Ben Affleckis opening up about how his struggles with sobriety affected his career — notably his role as Batman.
In aninterview withThe New York Timespublished Tuesday, the actor told the outlet why he is not in the upcoming filmThe Batman, which he was set to initially direct and act in after having played the DC hero in bothBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice(2016) and Justice League (2017).
“I showed somebodyThe Batmanscript,” Affleck, 47, said. “They said, ‘I think the script is good. I also think you’ll drink yourself to death if you go through what you just went though [sic] again.”
The Batmanis set to come out in 2021, and will starRobert Pattinsonin the title role with Matt Reeves (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) directing.
Affleck, who has been open about his ownstruggles with addiction,is starring in anupcoming sports dramaThe Way Back, which echoes his own experience with alcoholism and divorce.
The actor says it took years to admit his own struggles. “It took me a long time to fundamentally, deeply, without a hint of doubt, admit to myself that I am an alcoholic,” he continued to theTimes. “The next drink will not be different.”
Still, as Affleck continues to work onhis recovery,he acknowledges, “It’s not particularly healthy for me to obsess over the failures — the relapses — and beat myself up.”
“I have certainly made mistakes. I have certainly done things that I regret,” he added. “But you’ve got to pick yourself up, learn from it, learn some more, try to move forward.”
The Way Backopens March 6.
source: people.com
