Originally published February 4, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
Tai Freligh looks at five directors who could replace Ben Affleck on The Batman…
It’s no secret that Ben Affleck’s solo Batman film, The Batman, has had its ups and downs. Starting with script rewrites and tinkering and then moving on to the intense pressure Affleck felt to make the best possible film he could while both directing and starring as the lead, The Batman has been the subject of intense scrutiny, intensified in part by the critical drubbing of Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Affleck had become more vocal about the status of the film in recent weeks, even going so far as to assure fans that he was still directing the movie less than a month ago. That all changed on January 30th when it was announced that Ben Affleck would no longer be directing the film, but would stay on as actor and producer. In a released statement, Affleck said:
“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions. Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film. I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director. I remain extremely committed to this project, and look forward to bringing this to life for fans around the world.”
With Ben Affleck stepping out of the director’s chair (and a rumoured shortlist for his replacement already online), I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the top five prospects for directing The Batman.
1 – Matt Reeves
According to Variety, director Matt Reeves is high on the shortlist for taking over the director’s seat. Reeves is best known for Cloverfield and the sequels to the Planet of the Apes reboot. Reeves likes to play in the horror genre, exploring people’s fears. He has said, “People’s imagination is the most effective tool in creating terror or dread.” With the psychological aspects of the Batman character and the darker tone in general of the character and the mythos surrounding him, Reeves could do a good job bringing that aspect of Batman out and into the film.
2 – Matt Ross
Deadline adds Matt Ross’ name to the shortlist. Ross is an interesting choice, having cut his teeth with acting gigs on television (Silicon Valley, American Horror Story to name a few) and movies (American Psycho, Face/Off) before breaking out with the critically-acclaimed Captain Fantastic in 2016, starring Viggo Mortensen, which he directed.
3 – Kathryn Bigelow
Bigelow would bring a gritty and intense style to The Batman. Previous films like The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty have shown her to be adept at honing in on character and story while blending in brutal and intense action scenes. She would bring an interesting perspective to a superhero movie and the inherently dark nature of Batman could lead to some interesting directions with the film, perhaps focusing more on the psychological, crime, detective aspects of the character while still fulfilling fanboy action and fight scenes.
4 – Antoine Fuqua
Fuqua just recently left the Scarface remake to pursue the sequel to 2014’s The Equalizer. He has extensive experience with action films, including The Equalizer and Training Day, and The Magnificent Seven. Fuqua could really bring out the crime, action and gunslinger aspects of the solo Batman film and is comfortable working with A-list talent.
5 – Zack Snyder
Fans have already launched an online petition to have Zack Snyder direct the film. Snyder is a highly divisive choice, having split fans down the middle on how successful he has been with comic book films. He is a strong believer in source material and while his take on Superman was seen as too dark and gloomy in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, his Batman has been heralded as one of the best incarnations to date. Where his ultra-realistic take on the Man of Steel was not well-received, it would be much more accepted in a solo Batman film. Considering that Snyder has finished filming Justice League and is expected to helm Justice League 2, he might not have the time or the goodwill of the people to put his mark on yet another DCEU film.
SEE ALSO: Ben Affleck’s Batman: The already troubled history of The Batman
Of the available directors to helm the solo Batman movie now that Ben Affleck has stepped down, who do you think Warner Bros. will go with? Leave your thoughts in the comments below…
Tai Freligh is a Los Angeles based writer and can be followed on Twitter.
