REPORT: The Batman could start shooting this year
Despite consistent delays and the questionable status of Ben Affleck’s involvement, The Hollywood Reporter is saying DC Extended Universe standalone film The Batman could begin shooting as early as November.
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“The script is basically in, although Reeves will continue tweaking it and working on it,” says THR’s Borys Kit when asked when Warner Bros. might announce the cast. “And I’m hearing the studio wants to start shooting in November. So let’s say between now and then?”
The film has been in development since 2015 when Affleck had signed on to the DCEU to become the latest iteration of The Dark Knight, with various script drafts by Affleck and Geoff Johns being submitted to the studio. Affleck was attached to direct for a while before stepping down due to being overwhelmed with the project. War for the Planet of the Apes‘ director Matt Reeves signed on to helm about a month after Affleck’s directorial departure with the added caveat he rewrite the script from scratch.
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After various reports of the script nearing completion and predicted production starts, it appears Reeves’ script is finally coming close to a conclusion and production set for November. Although many reports peg Affleck as having hung up the cowl, there have also been persistent rumors that he could still portray Batman/Bruce Wayne in bookends to the film while another actor portrays a younger caped crusader from earlier in the timeline.
Reeves’ story has been described as a character-driven project focusing on Batman’s experiences as the world’s greatest detective, leading many to speculate that while it won’t be an origin story it will require a younger star, making it easier for Affleck to exit the lead role. The 46-year-old actor, who last portrayed Batman in 2017’s Justice League, is still slated to stay on the project as a producer.
