Jason Momoa Reveals What Makes Ben Affleck the Best Batman (And Why They’re Such Close Friends)

Jason Momoa and Ben Affleck’s friendship is a testament to the idea that great relationships can bloom from shared experiences, even in the high-pressure world of Hollywood. While many might think of Matt Damon as Ben Affleck’s closest confidant, the bond between the “Justice League” co-stars is undeniable and truly special.

Their camaraderie has been well documented, and it was Jason Momoa who had the honor of announcing Affleck’s return as Batman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). In a post on Instagram, Momoa shared a photo of himself embracing the “Gone Girl” star with the caption, “Reunited Bruce and Arthur. Love you and miss you, Ben.” The excitement was palpable. Fans were thrilled, not only by Affleck’s return to the iconic role of Batman, but by the fact that two of the franchise’s most beloved characters—Arthur Curry (Aquaman) and Bruce Wayne (Batman)—would once again share the screen. For Momoa, it wasn’t just about the characters; it was about reconnecting with a friend.

In an interview with Variety in August 2022, Momoa expressed his joy at working alongside Affleck again. “It’s just hugs and kisses. I love that guy,” Momoa gushed. “We get along too well. It’s very good to see him again.” This warmth and mutual respect between the two actors are evident whenever they speak about each other.

Beyond their on-screen roles, Momoa has also spoken about the immense respect he has for Affleck’s directorial work. Having worked together on multiple projects within the DCEU, Momoa has come to view Affleck as not only a co-star but also a mentor. “Ben is just a phenomenal director. I just love picking his brain because he’s what I want to be as a director,” Momoa shared with HuffPost. The two bond over their shared passion for filmmaking, and for Momoa, it’s about learning from Affleck’s vast experience. “I love filmmaking and that process, and I enjoyed Ben’s company because when I see him in pain, putting that cowl on, he’s in pain,” he explained. It’s clear that, for Momoa, the journey of making films with Affleck—despite the challenges—has been something he cherishes.

While their friendship is rooted in mutual admiration, there’s also an undeniable sense of fun and lightheartedness. Despite the close friendship, Momoa’s favorite Batman is not Affleck. In a playful moment during the 2018 Aquaman presentation at CinemaCon, Momoa admitted that his favorite Batman is actually Will Arnett, who voiced the character in The LEGO Batman Movie. It’s a humorous side of the actor that fans adore.

Affleck, for his part, has been open about the challenges he faced portraying Batman. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times in January 2022, he admitted that filming Justice League was the “worst” experience of his career, citing personal struggles and the challenges of the reshoots. But despite his difficult experiences with the role, Affleck’s return in The Flash was a turning point. “I have never said this—but maybe my favorite scenes in terms of Batman… were in The Flash movie,” he confessed. It was in these moments that Affleck finally felt he had found the right approach to the iconic role. Fans, including Momoa, were thrilled to see Affleck’s renewed passion for playing Batman.

As Aquaman 2 approaches, the excitement surrounding Affleck’s return is growing. Fans are eager to see how the dynamic between the two stars plays out on screen, especially with the deep friendship that has developed off-screen. With Momoa’s infectious enthusiasm and Affleck’s reinvigorated approach to Batman, it’s clear that their partnership—both as co-stars and friends—will continue to shine.

In the end, it’s not just the superheroes they portray that makes Jason Momoa and Ben Affleck such a formidable pair. It’s the bond they’ve built over the years, their shared respect for one another, and their genuine affection that makes them such an unforgettable duo in the DC Universe.