Batman Director Announced, But No Mention of Affleck

Also no mention of Geoff Johns and Joe Manganiello.

By Jim Vejvoda

Warner Bros. officially announced Thursday that it has signed Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) to direct and produce their next standalone Batman movie.

But in a telling omission, the studio's press release made no mention at all of the actor playing Batman, Ben Affleck. Casting is generally boilerplate information in every studio press release for a movie that's already been cast so it's more than a little curious (and troubling if you're a Batfleck fan) for there to be zero mention of Affleck's involvement. Not even a pat "can't wait to work together" quote.

The press release also doesn't mention DC Films co-boss Geoff Johns, who co-wrote a draft of the script with Affleck. The rumor mill has been churning for weeks now that Affleck was ready to hang up the cape and cowl, and that the movie's script was going get overhauled. Also not mentioned? Joe Manganiello, who was cast as Deathstroke.

We have reached out to Warner Bros. for comment and clarification on the status of Affleck and Johns' involvement with The Batman, but we are hearing Affleck is still attached.

At the time it was officially announced that Affleck would no longer direct The Batman, the Oscar winner said, "There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions. 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."

“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 honored and excited to be working with Warner Bros. to bring an epic and emotional new take on the Caped Crusader to the big screen," Reeves said in a statement.

Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Content Officer, Warner Bros. Pictures Group, said, "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.”

Let's block ads! (Why?)