The Batman solo film will be under different leadership when it comes to its director. According to a report by HollywoodReporter.com’s Borys Kit and Aaron Couch, Ben Affleck will no longer be directing the movie he is set to star in.
Though Affleck will no longer direct the film, Warner Bros. is still supportive of Affleck in the lead role.
“Warner Bros. fully supports Ben Affleck’s decision and remains committed to working with him to bring a standalone Batman picture to life,” the studio said in a statement, per Kit and Couch.
For Affleck, this is a matter of portraying the beloved character in the best possible way so as to live up to fans’ standards.
“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” Affleck said in a statement, per Kit and Couch. “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. 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.”
Per Kit and Couch, it was rumored that Affleck reconsidered starring and directing the Batman movie because of Live by Night‘s—Affleck’s most recent directorial product that he also starred in—flop in the box office. The 2016 film earned $18.9 million worldwide.
The solo Batman movie is slated to have Joe Manganiello as the antagonist Deathstroke. There is no release date for the film yet, but it is scheduled to come out before the Justice League sequel, according to a report by HollywoodReporter.com’s Kit.
