The former Batman actor Ben Affleck reveals the uncomfortable reality behind the iconic cape and cowl, comparing his struggles to other actors who wore the suit.
Ben Affleck Reveals the Brutal Reality of Wearing the Batsuit: “It’s Horrendous”
It turns out being the Dark Knight is not as glamorous as it looks. Actor Ben Affleck, who donned the cape and cowl in several DC films including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, and The Flash, recently opened up about the physically taxing experience of wearing the Batsuit during an interview with GQ.
“I hated the Batsuits. The Batsuits are horrendous to wear,” Affleck admitted. “They’re hot, they don’t breathe, and they’re made for aesthetics—not comfort. There’s no thought put into the human being inside.”
Known for being a heavy sweater, Affleck said the heat was unbearable. “I sweat. So in that thing, you’d just be pouring water. It made shooting really difficult. You’re instantly exhausted and drenched—it doesn’t exactly make you feel heroic,” he joked.
Comparing himself to other Batman actors, Affleck added, “Maybe Christian [Bale] or Rob [Pattinson] were just better at dealing with it.”
Affleck isn’t the only one with Batsuit grievances. Director Tim Burton, who helmed the original Batman films, also criticized later versions of the suit. Speaking to Empire in 2022, Burton famously slammed the “Batnipple” costume featured in Joel Schumacher’s Batman & Robin, calling it a step too far even for a franchise known for bold visuals.
“I was like, ‘Wait a minute. I’m too weird and dark? And then you put nipples on the costume? Go f**k yourself,’” Burton said.
While the Batsuit remains one of the most iconic superhero looks in pop culture, it’s clear the price of heroism is sometimes paid in sweat—and discomfort.