After all the drama regarding Ben Affleck’s status behind the camera on The Batman (and whether he’d walk away from the project altogether or not) came the news that War for the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves would pick up the reins on the massive undertaking.
Now, Variety is reporting that due to Reeves’ contractual obligations on the aforementioned summer blockbuster War for the Planet of the Apes, it is unlikely that filming on The Batman will begin this year. It is also noted that any casting rumors hitting the Internet prior to the summer are likely fabrications, given Reeves’ other commitments. Check out the tweets below:
Hearing Matt Reeves contracted to work on APES till at least end of June, so production on BATMAN likely not starting till 2018
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) March 14, 2017
Also means any casting rumors you hear are likely BS seeing that he wouldn't have time to meet with any talent till at least July
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) March 14, 2017
Keep in mind, this does contradict some words from Joe Manganiello who is seemingly under the impression that production would begin this spring or summer (although that could have been the timeframe prior to Affleck’s departure from the director’s chair). Should the film not begin production until next year, we can safely write off the planned 2018 release date.
UDPATE: And now Slash Film is reporting that another reason for the production delay is that the script is undergoing a page one rewrite, and is “being rewritten from the ground up.” This isn’t the first time a rewrite has been rumoured, although it was reported the following day that everyone involved with the project was “very happy” with the script. That being said, that was before Reeves’ appointment, and he has reportedly been granted full creative control over the project.
Originally published March 15, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
