DC Batman Movie's Director Teases Villains And Release Date

The DC universe is changing so quickly, that it's easy to forget about the projects that were announced several years ago. Back when Ben Affleck was still definitely playing Batman and before the commercial and critical failure of Justice League, War for the Planet the Apes director Matt Reeves was hired to make a standalone Batman movie. It's been some time since we heard anything new about the project, but now Reeves has confirmed that the film is very much happening.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reeves stated that he was "deeply embedded in getting Batman on its feet," and hinted at what fans can approach from his Batman movie when it arrives. "It's very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale," he said. "It's told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it's going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional. It's more Batman in his detective mode than we've seen in the films. The comics have a history of that. He's supposed to be the world's greatest detective, and that's not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been.

"I'd love this to be one where when we go on that journey of tracking down the criminals and trying to solve a crime, it's going to allow his character to have an arc so that he can go through a transformation."

Reeves also confirmed that the title is still The Batman, although he did concede that this might change. He also stated that while the movie did not currently have an official release date, he thought it would probably arrive in the "late spring or summer" of 2021.

Finally, Reeves was asked about what villains we'll see in the next movie--and it sounds like Batman will face multiple adversaries. "There will be a Rogues Gallery," he said. "The casting process will begin shortly. We're starting to put together our battle plan. I'm doing another pass on the script and we'll begin some long-lead stuff to start developing conceptual things."

The movie was originally set to be directed and written by Ben Affleck, and was first announced back in 2016. Affleck ultimately stepped down as director when Reeves joined, and while he has never officially quit his role as the Caped Crusader, it is thought to be unlikely that he will play the character again. In June it was reported that Reeves' movie will focus on a younger Batman.

In related news, the first teaser for the upcoming DC movie Birds of Prey was released this week. The film is now in production ahead of a 2020 release and stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, plus Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rosie Perez, and Ewan McGregor.