Matt Reeves in talks to take over Batman directing duties from Ben Affleck

The filmmaker behind 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' and 'Cloverfield' is in early talks to helm Warner Bros'. solo superhero movie starring Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight, EW has learned.

matt-reeves-batman
Photo: Joe Scarnici/FilmMagic; Inset: Warner Bros

The Batman appears to have found a new director in Matt Reeves.

The filmmaker behind Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Cloverfield is in early talks to helm Warner Bros’. solo superhero movie starring Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight, EW has learned.

Affleck had been slated to direct the movie himself but relinquished his behind-the-camera duties last month in order to focus on acting. He said in a statement at the time, “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.”

Affleck previously donned the cape and cowl in 2016’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and will reprise the role in Justice League in the fall. Despite his stepping down as director of The Batman, he still promises to leave a significant creative stamp on the film as a co-writer (with Geoff Johns) and producer.

Reeves’ other directing credits include Let the Right One in and the upcoming War for the Planet of the Apes.

Deadline Hollywood first reported the news.

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