Ben Affleck Gives ‘The Batman’ Update, Says Chill Out, He’s Working On It
Ben Affleck is frustrated. And who could blame him? Anyone who dons Batman’s iconic cape and mask is immediately the center of superhero fans’ attention, both positive and negative. But Affleck doesn’t just want to live in a Batman bubble and only be asked about Batman. (Valid, but what did you expect dude?)
“With Live by Night,” Affleck told Jimmy Kimmel on Monday night, “it took me a year and a half to write it and get it ready and I worked really hard, and nobody gave a sh--.” The actor compared that to the constant inquiries he’s gotten about his solo Batman movie. “I keep on getting, ‘Where’s the f–king Batman?!’ and I’m like, ‘I’m working! Can you give me a second?!” We’ll totally give you a second, Ben! Just stop sending us mixed signals.
Last month everything seemed set for the new movie when Affleck confirmed a 2017 production state date and said everything was coming together with the script. Around the same time Warner Bros.’ Greg Silverman said the studio was eyeing a potential 2018 release for the solo Batman movie. Awesome! But then Affleck flipped last week and said, “it’s not a set thing and there’s no script.” He went on to add that he was only planning to direct the film if the script was good, throwing those previous confirmations into question and confusing us all. Now it seems The Batman is indeed happening. (I think.)
“I’m gonna direct the next Batman. We’re working on it,” Affleck said on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday. Technically, nothing has changed since that last update, and “working on it” could still mean Affleck isn’t fully satisfied with the script, just temporarily assuaging fans’ concerns. Hopefully we get some more clarity as we approach that supposed spring start date. Till then, you can see Affleck shooting up Tampa gangsters when Live By Night hits theaters nationwide this weekend and the return of his Batman in Justice League on November 17.