Matt Reeves Directing 'The Batman' After All

The pendulum has swung back on “The Batman.” With Ben Affleck leaving the director’s chair, Warner Bros. needed a name to assure everyone the film was still on track. And initially they thought they had it with Matt Reeves (“Let Me In,” “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes“) — only for him to break off talks last week. But it seems cooler heads have now prevailed.

READ MORE: Can Matt Reeves Save Batman & The DC Universe?

Warner Bros. has confirmed that Reeves will direct and produce “The Batman.” Frankly, that’s good news, as it seemed Warner Bros. didn’t have anybody else in reserve, with Ridley Scott (fat chance) and Fede Alvarez (choosy) the only other names tossed around. Reeves is one of the more interesting blockbuster directors at the moment, who brings genuine substance and real chops to his films. And to be honest, he can direct circles around Zack Snyder, and is a worthy replacement for Affleck himself.

No release date yet, but don’t worry about not seeing Ben Affleck’s name below — the studio says he’s still attached to star.

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Matt Reeves (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “Cloverfield”) has been set to direct “The Batman.” Reeves will also serve as a producer on the new standalone action adventure centering on one of DC’s most enduringly popular Super Heroes. The announcement was made by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Content Officer, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.

Emmerich stated, “We are thrilled to have Matt Reeves taking the helm of Batman, the crown jewel of our DC slate. Matt’s deep roots in genre films and his evolution into an emotional world-building director make him the perfect filmmaker to guide the Dark Knight through this next journey.”

Matt Reeves noted, “I have loved the Batman story since I was a child. He is such an iconic and compelling character, and one that resonates with me deeply. I am incredibly honored and excited to be working with Warner Bros. to bring an epic and emotional new take on the Caped Crusader to the big screen.”

Batman was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger.

“The Batman” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.