Ben Affleck reportedly exits the director seat for ‘The Batman’
Maybe it’s the failure of Live By Night, but Ben Affleck is falling on the sword and stepping down as director of The Batman, claiming that it’s just too much to star as the Caped Crusader and direct the film.
Variety reported the Affleck Bat News: “There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” Affleck said in a statement. “Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film. I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director. I remain extremely committed to this project, and look forward to bringing this to life for fans around the world.”
Warner Bros. is already moving one step ahead, as there already appears to be a shortlist of directors to partner up with Affleck on the movie. The shortlist supposedly includes Matt Reeves, known for his work on War for the Planet of the Apes.
THR reports that Affleck and executives had been unhappy with the script for weeks, so Reeves may be a great fresh set of eyes for the film.
Another big name would be The Accountant helmer Gavin O’Connor, who would be re-teaming with Affleck.
Slash Film offered a long, massive list of 27 names which include Darren Aronofsky, Shane Black, James Wan and Doug Liman — all names linked to a previous Superhero film in some way shape or form. Slash offers up James Mangold under “wishful thinking,” which would be interesting since Logan ends Hugh Jackman’s tenure as Wolverine.
“If James Mangold wasn’t already the director of The Wolverine and Logan, he’d be an excellent choice to helm The Batman. Hell, he’d still be an excellent choice to helm The Batman, but like with Ryan Coogler, it’s hard to imagine everyone muddying the waters of these various cinematic universes too much. And that’s a shame, because Mangold is the kind of working director who stands head and shoulders above the rest – he’s capable and smart and makes the exact kind of studio fare you hope to see when you settle in for an evening at your local multiplex.”
Joe Manganiello has been attached to play Slade Wilson/Deathstroke with Jeremy Irons reprising his role as Alfred and J.K. Simmons joining the DCU as Gordon.
Justice League 2 was slated to release on June 14, 2019 but Ben Affleck’s The Batman is now rumored to be taking the said release date instead.
