It’s once again being said that Ben Affleck will not be starring in Matt Reeves’ The Batman movie and that it will be standalone.
THR is sticking by their original story, and now while reporting that Leonardo DiCaprio is wanted for the Joker origins movie again states: “War for the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves is developing a Batman stand-alone that, according to sources, will not star Ben Affleck, who plays the caped crusader in the DC Universe movies.”
THR first reported on Ben Affleck not starring in The Batman movie just prior to Comic-Con, which saw Affleck seemingly respond at the SDCC that he was; however, shortly after, his brother Casey Affleck stated he didn’t think Ben Affleck would be featured in The Batman, with reps for Casey Affleck having backtracked on the statement.
An interview with director Matt Reeves then surfaced, again which took place prior to Comic-Con, where Matt Reeves stated WB told him his Batman movie would be standalone and not a part of the extended universe. Matt Reeves, however, took to Twitter to state that Batman will be Batman and that his movie will be set within the DC Universe (see tweets below).
It’s speculated that if Matt Reeves is creating a separate Batman movie without the involvement of Ben Affleck that the announcement will be coming following the release of Justice League.
It’s now being said Ben Affleck is in talks to direct a war movie with Sony Pictures with Red Platoon.
Regarding the Joker origins movie and the possible standalone Batman flick, WB is currently developing a new DC movie brand set outside the DCEU with hopes of courting A-list talent leading to A-list films. Martin Scorsese is amongst the talent and is in talks to produce the Joker origins movie.
Jeez, what’d I miss, guys…?
Just to be clear: Of COURSE Batman will be part of the D.C. Universe. Batman will be BATMAN…
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) August 24, 2017
In my comments from a while back about not being part of the DCEU, I was talking about The Batman being a story specifically about Batman…
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) August 24, 2017
…not about the others in the Universe. That it wouldn’t be filled with cameos servicing other stories — that it would be a BATMAN story.
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) August 24, 2017
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) August 24, 2017
