Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

INSIDE LOOK: 'BATMAN and SUPERMAN' Film

Posted Monday, February 10, 2014, at 3:08 PM

Actors Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman) and Ben Affleck (Bruce Wayne/Batman) will helm director Zack Snyder's untitled "Man of Steel" sequel in 2016.

Director Zack Snyder's untitled "Batman/Superman" film is shrouded in secrecy, but the man behind one of 2016's most highly-anticipated films did talk a little Dark Knight/Man of Steel with Popcorn Magazine.

Snyder was asked if his film was a direct adaptation of author Frank Miller's graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns. Snyder clearly stated no it isn't.

"The comic book will influence the history of Batman Vs. Superman, on which the writer David S. Goyer and myself will work," Snyder said. Goyer worked with director Christopher Nolan on "Batman Begins" (2005), "The Dark Knight" (2008) and "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012). Goyer also conceived the story and wrote the screenplay for "Man of Steel" (2013).

While most of the mystery lies with newcomer Ben Affleck portraying Bruce Wayne/Batman, Affleck's real-life wife Jennifer Garner and best friend Kevin Smith have gone on record with tidbits about the look of the new Batsuit. Outside of that, very little is known about Affleck's billionaire playboy.

Snyder went on and told Popcorn that Affleck is going to be an "older" and "more advised man" than Henry Cavill's Clark Kent/Superman, in the movie. However, unlike the gritty and darker Batman that appeared in Frank Miller's books, Snyder went on and said that Affleck will retain Wayne's youthful charismatic nature.

Even more insight into this version of Bruce Wayne was provided by executive producer to the project Michael E. Uslan. Uslan has the distinction of serving as producer on all of the Dark Knight films including "Batman" (1989), "Batman Returns" (1992), "Batman Forever" (1995), "Batman & Robin" (1997) and all three films in Nolan's DK Trilogy.

Uslan spoke to Empire Magazine about the casting choices made over the years to cast the ever-evolving and eccentric superhero. "We went through it all with Michael Keaton," said Uslan. "I lead the charge from the first time I heard Tim [Burton] was thinking of hiring Michael Keaton to play Batman. I'd go, 'Oh my god, all the work, I've put in all these years to do a dark and serious Batman, he's going to hire a comedian!' I could envision the posters: 'Mr. Mom is Batman,' but then he explained his vision, and he was right."

"This is all about Bruce Wayne, it's not about Batman, it's all about Bruce Wayne," Uslan continued. "If you're trying to do a serious, dark superhero, people have to believe in Bruce Wayne as that obsessed, driven guy, to the point maybe of almost being psychotic. A guy who would get dressed up as a bat and do what he did. So we went through the hoopla with Michael Keaton. The fans were the same reaction that I had initially, except I had the benefit of hearing a vision right away. Then when they actually went to see the movie they never wanted for anyone else to play Batman, never."

"So here we are, with an Academy Award-winning filmmaker," Uslan said of casting Affleck as the new Batman. "You look at his last bunch of movies... Hollywoodland he had me convinced he was George Reeves. The Town, Argo, just really, really great work."

"Again, I'll go back to what Tim said in the beginning, it's all about Bruce Wayne, and when you focus on it, Bruce Wayne, maybe in his mid-forties, what's he going to be feeling? What's he going to be thinking? What does he have on his plate to deal with? I just couldn't be more excited about it," Uslan continued.

Critics and fans alike emerged in droves when Affleck was picked to don the famous cowl when former Batman actor Christian Bale stepped aside for the upcoming project. Uslan reminded Empire that a similar disenchantment was felt when Heath Ledger was selected to play the Joker in "The Dark Knight."

"A number of years go by, and then all of a sudden the torches and the pitchforks go up. 'Oh my god, the guy that played the gay cowboy is going to be The Joker? They're going to destroy the greatest super villain in history! And then after Heath Ledger's performance, when they actually went to see it, nobody ever wanted The Joker played by another actor again," Uslan said.

Affleck played a similar dark and brooding superhero in Marvel's "Daredevil" (2003), which is one of the most underrated films of the genre. I have no doubt that Affleck will bring a rich performance to this new Bruce Wayne. Affleck may have the stigma of being a poor thespian, but he can act folks. Give him a chance.

Snyder's untitled "Batman/Superman" film opens on May 6, 2016. The film co-stars Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), Gal Gadot (Diana Prince/Wonder Woman), Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor) and Jeremy Irons (Alfred Pennyworth).

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