Warner Brothers and Affleck has, for a number of weeks now, made a decision to best serve the Warner Bros. project by letting Affleck vacate the role of director.
“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” Affleck said in a statement. “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.”
Sources say that the decision was made primarily for the benefit for the film and not the recent box office failure in the Affleck-directed gangster film, Live By Night.
“Warner Bros. fully supports Ben Affleck’s decision and remains committed to working with him to bring a standalone Batman picture to life,” the studio said a statement.
The studio is not actively searching for a new director, some names have been reported, those being Matt Reeves, who directed the recent chapter in the Planet of the Apes franchise, and Matt Ross, director of Captain Fantastic.
The Caped Crusader film is, as of now, scripted by Affleck with DC Comics CCO, Co-President, and co-head of DC Films, Geoff Johns, although rewrites could be in the works in the future. It will also star Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke, Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, and JK Simmons as Commissioner Gordon.
Ben Affleck has been the current actor to play the Gotham vigilante, having starred in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, and has completed his work in Zack Snyder's Justice League.
Source: Variety - Deadline
