The upcoming Batman solo movie has been an orgy of misinformation, contradictions, and redactions. Every time we think we have a new, concrete detail on the highly anticipated film, someone close to its development comes forward and shoots it down. In fact, the film has remained such a secret that we've barely even received any information regarding when it will shoot -- until now. Joe Manganiello just spoke out about The Dark Knight's upcoming solo movie, and it seems that the Gotham-based adventure could potentially start filming as early as next year.
While speaking recently with ET, Joe Manganiello let it slip that he's currently gearing up to shoot the Batman solo movie in the spring of 2017. As excited as we are to learn about this announcement, it seems a bit odd for Manganiello to reveal something like this. Earlier this month, Ben Affleck had to backtrack on certain statements he previously made about the status of the film, noting that it doesn't yet have a title, and he's still very much in the process hashing out major behind the scenes elements -- most notably: the budget. Sounds like many of those details may have been thoroughly hashed.
Of course, if we are to believe Joe Manganiello (and we really want to) this means that the solo Batman movie could be much further along than we previously thought. If the film begins production in spring 2017, then it would be completely within the realm of possibility to see it debut in the fall of 2018. That would roughly mirror the production schedule of Justice League, which began filming in spring of this year, and is slated to hit theaters next fall.
As of now we still know very little about the actual story of the solo Batman movie. All we really have to work with at this point is the fact that Joe Manganiello will take on the role of Slade Wilson a.k.a Deathstroke, Ben Affleck will reprise his role as Batman, and the overarching story will be a very "villain-heavy" affair. There have been a ton of different (and unsubstantiated) rumors floating around the web about Nightwing, Red Hood, and various forms of Robin popping up, but for now those remain nothing more than rumors.
All that being said, if the wait for more Batman still feels incredibly tedious, then we have some good news. Although the next Batman movie is still a couple of years away (at least) you can rest assured knowing that Justice League will feature the Caped Crusader prominently when it hits theaters next year, and it's widely rumored that Bruce Wayne will cameo in the Wonder Woman solo movie next summer. DC's biggest character is going to be a constant presence on the silver screen over the next few years.
CinemaBlend will keep you up to date with any and all relevant details related to the solo Batman movie as more information becomes available to us. If Joe Manganiello is to be believed (fingers crossed) then the film will commence production early next year.
