There have been multiple reports of what the future of Ben Affleck’s Batman has in store following his appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Most of the speculation has revolved around Affleck directing and starring in the next incarnation of the Dark Knight’s adventures. It turns out that this was true, however the most surprising development is that DC Comics’ legend Geoff Johns will be co-writing the film with Affleck himself. Here are some of the details via Deadline.
The Batman movie would shoot after he finishes Live By Night, and the plot would reflect the Batman character that emerges after Batman V Superman and Justice League, the latter of which comes out November 17, 2017. DC and Warner Bros have set a long list of superhero movies that take the Marvel formula of interspersing characters from one film to the next, so it’s unclear when Affleck’s Batfilm will be slotted. But it clearly will take priority, and other movies might have to move to get out of its way
It might be easy to forget that Ben Affleck is only recently riding a wave of goodwill. The initial venomous shock of his being cast as Batman has largely worn off and his award winning credentials have began to rise to the surface. In recent days Affleck has mentioned that he is using his experience acting in Dawn of Justice, as training so that he can better helm his own superhero movie. It is also easily forgotten that Affleck is an Academy Award winning screenwriter for Good Will Hunting. Regardless it’s clear that The Batman (the rumored title) is a passion project and hopefully his Oscar pedigree rubs off on the next film.
Geoff Johns has had a successful run the past few years as well. He is the chief creative officer for DC Comics, who helped revitalize and bring back to prominence many fledging comic heroes including Barry Allen’s Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman. He also has helped produce and write CW’s successful television shows including, Arrow and The Flash. His involvement signals that this is the first time that true Batman fanboys are in control of the property. (Although it could be argued that The Dark Knight trilogy co-writer Jonathan Nolan has fanboy credentials as well.)
It was previously reported that Dawn of Justice and Justice League screenwriter Chris Terrio (Argo) was teaming up with Affleck again. However, it seems that Terrio may have needed a breather from the DC universe or was simply too booked up. Having Johns on board does signal to fans that they might be getting some of the more fantastic elements of the Batman mythos introduced to the big-screen. Johns has never shied away from unbelievable comic book elements in his writing and there will have been a precedent for superpowered villains in the DC universe by that point, thanks to Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad. So while it will more than likely be grounded, it is a safe bet we will get things never seen before on film for the Caped Crusader.
Affleck has managed to get almost total creative control, or as close to it as you can get, of the cinematic future of DC Comic’s Batman. As writer, director, star, and producer, he must already have a clear vision of his Batman film. There is reason for optimism with Affleck at the helm due to movies like Argo and The Town under his belt, while also being a self-professed life-long Batman fanatic. This could be the perfect recipe for the definitive Batman movie. Time will tell…
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Source: Deadline
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