There's no question that the solo Batman movie is one of the most highly anticipated superhero films of the next few years. With Matt Reeves behind the camera and Ben Affleck in front of it, the film has all of the talent that it should need to become one of the best Batman movies ever made. Fans are anxiously waiting to learn when this movie will even begin production, but now it seems that Reeves' commitment to the Planet Of The Apes franchise will probably keep him from the Caped Crusader at least through much of the summer. Variety's Justin Kroll explained:
Hearing Matt Reeves contracted to work on APES till at least end of June, so production on BATMAN likely not starting till 2018.
If we are to believe this tweet about Matt Reeves' schedule, then it doesn't seem likely that any major developments will occur in the new Batman movie's production until next year. His commitments to War For The Planet Of The Apes will keep him busy for a significant portion of the summer, which means development and pre-production of the DC superhero outing will (at least) carry him through fall.
It's almost a relief to learn that Matt Reeves won't rush to start putting together the solo Batman movie. This project has become arguably one of the most highly anticipated DC films of the current DCEU slate and rushing this project (and subsequently creating something sub-par) could be a death sentence for this cinematic universe. After all, Batman is one of the few aspects of the DCEU that definitively works. They need to handle him carefully.
This development also seems to indicate that any notable behind the scenes progress that we hear about in the coming months likely won't be credible -- particularly when it comes to casting rumors. Justin Kroll elaborated:
Also means any casting rumors you hear are likely BS seeing that he wouldn't have time to meet with any talent 'til at least July.
In its current incarnation, the solo Batman film has been described as a "villain-heavy" affair, but the only villain who has been announced and cast is Joe Manganiello's Slade "Deathstroke" Wilson. Now that Matt Reeves' work on the Apes franchise is keeping him from diving into the Batman franchise, that likely won't change anytime soon. It's also worth noting that this could potentially delay the highly anticipated Nightwing casting, depending on how integral that movie is to the solo Batman movie.
CinemaBlend will keep you up to date with more information related to the solo Batman movie as new details become available. Ben Affleck's Batman will make his next appearance in the DCEU when Zack Snyder's Justice League hits theaters on November 17, 2017. For more information related to the rest of 2017's major movie releases, take a look at our movie premiere schedule and fill out your moviegoing calendars accordingly!
