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Breaking: Ben Affleck Taps Out Of Directing Batman Solo Film

Published Mon, 30 Jan 2017 19:52:44 -0600

Last updated Mon, 30 Jan 2017 20:01:56 -0600

It's been an interesting year for Academy Award winner Ben Affleck. First his period gangster film, Live By Night, fizzles at the box office, now reports are emerging from Warner Bros. that Affleck has opted to tap out of directing the upcoming solo-Batman film, currently going be the creative title of The Batman. While he will be passing on the directing role, he will continue as the film's star and producer.

In a statement released by Affleck and the studio, he said:

There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions. 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.

So it seems that he's figured out that while he might arguably be suitable for the role, directing a superhero movie isn't really one of his strengths. As opposed to some of his other dramatic films, such as Argo, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Warner Bros. indicated in the statement that they're comfortable with the decision:

Warner Bros. fully supports Ben Affleck's decision and remains committed to working with him to bring a standalone Batman picture to life.

While the announcement may come as a surprise to some, it won't to Bleeding Cool readers, as we've been reporting on Affleck's waffling for some time. Our own Jude Terror had an in-depth interview with the actor during a particularly lucid dream recently which really told us everything we needed to know. Now with this announcement today, it just confirmed what we'd been expecting.

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