Warner Bros. CEO Says Ben Affleck’s Batman Film is 18 Months Out

Although Ben Affleck’s casting as Batman was polarizing when first announced, once fans got a chance to see the actor in action in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, many have since been eager to see more. Luckily fans won’t have to wait long before seeing Batman again onscreen. The Caped Crusader will play a key role in the upcoming Justice League film, as one of the primary forces behind the forming of the super-powered team. Of course, all this will happen before Affleck returns once again for his solo film, where he will not only star but also co-write and direct.

While fans anticipate what Affleck will do with his unofficially titled The Batman solo film, some may have begun to wonder just how long of a wait there will be before the movie hits theaters. With Deathstroke already confirmed as the villain (played by Joe Manganiello), it’s clear the movie is moving forward quickly. The newest update on the film indicates it could be sooner than anticipated.

Warner Bros. CEO Jeff Bewkes spoke recently at the 25th Annual Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference when he was asked about the upcoming Batman film. In some audio uncovered by the Suicide Squadcast (via: Comicbook.com), Bewkes offered an update on the film’s production and may have tipped his hand as to when it will arrive in theaters. The notion has been that it will occupy the October 2018 date that is currently up for grabs on Warner Bros.’ release slate, but it may be even sooner according to Bewkes.

A year and a half from now would give the movie a release date nearly identical to Batman V Superman, just two years later. This is an unlikely date for Affleck’s movie, especially considering The Flash is reportedly coming out then and is starting production early next year. To this point there has not been any indication as to when Batman would start filming, so Bewkes statement is likely not intended to be an announcement of the film’s release date.

Instead it could be that Bewkes meant the film will start production in a year and a half, meaning the film will not be released until possibly 2019. Still, barring The Flash or even Aquaman being pushed back, a late 2018 release could happen and would give Affleck a few months to finish pre-production on his film after he completes filming on Justice League. We will have to wait to find out.

Suicide Squad is now playing in theaters. Wonder Woman opens in theaters on June 2, 2017, followed by Justice League on November 17, 2017; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; an untitled DC Film on October 5, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League 2 on June 14, 2019; an untitled DC film on November 1, 2019; Cyborg on April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps on July 24, 2020. The Flash, The Batman solo movie, Dark Universe and Man of Steel 2 are currently without a release dates.

Source: Screen Rant