While DC and Warner Bros. are busy hyping up the releases of Patty Jenkins' WONDER WOMAN 1984, Cathy Yan's BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN) and Todd Phillips' JOKER starring Joaquin Phoenix, THE WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES director Matt Reeves is still plugging away at his long-gestating superhero project, THE BATMAN. Originally, Ben Affleck was expected to once again suit up as the Dark Knight for the upcoming film, but THE TOWN and DOGMA actor had then announced that he'd be exiting the project on account of not being thrilled with the script. Shortly thereafter, DC announced that Reeves' Bat-feature would begin the search for a new Caped Crusader while continuing to iron out scripting details.
Things got very quiet after that, until just this afternoon, when Variety's own Justin Kroll tweeted that the project might be heading toward more delays as Reeves continues to tool with the film's script.
Kroll's word isn't anything official of course, though I will say that he's proven himself to be a reputable source on more than a few occasions. With that in mind, I'm sorry to say that all the update truly amounts to is more waiting for Bat-fans. But hey, the thought of Reeves taking the project very seriously should help put a smile on your face, right? After all, no one wants this project to be a rush job, and part of the fun in these matters is the anticipation of it all, no?
I consider myself to be a relatively a patient guy, but like you all, I still have lots of questions that need answering. Who will be our next Bat? Which villains will Reeves introduce or reuse for his version? What sort of timeline are we looking at here? Will the film in anyway be related to DC's previous slate or is this more of a solo affair a la Phillips' JOKER? Actually, you know what? I take it all back. I'd like some answers now, dammit. But alas, we're just going to have to wait until Reeves and Warner Bros. give us the official word. Until then, we'll have plenty of DC offerings to keep us busy, as several of the above mentioned films are not too far away. Sit tight, Bat-fam. All good things come to those who wait.