Ben Affleck to Direct Solo BATMAN Film Co-Written by Geoff Johns

Jul 10, 2015

WB’s Comic-Con panel hasn’t even begun yet, but a bombshell of a story has already come out before the studio’s bow in Hall H on Saturday morning. Many of us assumed that Ben Affleck would not only star in his live action Batman film for WB and DC, but he’d also likely direct as well. Affleck’s directing prowess has been on the rise over the last few years, with his film’s, The Town, as well as Argo, both getting nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. With that kind of pedigree behind him, it would only make sense to let Affleck direct his solo Batman outing.

Affleck Batman

Now, Deadline reports that Affleck will in fact be directing the film, which doesn’t have a release date yet, but that’s not all. On top of Affleck directing the film, he’ll also be co-writing the film with DC Comics Chief Creative Officer, Geoff Johns.

This is huge news, as fans have been clamoring for Geoff Johns to be more involved in the DC Comic films for some time. While the writer tried to help salvage Green Lantern, he’s mostly be involved on the TV side with things like Flash, Smallville, and Arrow. He’s also an Executive Producer on the upcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice film. Johns is no stranger to the Batman world, as the writer had a very well received take on the character in the Batman: Earth One series over the last few years.

Earth One

Affleck and Johns are already working on the film’s screenplay, but they have some time to iron it out and get it perfect before the film shoots. This isn’t going to be Affleck’s next film, as he’ll begin shooting Live By Night, his long gesturing adaptation of the Dennis Lehane novel, is set to begin shooting this fall. That film was originally supposed to be released in October 2016, but pushed back when Affleck’s work on the upcoming Batman v. Superman took priority.

It’s hard not to get incredibly excited about this news, because not only is Affleck directing an exciting prospect, but him working with one of the top DC creators makes it even better. These are two high class and talented individuals, and they could possibly give us one of the most exciting and fun takes on the Batman character yet.

While no details are currently known on what the film will entail, many are speculating that we could be seeing Affleck’s Batman taking on his nemesis the Red Hood. Rumors have been persistent that the famed Batman villain would be hinted at in Batman v. Superman, and may even make an appearance in Suicide Squad, which will feature Ben Affleck’s second turn as DC’s Caped Crusader. Playing off the Red Hood storyline could be a lot of fun, and could also to play to many of Affleck’s strengths as a director. That story is one of the more grounded in the universe, and features a mob undertone, something Affleck played with in The Town. I’d certainly love to see what he could do with Batman and the Red Hood on screen, so I’m hoping that it turns out to be true.

The film will is also rumored to be titled The Batman, but that has not been confirmed.

With WB’s Comic-Con panel just around the corner, I’m sure we’ll be learning more this weekend on what’s to come for the DC Cinematic Universe, but this is hugely exciting news, and something to wet the appetites for the fans. This is quite an appetizer, and I can’t wait to see what else DC and WB has up their sleeves.

We’ll get our first encounter with Ben Affleck’s Batman in the Zack Snyder directed Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in March 2016.

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