‘Batman Solo Movie’ to explore Bruce Wayne’s tragic past; A prequel to ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’

By Staff Writer | Mar 15, 2016 11:35 AM EDT

'Batman Solo Movie' is a planned addition to the DC extended universe. It may explore Bruce Wayne's tragic past including the events preceding those of the upcoming 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'. Ben Affleck is set to reprise his role as the titular superhero and may also be directing the new project.

According to Comic Book, a yet untitled Batman standalone film is under development and will feature Ben Affleck in the lead role as the iconic Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman. In addition to playing the lead protagonist in the film, Affleck is allegedly looking to direct the film as well.

Affleck said, "It's in development, and right now I'm really focused on finishing Live By Night... That's where my focus is, and I tend to be a one movie at a time guy. So, when I'm finished with this movie, I'll then focus on my next movie and figure out what that will be."

The upcoming film is rumored to be a prequel to DC's 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'. The film directed by Zack Snyder is also set to introduce Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman alongside Affleck's Batman and Henry Cavill's Superman. Affleck is also set to make a cameo as Batman in David Ayer's upcoming 'Suicide Squad' starring Margot Robbie, Will Smith and Jared Leto. 

According to The Independent, Affleck may not have hinted at the solo project in previous interviews but he told Entertainment Weekly, "There's definitely willingness and a will and a desire to make a [standalone] Batman movie on the part of Warner Brothers".

Another article by Cinema Blend suggested that the planned standalone film may explore Bruce Wayne's origin story as well as put focus on one of his closest allies and most beloved of friends, Robin. It was rumored that the solo film will attempt to explain what happened to Robin before the events of 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'. Geoff Johns explained, "We'll be exploring that, no one says specifically the name of which Robin that is."

Batman has already made several on-screen appearances in the past. The fictional superhero was first introduced on the silver screen in the 1966 film 'Batman: The Movie' and was portrayed by Adam West. Other prominent actors took the role in subsequent releases including Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale.

'Batman Solo Movie' is a planned addition to the DCEU. It will star Ben Affleck as the titular caped crusader. He also expressed his willingness to direct the project.

More Sections