“The Batman” is Going Well, Director Says

In a recent Twitter exchange with a fan, director Matt Reeves says that pre-production for his upcoming DC Extended Universe film The Batman is going well.

When a fan asked how the project was going, he responded “Really, really well, thanks! I could not be more excited!”

He added a bat emoji, but sadly no new information about casting, schedules or anything else of real import. However, this seems to indicate that the problem is still moving ahead behind the scenes, despite some concerns by fans that it may have been shelved.

Despite being hired to lead the project, The Batman has not evolved past the earliest planning stages. Originally it was set to be helmed by Ben Affleck, who has also been playing the Caped Crusader in the DCEU until now; in response to the questionable quality of the franchise’s other fare, he said that he would not make the movie if the script was bad. Shortly after, he quit the directorial role, though said it was due to being overworked, rather than the quality of the script.

Either way, when Reeves came on he stated the intention to start over on the script, and has reportedly been working on the idea himself. Not much is known about his plans, except that he wants to write a street-level, noirish take on the mythos that will emphasize Batman’s detective skills.

A repeated issue of concern is whether or not Affleck will stay on for the role. Just as he wearied of directing the project, he has made statements indicating that he may already be looking for a way to gracefully step out of the role of the Dark Knight. Rumors say that Reeves is already looking for an actor who could replace him if the need should arise.

Affleck has been praised for his acting as Batman, even though the writing of his character, and the quality of the movies which he has appeared in (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League) have been questionable.

Fans who are looking forward to the DCEU Batman getting his own movie will be encouraged by Reeves’ comment, but much about the project is up in the air. For now they will just have to wait and see, and hope that he is up for whatever new curveballs get thrown his way.