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The Batman Movie Reportedly Eying Summer 2019 Filming Start
Updates on The Batman have been scarce, but production of the Matt Reeves-directed film could begin next summer. Reeves took over the project after Ben Affleck stepped down as writer and director. Earlier this month it was reported he had completed his script and it looks like Warner Bros. are onboard with his vision.
Best known for his work on Cloverfield, as well as the recent Planet of the Apes franchise, Reeves had previously revealed that the standalone movie will not be based on Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One. Aside from that, most details of the project remain unknown, right down to who will be donning Batman’s cape and cowl. Rumors of Affleck’s exit have been swirling for quite some time, amid conflicting reports of whether or not the actor even wants to continue to portray Batman. Since Henry Cavill’s possible departure as the DCEU’s Superman, speculation that Affleck is abandoning the role has only increased.
The Wrap’s Umberto Gonzalez has confirmed that Warner Bros. not only loves Reeves’ script, they are eyeing a production start for summer of 2019. Gonzalez also stated that Reeves is onto the revisions process and mentioned that “the current DC regime is committed to getting this take on the Caped Crusader correct!” See Gonzalez's tweet below.
Much like Cavill’s departure, news of Affleck’s potential exit from the franchise has elicited mixed reactions from viewers. While some fans have grown rather attached to this incarnation of Batman in the DCEU, others are already looking to new actors take over both the Batman and Superman roles. According to reports, WB are dropping Superman for the time being to focus on a Supergirl movie. However, it was reported that they were eyeing Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan to eventually don Superman’s red cape. Meanwhile, Jon Hamm has expressed interest in playing the Dark Knight.
Thus far, the DCEU has proven divisive among fans, with Wonder Woman being the only success both critically and commercially. DC has shown a shift in tone and focus, with the decision to have more than one banner under which to release their upcoming films. Lighter projects like Aquaman and Shazam! will continue the DCEU, while movies like Todd Phillips’ Joker will help to launch the darker side of DC’s properties taking place in a different universe. Where The Batman will land is currently unknown, but the change in direction is viewed by many as further proof that Affleck will be next to step aside. News that Reeves’ script focuses on a younger Caped Crusader seems like fairly conclusive evidence, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that Affleck won’t remain a part of The Batman.
Release Dates:
- Aquaman (2018) release date: Dec 21, 2018
- Shazam! (2019) release date: Apr 05, 2019
- Joker (2019) release date: Oct 04, 2019
- Wonder Woman 2 (2019) release date: Nov 01, 2019
- Birds of Prey (2020) release date: Feb 07, 2020
