Batman has enjoyed more success on the big screen than any other superhero, so it came as no surprise that even when he debuted in the DCEU in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Warner Bros wanted to give the hero another solo adventure. For over a year, we've gotten various rumors and reports about this project's supposed progress, with confirmation on its development coming only a few months ago. Now Warner Bros has finally revealed that the current Batman himself, Ben Affleck, will direct the Caped Crusader's upcoming movie.
Our own Eric Eisenberg was in Hall H at Comic-Con in San Diego when Affleck appeared alongside the other DC movies directors to briefly talk about how great it is to be be directing the latest Batman movie. He said:
It's really inspiring taking on something like this character and this story - the only thing analogous is like a great play that's been done so many times before. There's a tremendous amount of pressure and work that's already gone into it.
While it's good to finally hear that Ben Affleck is directing the Batman movie, along with starring in it and co-writing the story with Geoff Johns, it's not exactly a surprising. Over the last decade, Affleck has developed a solid reputation as a director with the award-winning movies Gone Baby Gone, The Town and Argo. He's already proven how competent he is behind the scenes, so it only makes sense that he gets to helm the story of the hero he's currently playing. No doubt he discussed with with the Warner Bros brass when he first signed on for the role several years back. Given his track record so far, maybe Affleck's Batman movie will follow in the footsteps of The Dark Knight and become an awards contender in the months after its release.
No plot details have been officially released about the new Batman movie yet, including whether it will take place before Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice or after Justice League, though my guess is the latter. Ben Affleck's Batman debuted earlier this year as a Caped Crusader who's been fighting crime for over two decades. He will return next month in Suicide Squad, and then reappear late next year in Justice League gathering together various metahumans and other powered figures to protect the Earth. Ideally the Batman movie will introduce some important players from his supporting cast, like Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing, etc. At minimum, we can also expect Jeremy Irons and J.K. Simmons to reprise Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner James Gordon, respectively.
No release date has been assigned to Ben Affleck's Batman movie yet, but we'll keep you updated on its progress as more information comes in.
