The Batman director Matt Reeves has confirmed that the film will be starting from scratch, as he will not use star Ben Affleck's original script for the feature.
While promoting his latest film War for the Planet of the Apes, Reeves confirmed that The Batman will head back to the drawing board; that is to say, he will not use the script that Affleck previously worked on with Chris Terrio and DC Entertainment CCO Geoff Johns. Reeves revealed the news on an episode of MTV's Happy Sad Confused podcast.
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"No, it’s a new story. It’s just starting again. I’m excited about it. I think it’s going to be really cool,” he shared.
This news shouldn't be too surprising, as Reeves has previously teased his own ideas for a trilogy of films centered around the Caped Crusader. When it was revealed earlier this year that Affleck would step down from the directing duties on The Batman, the actor-director noted his issues on trying to draft a worthy screenplay while also taking on directorial duties, stating that he felt as though he was unable to do both successfully. Fortunately, Reeves has proven to excel at both, having written and directed the critically acclaimed Let Me In as well as the upcoming War for the Planet of the Apes.
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With Reeves set to start over, it's unclear where this leaves the previously cast Joe Manganiello, who joined the project as Deathstroke before Reeves took over for Affleck. The actor has previously stated he isn't sure himself whether or not he'll be in the film now, and -- with Reeves tossing out the previous script -- it's entirely possible Manganiello will no longer be involved, though that is unconfirmed at this time.
Affleck, who will be on hand at San Diego Comic-Con later this month, will next portray the Dark Knight in WB’s Justice League, which hits theaters on November 17, 2017. The Batman does not have an official release date at this time.