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Forum namePass The Popcorn
Topic subjectAffleck out as director of Batman
Topic URLhttp://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=6&topic_id=680633&mesg_id=719425
719425, Affleck out as director of Batman
Posted by SoulHonky, Mon Jan-30-17 08:58 PM
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ben-affleck-not-directing-batman-movie-970390

Ben Affleck won't be stepping behind the camera for the upcoming Batman standalone movie.

The actor had been set to both star and direct in the film, tentatively titled The Batman. He is still expected to star as the Caped Crusader.

“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions," Affleck said in a statement. "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."

Affleck has played the Dark Knight in last year's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as well as briefly in Suicide Squad. He will next appear in November's DC superhero teamup movie Justice League for Warner Bros.

"Warner Bros. fully supports Ben Affleck's decision and remains committed to working with him to bring a standalone Batman picture to life," the studio said in a statement.

Rumors of Affleck departing the director’s chair have swirled for a couple of months now, when Affleck let on that the project was having script issues during press for Live By Night, his gangster movie movie he directed for Warners. The issues were something that first came to light when author Bret Easton Ellis mentioned during a November podcast. Affleck and execs have been unhappy regarding the script for weeks, according to sources.

Insiders say that Affleck and the studio came to a mutual decision that it would be best for the project if it was not led by someone with the split focus of one person being both the star and director.