The Batman To Be Directed By Matt Reeves

In the early hours of this morning (11th February), when a lot of the world was asleep, there was a new chapter of the DCU/The Batman saga as it seems like they’ve found a new director.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes helmer Matt Reeves has been offered to replace Ben Affleck as director of The Batman.

IMAGE VIA THR/CARLOS ALVAREZ/GETTY IMAGES

However, according to Variety sources, Reeves “has already committed to helming the superhero pic, although a deal isn’t done yet.”

Affleck was set to direct and star in The Batman and was developing the script, but after seemingly getting put under pressure he left directing the project last week. This came with a joint statement by both the Oscar-winning Affleck and Warner Bros.

“Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give,” said Affleck. “It has become clear that I can’t 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.”

IMAGE VIA WARNER BROS/CLAY ENOS

Since this announcement, WB have been working non-stop to find his replacement and Reeves’ name has been reported to be on top of the list. THR added, “multiple conversations [have] occurred, with the director and the studio meeting [on] Friday.”

If for whatever reason Reeves doesn’t sign on the dotted line (and I can’t see why not, directing a Batman film is every boy’s dream), the studio has other directors in the wings including Ridley Scott and Don’t Breathe director Fede Alvarez.

Affleck remains on board to play Bruce Wayne/Batman as well as producing and co-writing the script with DC Films co-chief Geoff Johns.

However, don’t be surprised if we hear the news that Affleck, Batman v Superman and Justice League screenwriter and Oscar winner Chris Terrio and by the looks of things Reeves (and maybe Johns?) put this script under significant rewrites.

IMAGE VIA WARNER BROS/CLAY ENOS

Personally, I love this news. I bloody loved Dawn of The Planet of the Apes and War for The Planet of the Apes looks incredible and could be the perfect end to a fantastic trilogy and the idea of seeing Reeves and Affleck working together makes me excited for this project again.

If Reeves doesn’t sign on, having someone as talented as Alvarez could bring something new to a Batman film we’ve never seen and add that horror vibe to things because Batman scares the living crap out of villains and I like the idea of leaving the cinema and be terrified of Batman.

If Reeves does sign on then awesome, but he’ll need to get ready for everyone to ask him questions about The Batman during his press tour for War for The Planet of the Apes. However, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed until we know the project has started shooting.

Finally, with things seemingly going at a quick pace, I still hope they’re taking their time and not rushing to hit a Summer 2018 date. I’ll happily wait until 2019, where I think it’ll be released.