Back when Matt Reeves entered early negotiations to helm The Batman for Warner Bros., it emerged that the War For the Planet of the Apes director wanted to exercise full creative control over the Caped Crusader’s next solo outing.
It’s a similar approach Reeves took upon climbing aboard Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, when the writer-director shied away from Fox’s original vision of an apocalyptic blockbuster in favor of a much more nuanced, Western-esque feature about two tribes – two species – attempting to co-exist on the same plot of land.
With The Batman, it’s a little different; despite his initial desire to write, direct, produce, and indeed headline the DC standalone pic as Gotham’s watchful protector, Ben Affleck handed over the reins to Matt Reeves, who reportedly climbed aboard on the condition that he could direct from a totally new script. We’re not entirely sure just what that will involve yet, but he’s previously compared his take on Batman to the Planet of the Apes films, saying that both franchises revolve around the “tortured soul” of either Bruce Wayne or Caesar.
That’s certainly an exciting angle to take, but it’s not the exact route that Affleck was going to head down with the project. And that’s because according to notorious tipster Umberto Gonzalez, the original script, which Big Ben wrote, was inspired by David Fincher’s The Game. He wouldn’t elaborate further than that, but those who’ve seen the thriller will know that it’s a suspenseful, dark tale about a “wealthy banker who’s given an opportunity to participate in a mysterious game, after which his life is turned upside down as he becomes unable to distinguish between the game and reality.”
According to Reeves, he plans on exploring a “noir-driven, detective version of Batman,” so he could potentially be keeping some of Ben’s original script in tact. Even if he isn’t, though, this all but confirms that the film will be dark, as it should be. Yes, we know that DC is all about hope, optimism, and fluffy pink bunnies at the moment, but the Bat is one badass fella who lives and breathes in the darkness. You can’t change him just because comedy is in fashion right now.
A good filmmaker will always possess the ability to tell dark stories that contain hope and optimism, and Reeves is undoubtedly the best candidate to achieve this.
Tell us, what are you hoping to see from Matt Reeves’ take on Batman? Head on down to the comments section and let us know.
