Matt Reeves WILL Direct The Batman

Holy crap Batman! It’s been an up and down saga, but now Warner Bros have officially confirmed Matt Reeves will be directing The Batman.

It was only six days ago that the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes helmer walked away from negotiations, but those reporting the story did stress the talks could reopen and it seemed they were right and not only has Reeves signed on the dotted line to direct, but he’ll also produce.

Reeves will now become only the seventh person to ever direct Batman.

IMAGE VIA CLAY ENOS/ WARNER BROS

In an official statement, Reeves said “I have loved the Batman story since I was a child. He is such an iconic and compelling character, and one that resonates with me deeply. I am incredibly honoured and excited to be working with Warner Bros. to bring an epic and emotional new take on the Caped Crusader to the big screen.”

Toby Emmerich, Warner Bros President and Chief Content Officer, added “We are thrilled to have Matt Reeves taking the helm of Batman, the crown jewel of our DC slate. Matt’s deep roots in genre films and his evolution into an emotional world-building director make him the perfect filmmaker to guide the Dark Knight through this next journey.”

I’m honestly glad and excited to see what the 50-year-old does with a Batman film because Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was a brilliant film and War for the Planet of the Apes looks even better. The fact he’s made me care and root for a CGI ape shows Batman is in safe hands.

People were wondering why Reeves changed his mind after six days and rightly thought it could be money and I think he is getting a little bit more, but ultimately I think the fact he has more creative control and is made as a producer probably what got him to sign.

Film pundits and bloggers were speculating why wasn’t Ben Affleck’s name mentioned? That thought never came into my mind, WB probably thought it would be common sense he was going to star and Affleck seemingly ended any thoughts he was exiting the project with this tweet.

Welcome to the Batcave, @MattReevesLA pic.twitter.com/JsB4sGGux2

— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) 24 February 2017

Ha! Thanks so much, man. So excited. https://t.co/h5hTJ2lwj3

— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) 24 February 2017

Don’t get me wrong, I fully expect Affleck to still step away after The Batman. On the other hand, if Justice League does gangbusters then maybe he’ll still for a little longer.

What happens next? Well according to Variety “Reeves, Affleck and the studio can now focus on moving the film into production and begin casting. Sources indicate that Chris Terrio turned in a script that pleased both the studio and Affleck.”