• Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket

Ben Affleck will not direct The Batman, Matt Reeves reportedly high on shortlist to replace him

January 31, 2017 by James Garcia

Well, the ongoing drama surrounding Ben Affleck directing The Batman has come to an end. In a new statement to Variety, Affleck has officially stepped away from the director’s chair.

“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” the actor said. “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.”

The studio itself also released a statement, saying, “Warner Bros. fully supports Ben Affleck’s decision and remains committed to working with him to bring a standalone Batman picture to life.”

The search is now on for a new director, and Variety’s sources claim that there’s already a shortlist, and that it includes War for the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves.

While it’s disappointing for Affleck fans to see the actor-turned-director step down from helming this film, it sounds like he’ll still have a large role in its development (he will likely still have a producing credit, like he does on Justice League). Regardless of his reasons, this is likely to spark more controversy for the DCEU, which has now lost directors on three tentpoles: Wonder Woman, The Flash, and now The Batman.

Originally published January 31, 2017. Updated April 11, 2018.

Filed Under: James Garcia, Movies, News Tagged With: Ben Affleck, DC, DC Extended Universe, Matt Reeves, The Batman

FMTV – Watch Our Latest Video Here

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

Who is the Best Final Girl in Horror?

The Best Retro 2000 AD Video Games

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark Revisited: The Birth of a Horror Icon

Cinema of Violence: 10 Great Hong Kong Movies of the 1980s

All This Has Happened Before: Remembering Battlestar Galactica

Guilty Pleasure 90s Thrillers So Bad They’re Actually Good

10 Incredibly Influential Action Movies

Almost Famous at 25: The Story Behind the Coming-of-Age Cult Classic

10 Great Recent Horror Movies You Need To See

The Best ‘So Bad It’s Good’ Horror Movies

WATCH OUR MOVIE NOW FOR FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

Top Stories:

Movie Review – Hamnet (2025)

10 Great Forgotten Gems of the 1980s You Need To See

The Witcher season 4 first look introduces Liam Hemsworth’s Geralt of Rivia

10 More International Horror Movies You Need to See

Eight Essential Sci-Fi Prison Movies

Movie Review – Little Lorraine (2025)

Movie Review – Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025)

Movie Review – Night of the Reaper (2025)

Movie Review – Nouvelle Vague (2025)

Movie Review – Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (2025)

STREAM FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

FEATURED POSTS:

Great Vampire Movies You May Have Missed

The Films Quentin Tarantino Wrote But Didn’t Direct

10 Crazy Cult Horror Movies You Need To See

From Hated to Loved: Did These Movies Deserve Reappraisal?

Our Partners

  • Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© Flickering Myth Limited. All rights reserved. The reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication of the content without permission is strictly prohibited. Movie titles, images, etc. are registered trademarks / copyright their respective rights holders. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you can read this, you don't need glasses.


 

Flickering MythLogo Header Menu
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket