If we could ask The Joker to comment on recent developments in regard to the search for a director for The Batman, he might respond:
All it takes is one official announcement to reduce the most believable rumor to invalidity.
Just a week ago, The Hollywood Reporter suggested that negotiations between director Matt Reeves and Warner Bros. had broken down. But today, the studio officially announced that the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes director had signed on to helm the highly anticipated movie.
According to the press release, Reeves will not only serve as director of The Batman; he’ll also produce. It also features statements from the director and Toby Emmerich, president and chief content officer at Warner Bros. Pictures Group. Reeves’ statement:
I have loved the Batman story since I was a child. He is such an iconic and compelling character, and one that resonates with me deeply. I am incredibly honored and excited to be working with Warner Bros. to bring an epic and emotional new take on the Caped Crusader to the big screen.
Emmerich’s statement:
We are thrilled to have Matt Reeves taking the helm of Batman, the crown jewel of our DC slate. Matt's deep roots in genre films and his evolution into an emotional world-building director make him the perfect filmmaker to guide the Dark Knight through this next journey.
In response to the press release, some pointed out that it doesn't mention Ben Affleck at all. Earlier this month, we heard a rumor that the actor no longer wanted to portray Batman, and many were wondering whether the omission was an indication that the rumor was true.
There's nothing to worry about! The studio later confirmed to Comic Book, Fandango, and other outlets that Affleck is "still attached to star" in The Batman!