Affleck's comments, reported by Variety, delve into the tumultuous period when Warner Bros. replaced original director Zack Snyder with Joss Whedon to oversee extensive reshoots. Snyder had stepped away from the film due to a personal tragedy, the death of his daughter. Affleck expressed strong disapproval of how the studio navigated this sensitive situation.
"The way in which that was, I thought, used as an excuse [to replace Zack] was one of the shittiest things I’ve ever seen. It was so gross," Affleck stated. He recounted the difficult atmosphere on set during this period, describing it as "about as gross as it gets." The actor noted that while he was not privy to all the specifics, he heard accounts from other cast members.
The star highlighted the fundamental flaw in the production approach, emphasizing the friction between the creative vision and studio interference. "I saw how not to make a movie like that, which is where the studio is at odds with the filmmaker," he explained. This conflict, coupled with the circumstances surrounding Snyder's exit, led to a critically panned and commercially disappointing final product, which included an estimated 60 pages of new material shot by Whedon.
Affleck also acknowledged his own personal struggles during that time, including issues with alcohol and his divorce. However, he clarified that while these were painful, they did not directly impact the movie itself. His criticism remained focused on the production environment and the studio's decisions, particularly the perceived exploitation of Snyder's tragedy. The actor expressed genuine relief and satisfaction when Zack Snyder was eventually able to release his original vision of the film, known as the "Snyder Cut."
This isn't the first time Affleck has voiced his dismay over the "Justice League" experience. He previously told Entertainment Weekly that making the film was a "nadir experience" that ultimately contributed to his decision to step away from the role of Batman. His recent remarks reiterate the profound negative impact the troubled production had on his career and his perception of studio filmmaking.