Matt Reeves' The Batman flick will hit the big screen June 2021, Warner Bros. confirmed Wednesday.
Ben Affleck, who also played the iconic superhero in multiple films, had originally signed on to helm the next installment of the Batman franchise. The 46-year-old actor announced he was stepping down from the director's role in early 2017, and was ultimately replaced by Reeves. Though Affleck would not be sitting behind the camera, many wondered if he would reprise his role as the Caped Crusader. But according to Deadline, that doesn't seem likely.
The outlet reports Affleck will not appear in the next Batman film because it focuses on a younger Bruce Wayne. Reeves spoke about his Batman film in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, explaining his intention to emphasize the Dark Knight's detective skills.
"It's very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale. It's told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it's going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional," he said. "It's more Batman in his detective mode than we've seen in the films. The comics have a history of that. He's supposed to be the world's greatest detective, and that's not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been. I'd love this to be one where when we go on that journey of tracking down the criminals and trying to solve a crime, it's going to allow his character to have an arc so that he can go through a transformation."
Affleck later took to Twitter to say he was "excited" for the upcoming film.
Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life. https://t.co/GNgyJroMIO
The Batman will debut June 25, 2021. Be sure to check back as more information about the film—including casting details—are revealed.
In other news from DC, The Suicide Squad, a sequel to the 2016 movie, will hit theaters on Aug. 6, 2021 while the newly announced DC Super Pets will be out on May 21, 2021.
