Director Matt Reeves Is Scrapping Ben Affleck’s ‘The Batman’ Script
The Batmanhas lost an acclaimed director, gained another acclaimed director,reportedly almost lost its star, and now, it’s dropping its original script in favor of a completely new story.
Now, this could all be cause for alarm. But directorMatt Reevesdropping Ben Affleck’s script to rewrite the story from scratch issomething that has been brewingfor a long time, and will likely be a good reset for the embattled production.
We reported in March that the studiowas eyeing a “fresh start"and that Reeves was set to rewrite the movie from scratch. Now Reeves has confirmed that news onMTV’sHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, stating that he has scrapped Affleck,Chris Terrio, and DC Film’sGeoff Johns' original 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.”
Affleck’s original script featured Deathstroke as the villain, withJoe Manganiello set to playthe sword-wielding assassin, but it’s yet to be seen whether Reeves will keep the character with his new script. It’s unlikely, as Reeves has been excitedly pushing his"noir-driven,“Hitchcockianvision of Batman (which I am all for, as we don’t get enough Detective Batman), and the conspicuous Deathstroke isn’t a character that fits in that vision.
It’s too bad for Manganiello, but this means that Deathstroke could appear in theNightwingmovie, as he is one of Dick Grayson’s few regular rogues.
While it’s easy to look atThe Batman’s troubled production as a sign of trouble, it could in fact mean that Warner Bros. is taking into account the runaway success ofWonder Womanand changing course for their future DCEU films. Reeves is an accomplished director who has done wonders for thePlanet of the Apesreboot series, turning the franchise into some of the most impactful and intellectual blockbusters series in recent memory. I don’t doubt that he will do the same withThe Batman –the Caped Crusader has such a rich history and with many different character interpretations for Reeves to play with.
While Affleck, Johns, and Terrio sound like a dream-team of writers, perhaps a troubled script could have influenced Affleck’s decision to leave the director’s chair. I don’t mindThe Batmanstarting a new with a singular vision from a director I trust.
Batman-Newsoriginally spotted the comments, which began at the 30-minute markduring the podcast.The Batman’s release date is not confirmed, but it will likely hit theaters in2019.
