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So Ben Affleck got to do a 110 million R-rated film for WB...

posted 8 years ago by gogoschka-1
3 replies | jump to latest

...which makes me think: could this have a little something to do with his role in Warner Brothers' DC universe?

I may be a little late to the party but I only just saw the - in my opinion very impressive looking - trailer for 'Live by Night' and was surprised Affleck got to do it with WB for a stunning 110 million budget. It's a rare thing these days to see an R-rated film with this kind of production budget, and though I hope it will be excellent and make a killing at the box office, I actually doubt that will be the case (well, at least the part about the box office - though I have been wrong before with 'The Revenant').

The only reason I can think of why WB would have allowed Affleck to make the film on this scale is some sort of deal because he agreed to star as Batman and also to serve as producer, writer and director for one (or more) future DC films.

Good negotiating on Ben's part: fingers crossed he can squeeze more money out of WB for some more interesting films in the future 

http://www.the-fanboy-perspective.com/a-rant-against-modern-tentpole-film-making.html

[–] TrevorAclea 8 years ago

It was originally developed as a Leonardo DiCaprio starring vehicle to capitalise on both Shutter Island and The Great Gatsby. With Warners apparently spending a lot to buy the novel and develop the picture and DiCaprio still producing, it's as much about keeping him happy.

"Security - release the badgers."

[–] cornnetto 8 years ago

I think the big budget like said above is in part that it was developped as a Dicaprio vehicule and he is still attached to it, Affleck making safe money making movie like the Accountant and Batman for them could be in part why they didn't cut it back.

[–] allblacks-1 8 years ago

You pretty much nailed it along with Trev and Cornetto above IMHO.

This project has been in an active development for five years at least. DiCaprio was supposed to lead it - with his profile gradually raising during those years.

Then Affleck post-Argo expressed interest. Then they signed him for Batman.

So it does seem like a long-term relationship investment. This movie might not quite break even or even lose some - but as long as the relationship keeps the talent involved happy - WB should be fine.

Plus: a month ago we wondered why January release. Now it's also a December Oscar-qualifying run - so it's also a prestige picture (that'll break even in the long run one way or another).