Despite all the hubbub surrounding the DCEU, namely that created by founding father Zack Snyder and his social media antics, all has been relatively quiet on The Batman front. Especially when it comes to who’ll be donning the cape and cowl come 2020.
Supposedly, Warner Bros.’ adaptation of the beloved Geoff Johns comic book arc Flashpoint, which, also according to hearsay, they’ve heretofore opted to scrap, goes hand in hand with the Matt Reeves-directed release, as the now believed to be solo Flash movie materialized on account of Ben Affleck’s departure from the DCEU.
Although the two-time Academy Award winner has long been rumored to be leaving the role, early last month – three days after we learned that Affleck was headed for the exit door, yet again – scuttlebutt emerged suggesting that the actor would like to remain a vital part of the DC Extended Universe beyond 2018. And while I still can’t offer you anything much more concrete than previous gossip at this time, we’re now hearing that Big Ben “still wants to stay in the role.” That’s according to Daniel RPK, who’s been dropping some big scoops lately and revealed as much via Twitter.
While we advise taking this with a grain of salt for the time being, it’s certainly not outside the realm of possibility. After all, having wrapped production on Triple Frontier for Netflix, Affleck doesn’t appear to have any conflicting engagements that would preempt him from reprising his role as the Caped Crusader in Matt Reeves’ film. And with production not expected to kick off until next year, Ben’s even got time to get his rugged physique back that was so unabashedly displayed in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Nevertheless, while Affleck has yet to announce his intent, his return ultimately does hinder on whether director Matt Reeves is planning to search for a new star or not. And when it comes to that particular issue, we expect to learn much more at Comic-Con, where WB will presumably lift the lid on their plans for The Batman.
