By Armando
So Ben Affleck won’t be directing the upcoming Batman standalone movie “The Batman” movie after all, the actor-director announced Monday via The Hollywood Reporter.
“Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require,” actor says
With this surprising announcement, Affleck reassured fans that he remains committed to play the role. “Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film. I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director. I remain extremely committed to this project, and look forward to bringing this to life for fans around the world.”
Ben Affleck at last year’s comic-con ©aiphotoimaging.com
This may come as a shock to some fans, though many who follow the development of this project will remember Affleck’s recent uncertainty of his directing gig. He recently told The Guardian that it is “not a set thing”. “If it doesn’t come together in a way I think is really great, I’m not going to do it,” Affleck told The Guardian.
In April 2016, the studio announced that Affleck would star in and direct a standalone Batman film, the first since The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Affleck first donned the cape and cowl last year in Batman V Superman:Dawn of Justice, and also appeared briefly in Suicide Squad. He will reprise the role in Zack Snyder’s Justice League on November this year.
The Batman currently has no release date, but it was revealed that Deathstroke will be the movie’s villain, played by Joe Manganiello. Affleck recently directed and starred in Live By Night.
