Matt Reeves noir-driven detective version of 'The Batman' will not incorporate Ben Affleck's script
Matt Reeves confirms the solo 'Batman' film will be a fresh story and will not be based off Ben Affleck and Geoff John's working script
Matt Reeves, director for the upcoming War for the Planet of the Apes appeared on MTVs Happy Sad Confused Podcast and shared a few nuggets for the upcoming solo 'Batman' film. When asked if Reeves is "working off the existing script Ben [Affleck] and Geoff [Johns] did?" the director clarified "no, it's a new story, we're starting new. I'm excited about it" and admitted he has not had time to devote to The Batman despite sharing his vision of a noir-driven detective version of The Dark Knight with WB executives.
That noir-driven vision was fully articulated when interviewed by New Trailer Buzz, Reeves explained. "It's really that emotionality that I'm interested in...In all of [my] films, what I try to do, in an almost Hitchcockian sense, is use the camera and use the storytelling so that you become that character, and you emphasize with that point of view. There’s a chance to do an almost noir-driven detective version of Batman that is point-of-view driven in a very, very powerful way, that will hopefully connect you to what’s going on inside of his head and inside of his heart."
What about casting...
According to Joe Manganiello, his status as "Deathstroke" went from excitement to “Umm. Maybe. We’ll see.” Perhaps indicative of the script going from Affleck and Johns to Chris Terrio and now Reeves. Though casting has not started, we can assume Ben Affleck is still attached to the solo film along with Jeremy Irons reprising Alfred Pennyworth but no official announcements have been made.
If you would've told me Affleck was the one behind this noir-driven detective version of 'The Batman', my interest levels would be a notch below Ben's Gone Baby Gone and above The Town, both respectable films in their own rights - but admittedly, not tent-poles - which, in this rare case would have been refreshing to see.
Affleck's version of the caped crusader is set to appear in November 17's Justice League. Matt Reeves War for the Planet of the Apes hits theaters nationwide July 14. The Batman, does not yet have a release date.
