Matt Reeves will start from scratch for DCEU Batman film
By Steve Lam
Matt Reeves will not be using Ben Affleck’s script for the new DC Cinematic Universe Batman film.
The Batman has been through quite a few drama hurdles in the past few months. The project started out with an enthusiastic and ambitious push to have Ben Affleck star (reprising his role as the Dark Knight), write and direct the upcoming film.
Shortly after, Affleck dropped out of directing duties. However, he was still attached to write the script (along with Geoff Johns and Chris Terrio) and star in the vehicle. The search was now on for a new visionary to helm the film — and Warner Bros. soon settled on Planet of the Apes franchise director Matt Reeves.
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Reeves’s idea for the film immediately drew praise from hardcore Batman fans. He wanted the Dark Knight to be seen as a true detective in a noir setting. Due to his attention to those qualities of Batman’s mythos, fans knew they had a director who would do the franchise justice (pun intended).
In the most recent news, Affleck’s duties have been shrunken even further — or should we say the efforts from his past duties are now gone. In a recent interview with MTV’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, Reeves gave this answer when asked if he would be executing on Affleck’s script:
"No, it’s a new story. It’s just starting again. I’m excited about it. I think it’s going to be really cool."
This only makes sense as Reeves is bringing a whole new dimension to Batman — most likely something not touched upon in Affleck’s, John’s, and Terrio’s script. Originally, the story involved Deathstroke. That element could still be visited in Reeves’s screenplay, but, as of now, everything is probably fair game.
Next: Charles Roven discusses Ben Affleck's Batman and Batgirl
The Batman will be written and directed by Matt Reeves. Ben Affleck and Jeremy Irons are set to reprise their roles as Bruce Wayne / Batman and Alfred Pennyworth, respectively. J.K. Simmons will also star as Commissioner James Gordon.