'The Batman' Sends Up Signal, Looking For A New Director

Ben Affleck has certainly not been unaware of the huge anticipation for “The Batman,” but it has also irked him to some degree, especially in the run-up to “Live By Night.” While he had hoped press would be interested in his gangster flick, he was continually dogged for updates about his superhero outing.

“It’s one of those things that’s really frustrating — with ‘Live by Night,’ it took me a year and a half to write it and get it ready and I worked really hard, and nobody gave a sh–. No one was like, ‘Where’s ‘Live by Night’?!’ But with Batman I keep on getting, ‘Where’s the f—ing Batman?!’ and I’m like, ‘I’m working! Can you give me a second?!” he said earlier this month. Well, he’s found a way to side-step the constant scrutiny.

Affleck has stepped down from the director’s chair on “The Batman,” but will remain on board as a producer, and of course, star in the film too. According to an official statement from Affleck, the decision was made so he could put his best efforts into his portrayal of The Dark Knight.

READ MORE: Rumor: Matt Reeves, Gavin O’Conner, Denis Villeneuve & More In Contention To Direct ‘The Batman’

“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” he said. “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.”

One has to wonder if Warner Bros. got concerned about Affleck shouldering such a big workload after eating $75 million on “Live By Night — which Affleck wrote, produced, directed and starred in — after it tanked at the box office. Still, the actor will be wielding a strong creative hand on “The Batman” anyway (he’s co-writing the script with Geoff Johns), so it’s not as if he’s completely letting it go.

That said, one can’t help but remember that it was only a few weeks ago when Affleck said about directing the project, “If it doesn’t come together in a way I think is really great I’m not going to do it.” Yikes. Let’s hope that doesn’t turn out to be prophetic.

Now the big question is who will direct. It’ll have to be someone who is cool executing Affleck’s and WB’s vision, so despite having a Rolodex that has names like David Fincher in it, don’t hold your breath for someone of that calibre. But you know who would be a perfect fit? Gavin O’Connor who directed Affleck in last fall’s cornball guilty pleasure hit, “The Accountant.” But if you have another suggestion, let us know below. [Variety]