Ben Affleck has left the directorial chair for the upcoming Batman solo movie.
According to a report published in The Hollywood Reporter, rumors of Affleck quitting the directorial job has been going on for two months now. The issue was first revealed when author Bret Easton Ellis said in a November podcast that the project was having script issues. Sources also revealed that Affleck and other executives were unhappy regarding the script.
As reported in IMDB, Ben Affleck was also scheduled to star and direct the film which has a tentative title The Batman. However, last Monday, he announced that he was relinquishing directing the film to be produced by Warner Bros. "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." Affleck said.
Affleck revealed that he was still in search for a director who will partner with him. He also said that he is fully committed with the project. According to insiders, Ben Affleck's decision to rethink his directorial approach was due to the recent flop of Live By Nights, a movie he directed for Warner Bros. As of date, the movie has only made $18.9 million worldwide.
The Batman v Superman star wrote the script of the standalone Batman film together with DC's Geoff Johns. A report that appeared in Nerdcore Movement hinted that Matt Reeves, who directed 'War for the Planet of the Apes' is the frontrunner to direct 'The Batman.'
There is still no release date for the film, which will also star Joe Manganiello, who will play the villain Deathstroke. Affleck also played the role of the Dark Knight in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. He will also play Batman in November's DC movie Justice League.
