Filmmaker Matt Reeves will now direct and produce The Batman film for Warner Bros. In a brief Twitter exchange, Ben Affleck, who was initially supposed to helm the project, welcomed Reeves to the ‘Bat cave’.
Welcome to the Batcave, @MattReevesLA pic.twitter.com/JsB4sGGux2
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) February 24, 2017
Ha! Thanks so much, man. So excited. https://t.co/h5hTJ2lwj3
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) February 24, 2017
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Through an official statement, Reeves said that he has been a fan of superhero films since his childhood. “I have loved the Batman story since I was a child. He is such an iconic and compelling character, and one that resonates with me deeply. I am incredibly honored and excited to be working with Warner Bros. to bring an epic and emotional new take on the Caped Crusader to the big screen,” he said.
Reeves, known for directing Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Cloverfield and Let Me In, was officially roped in with a statement from Warner Bros. “Matt’s deep roots in genre films and his evolution into an emotional world-building director make him the perfect filmmaker to guide the Dark Knight through this next journey,” said Toby Emmerich, president and chief content officer, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
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Affleck had announced last month that he would not direct the film, leading Warner Bros. to look for a new director. Affleck issued a statement in which he 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.”
The Batman is currently in pre-production and with the release date yet to be announced. Ben Affleck will appear as Batman for the second time in Justice League expected to release later this year.
Feature Image: The Hollywood Reporter, Esquire