Celebrity
Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill Face Off in ‘Batman v. Superman’
Published
10 years agoon
By
Willie David
BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — The oldest actor ever to don the Dark Knight’s cape and cowl by a good five years, 43-year-old Ben Affleck wasn’t about to get into a competition with his 32-year-old “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” co-star Henry Cavill over who’s the better fighter. Not even a friendly one.
“Henry’s great at it. And I’m just too old for that (expletive),” said Affleck, whose Batman, earthly limitations and all, takes on the Man of Steel in the Zack Snyder film out Friday.
“Ben’s being very generous but it’s not that tricky to do the Superman stuff,” Cavill quickly responded. “What you’re doing is you’re throwing punches and then something super powered takes over. The CGI kicks in.”
“He’s great with heat vision! You should see it,” Affleck said, laughing.
Anyone who knows anything about the world’s most famous superheroes knows that it’s not exactly a fair pairing. After all, no matter how much Batman bulks up or spends on gadgets and armor, he’s still a man. Superman is something else. His actions in 2013’s “Man of Steel” proved it, and also set into motion the events that lead to the showdown in “Batman v Superman.”
Superman’s “Man of Steel” triumph came at a cost. The bad guy was defeated, but his actions left a city destroyed, thousands of lives lost, and it made a powerful enemy in the superhero next door — Batman.
Affleck’s Batman is older, wiser, and a little more jaded than we’ve ever seen him before. He’s also suspicious of this all-powerful god-like being and decides that something must be done.
Thankfully, that fundamental day versus night, man versus alien rivalry didn’t carry over when the cameras stopped rolling, although Affleck laughed that he was still getting used to the idea that he’s not the young guy on set anymore.
“This is a hard movie, mechanically. It was disjointed in a lot of ways putting it together,” Affleck said. “It was good that we got along and I had somebody like Henry to help me get through it. If we had hated each other it would have been an agonizing process. It was a long 120 days.”
Plus, Cavill said, consistently trying to one-up someone is exhausting.
Besides, both actors had enough to think about, between making their characters distinctive and also getting into fighting shape. They had an advantage over many of their Hollywood counterparts just by nature of the fact that they’re both north of 6 feet tall, but they still needed to build muscle and quickly lean down before filming started so they wouldn’t have fat faces either, Cavill said.
Affleck said the costumers essentially became his conscience during the process.
“They have to keep coming over and doing measurements over and over again because the suit has to fit just right,” Affleck said. “It gives you good track of your body. You feel like if you’re not getting bigger the costumers will know it and think you must be slacking off.”
Ultimately it was about establishing a believable reality for Batman’s brute power on screen.
“Audiences really want and respect that actors will get themselves physically in the kind of shape that it’s plausible to do this stuff,” Affleck said. “Hugh Jackman’s got to look right. He’s got to look like Wolverine. When you see him, it’s impressive and it makes you believe it.”
Physical presence aside, Cavill and Affleck both relished in the scope and scale of the endeavor — and its ultimate reach. Affleck, in his first outing as the Dark Knight, will continue on in the “Justice League” movies too, the first of which starts shooting this year.
“This has become the widest, broadest genre for communicating and storytelling, particularly internationally. You’re able to use these stories to evoke interesting themes and tell stories that you think might have resonance. There’s something really powerful in that,” Affleck said.
Chris Terrio, who won an Oscar for his “Argo” script, co-wrote “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and certainly made sure to lace it with big ideas that go much deeper than many contemporary comic adaptations.
“When Superman shows up he engenders a lot of fear. He’s so powerful that people feel threatened and so there’s this notion of how we behave when we’re threatened and how it provokes our lesser selves — we have the urge to strike out at someone because they’re powerful,” Affleck said.
Superman, too, looks a little different from the selfless do-gooder who people know and love in this film.
“Superman is an ideal. He’s something to aspire to be,” Cavill said. “We’re going through an evolution of Kal-El becoming the true Superman who we know in the comic books. In this he’s making mistakes and learning from them and having emotional, knee jerk reactions and realizing that those are not the way to deal with things when it comes to being earth’s savior…it’s a difficult line to toe. People care a lot about these characters.”
“It’s not easy being earth’s savior,” Affleck said.
“No,” Cavill laughed. “It’s not.”
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
