Ben Affleck is not looking to churn out a mediocre Batman film.
The actor recently did a Q&A for his new film, Live By Night, where he was asked when fans could expect his standalone Batman film, and his response was … interesting:
“We still have to get a screenplay and get it together,” Affleck said. “I’m a real believer in not reverse engineering projects to meet a window or a date, but rather when you get the right story, the right idea, the right thing, then you make the movie. That’s what we’re doing, and I’m hoping to get that done. I’m spending a lot of time working on that, but also working on other stuff.”
“If I could, there’s nothing I’d love more than to direct a stand-alone iconic, great Batman movie. But it’s been done. Chris Nolan did three really great movies. I’m really mindful of that. I’m not in any hurry to jam the mediocre movie down the pipe. I really want to make sure, if we do it, we get the great version and one that’s worthy of tradition of guys like Tim Burton, Chris Nolan, and Christian Bale,” he said.
It’s kind of interesting to hear Affleck use this terminology of “reverse engineering” a film just to meet a release date. It’s been a problem that has plagued the slate of DC films so far, including Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad. Each movie made a killing at the box office, but the overall tone and quality didn’t sit well with fans. We already know Affleck is invested in this franchise, so it’s nice to hear another confirmation about his feelings toward the project.
Despite Affleck’s comments about wanting to take his time to develop the story, time is not on his side as we’re still expecting his solo Batman film to begin filming next summer in order to meet a summer 2018 release date — which is already looking like a busy season for DC films thanks to Aquaman's slated release.
The new Batman film will star Ben Affleck as the Caped Crusader, Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, and Joe Managniello who will play the villainous role of Deathstroke.
