When Warner Bros. first announced that director Zack Snyder’s follow-up film to this summer’s Man of Steel would be bringing Batman into the picture, many figured that we would sit through months of speculation and rumors with regards to who would don the cape and cowl.  Thankfully an official announcement came last month when Ben Affleck was tapped to play Batman in the pic, but we did hear a few casting rumors along the way.  Chief among them was word that Snyder had originally been eyeing Josh Brolin to tackle the character.

While speaking about his new film Labor Day at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, Brolin indeed confirmed that he was in early talks to play Batman in Batman vs. Superman, but things didn’t “turn out.”  Hit the jump for more, including Brolin's thoughts on the reaction to Affleck's casting.

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Talking with the Huffington Post, Brolin was asked if he had conversations with Snyder about playing Batman in the Man of Steel sequel:

"We did. I didn't have conversations about it, but Zack [Snyder], that was part of his idea. It just didn't turn out. It's OK. It is OK. You know, another scenario might have worked better, but I'm happy for Ben."

We had previously heard that Snyder wanted Brolin for the role of Batman as early as July, but it appears that the talks never lead to a firm deal.  Brolin certainly feels like he would’ve been a great Batman, but I feel that Affleck will do a fine job as well. Speaking of which, Brolin commented on the fan outrage over Affleck’s casting:

"I've never seen such a global reaction in my life. I feel for him, truly. I would not want to be him right now. The reaction becomes so personal. It's like, 'Fuck this guy, I wish he was dead.' And you're like, 'What? Dude, seriously? This guy is just working like you are. He's doing the same thing you are. He's trying to make the best choices he can.'"

The reaction to Affleck’s casting seems like it has calmed down over the past few weeks, so hopefully fans have decided to reserve judgment until they actually see the performance.  Snyder’s untitled Man of Steel follow-up will start filming in Michigan in early 2014 in anticipation of a July 17, 2015 release date.

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