Ben Affleck Admits He May Not Direct “The Batman”

When Ben Affleck was cast to play Batman in the DCEU it was under the belief he would also being directing the solo movie The Batman and it was officially announced in April 2016. However, when speaking to the British newspaper The Guardian he states he may not be directing The Batman after all. Affleck was speaking to The Guardian about his latest film Live by Night and his personal and professional life. He was asked about directing The Batman at the end of the article where he's quoted saying "That’s the idea. But it’s not a set thing and there’s no script. If it doesn’t come together in a way I think is really great I’m not going to do it.” The Batman is currently in pre-production with Affleck writing the screenplay with comic book writer/DECU producer Geoff Johns. Joe Manganiello has been cast to play the villain Deathstroke and J. K. Simmons will play Commissioner Gordon. Recently it was announced the film would start shooting in the spring in Los Angeles. It was rumored in November 2016 that The Batman was suffering script problems and Warner Brothers were continuing regardless. These rumors should be taken with a big pinch of salt. It would be disappointing if it turns out to be true that Affleck wouldn't direct The Batman but it would be perfectly understandable: blockbuster filmmaking is difficult at the best of times and it would a titanic task for anyone to direct, write and star in a major tentpole film that requires complex stunts and logistics. If he does not direct Warner Brothers would either have to rush to find a new director or possibly be forced to delay filming. Affleck will reprise his role as Batman in Justice League which is set to be released on 17 November.