Just one week after it looked like Warner Bros.had found a replacement directoronBen Affleck’s standaloneThe Batman, talks with filmmakerMatt Reeveshave stalled out. TheCloverfieldandDawn of the Planet of the Apesdirector was quickly chosen as the replacement for Affleck after the film’s star decided he didn’t want to direct the movie anymore, and Reeves entered negotiations to take the helm last Friday.
Now, perTHR, Reeves has exited talks with Warner Bros. The report notes that once things cool off talks could resume, but as of now Reeves is no longer looking to take the helm. It’s unclear why this stalled out, but Reeves is currently deep in post-production on the VFX-intensiveWar for the Planet of the Apes, so it’s possible Warner Bros. was intent on starting production onThe BatmanASAP and Reeves wanted to take his time.
Affleck has been developingThe Batmanscript alongside DC Comics CCOGeoff Johnsfor a while now, and his Oscar-winningArgoscribe (andBatman v Supermanscreenwriter)Chris Terrioreportedly penned the most recent draft. Contrary to speculation,Variety’s Justin Krollreported last week that all involved are happy with Terrio’s draft, but again, it’s possible that Reeves wanted to put his own spin on the film, which would mean he’d need more time to develop the script.
Before talks began with Reeves, Warner Bros. was reportedly considering the likes ofRidley ScottandDon’t BreatheandEvil DeadhelmerFede Alvarezto direct. They certainly won’t be lacking for filmmakers who want to make aBatmanmovie, but it’s a daunting challenge working on a rushed timeline, especially when your star is also an award-winning filmmaker in his own right.
Finding directors for its DC projects has been an ongoing issue for Warner Bros.Michelle MacLarenwas set to directWonder Womanbefore exiting over creative differences, thenSeth Grahame-Smithwas pushed off ofThe Flashin favor of someone more experienced. The studio hiredDopehelmerRick Famuyiwa, but thenheexitedThe Flashover creative differences as well.
It’s not a great look, but the studio does haveAquamangearing up to start filming this summer withFurious 7helmerJames Wanat the helm, and theDwayne Johnson-frontedShazammay have just landed a directorearlier today. Regardless,Batmanis the biggest property in Warner Bros.’ wheelhouse, and is no doubt the priority right now.
So what happens next? As THR reports, talks with Reeves could resume, or Warner Bros. could move on to Scott, Alvarez, or someone else entirely. We’ll have to wait and see.
What do you think folks?Who do you think should directThe Batman? Sound off in the comments below.
