You could probably count on one hand the number of people privy to Ben Affleck’s original Batman script.
It’s since been tossed out in favor of the Matt Reeves edition, given the former Planet of the Apes helmer has since assumed directorial duties on The Batman for Warner Bros. and DC.
Had things panned out differently, though, and Affleck was given a chance to helm the Caped Crusader’s next solo adventure, he’d seemingly be working from an incredible screenplay – one that would’ve been loved by comic book movie fans the world over. Or so says DCEU artist Jay Oliva.
The DC alum has been pretty outspoken about the whole Snyder Cut ordeal ever since Justice League graced theaters, and just yesterday, the artist issued a bold claim about Ben Affleck’s canned screenplay for The Batman, which has now been backed by Deathstroke himself, Joe Manganiello.
Via Twitter:
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— JOE MANGANIELLO (@JoeManganiello) September 5, 2018
Much like Ben Affleck before him, Manganiello’s involvement in The Batman was downsized quite dramatically – to the point that it’s now unlikely that he’ll be appearing as the movie’s chief antagonist. Word on the street says Matt Reeves is hoping to court Josh Gad (or another big-name actor) to play the part of Oswald Cobblepot instead.
There is still a future for Deathstroke at Warner Bros., mind you, after a spinoff movie was tentatively announced back in 2017. It’s one that currently has Gareth Evans attached to direct, though there are still many more questions to be answered before Bruce Wayne’s long-time adversary can headline his own film.
Closer to home, Matt Reeves finally appears to be making headway on The Batman, with filming now expected to commence by spring 2019 – just before the superpowered Shazam! reaches theaters.
