when he said his brother Ben will not be returning to portray Batman in Warner Bros.' upcoming standalone film, The Batman.

"He was having fun with the folks at the Red Sox game -- where he threw out the first pitch in support of the Jimmy Fund -- and not speaking from a place of firsthand knowledge," Casey's representative told BuzzFeed News Wednesday.

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Affleck made the comments Tuesday during an interview with WEEI's Dale & Holley With Keefe radio show.

"I thought he was an okay Batman," Casey joked when asked about his brother's role as the Dark Knight. "No, he was great. He was great. He's a hero, so he had something to channel and work with there."

"But he's not going to do that movie [The Batman] I don't think. Sorry to say," Casey continued before backtracking his statement. "Is that breaking news? Because I was just kind of making that up, I don't know."

Casey's comments come after Ben denied rumors at the San Diego Comic Con in July that he was going to be departing the role of Batman following the release of Justice League.

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"Let me be clear. I'm the luckiest guy. Batman is the coolest [expletive] part in any universe, DC, Marvel," Ben said while speaking onstage during a Justice League panel. "I am so thrilled to do it. I know there's this misconception that because I'm not directing it, that maybe I wasn't enthusiastic about it. It's [expletive] amazing! I still can't believe it after two films."

Ben's publicist told BuzzFeed News nothing has changed since Comic-Con, and the actor will "continue to be Batman as long as the studio will have him."

Ben was originally tapped to also direct The Batman before he stepped down from the position, citing a need to focus on starring as the superhero.

"There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions. Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require," he said in a statement at the time.

Filmmaker Matt Reeves is now helming the solo Batman project, which still has no release date.

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