using Batman v Superman : Dawn of Justice to introduce members of its Justice League , comprised of Superman , Batman , Wonder Woman and a host of other superpowered , or at least super-skilled , heroes . During the three-year lead up to its release , the film ’ s production company , director , and actors have promoted the film , tactically using media to create a “ public ” that does not comprehensively “ promote ” the film but instead builds interest through periodic and ambiguous online tidbits to whet the appetites of fans . This time out , Batman ’ s cowl and cape is to be worn by Ben Affleck ( the eighth actor to do so on film , for those keeping count ), and despite the rapid fan desire to see the characters of Batman and Superman interacting in live action on the big screen for the first time , the casting of Affleck has caused an online eruption of fan displeasure that has dogged the unreleased film throughout its production . These online protests demonstrate a dynamic counterpublic that ranges in dexterity from memes to the sale of T-shirts featuring “ No Batfleck ” symbols , even resorting to a White House petition to remove Affleck from the film .
The Batroversy The casting of a beloved character will typically generate some controversy , particularly one with a fanbase as massive and devoted as Batman ’ s . When it comes to the transition of seminal comic book characters to the screen , fans are notoriously fixated on details . For example , long before Man of Steel was released , a publicity still of Superman ’ s “ new look ” was released online ; immediately , fans complained about Superman ’ s redesigned costume that eradicated his traditional red shorts in favor of more blue . While Man of Steel went on to engender other criticisms after its release , the “ red shorts ” controversy still served to generate exposure for the film
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