Though a rumour popped up last week that the script for The Batman has “serious problems” (something which has since been downplayed), there is still a lot of excitement over the next Batman film. Current Batman actor Ben Affleck is writing the script with DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and is set to direct as well as starring alongside Joe Manganiello as the villain Deathstroke.
Manganiello recently spoke to ComicBookMovie about meeting with Affleck to discuss the movie and role: “When I met Ben we sat down and we talked about, you know, the role. We talked about the movie. His take is a fresh take but I think the audience is going to be surprised. Because it’s a road that no one’s really gone down that’s completely integral to, you know, who Batman is. And I think it’s going to be refreshing but at the same time completely familiar. But it’s going to take this franchise in a direction that I think a lot of people are going to be really happy about. It’s going to be gritty and action packed and cerebral and all of those elements that people love about Batman.”
He also spoke about his confidence in Affleck as a director, who has, of course, turned in several well-received films including the Best Picture winner Argo: “Ben’s a great director, man. I mean the last movie that man directed won Best Picture. He’s got an Oscar for writing. Like, this is all the components to go down as a… everything is lined up for a really, really, really great movie. Not only a superhero movie but just a great, great movie.”
Affleck and Manganiello will be joined by Jeremy Irons, returning from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as Alfred Pennyworth, and J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, who will be introduced in Justice League.
The Batman has no official release date, but many think it is likely for a 2018 or 2019 release. Affleck’s next directorial feature Live By Night also hits theaters worldwide on January 13, 2017.
Originally published November 8, 2016. Updated April 16, 2018.
