There is no update too big or too small for eager fans of The Batman, and the leaky faucet of DC news continues to drip new stories daily. Despite the fact that there isn't a set release date and there exists a long line of DCEU movies that are already scheduled ahead of the next Batman film, including Wonder Woman, Justice League, and Aquaman. All eyes continue to focus on the Dark Knight and his next big-screen adventure.
If you have been following the roller coaster ride that is the developing DC Films' universe, you should be familiar with the plight of The Batman. Ben Affleck first brought the most recent incarnation of Batman/Bruce Wayne to life in last year's Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and in the upcoming team-up film, Justice League. He had been tapped to star, direct, and write the screenplay for The Batman, along with DC Films' chief Geoff Johns. As recently as last summer, Affleck took the stage of San Diego Comic-Con as the announced director and this past January confirmed his directorial role on the project. However, weeks later Affleck dropped out as the director and Matt Reeves jumped in to direct the chapter of the Batman saga.
Behind every good director is usually at least one good producer. The symbiotic relationship can be equal parts helpful and inflammatory; however, the synergy between the two can often set the tone for a given film. With that in mind, Deadline has reported that Dawn of the Planet of the Apes producer Dylan Clark is negotiating to rejoin Reeves in the production of The Batman.
Clark's most recently collaborated with Reeves on the upcoming film, War for the Planet of the Apes. It's still unclear if Clark has officially signed on to the project, as the in-demand producer still has a busy slate of movies that he's shepherding over on the Universal Studios' lot including, Battlestar Galactica and the much scrutinized remake of Scarface. So it's unclear if he actually has the time in his schedule. However, filming on The Batman is reportedly still almost a year away, so there would seem to be time for Clark to fit the gig of a lifetime on to his calendar.
If Clark does join The Batman, it's hard to not think of the possible implications that could arise, as the spinoff may have a classic case of too many chefs in the kitchen. Despite the fact that Affleck is no longer directing the film, he was still the writer and producer on the project for months, or even years, which should understandably give him a distinct feeling of ownership. The production of The Batman already has to contend with Warner's established history of meddling with their filmmaker's comic book films, as was reported for both BvS and Suicide Squad. Yet another opinion could conceivably complicate the decision-making process even more for the project.
However, it's equally possible that Reeves simply wants to bring someone into the production that understands his style and thought process, especially after working with Clark on the past two Planet of the Apes movies. It's been rumored that there will be a complete rewrite on The Batman, so it's understandable that Reeves would want someone in his corner that can bolster his viewpoints. One thing that's not in question, is that there's millions of eager Dark Knight fans salivating over the prospect of the next solo Batman adventure. Let's see what the new brain trust can come up with.
Next: Justice League Teaser: Batmobile v Parademons
Source: Deadline
