Here’s The Film That Inspired Ben Affleck’s Script For ‘The Batman’

The Batman is firmly under Matt Reeves’ control these days, but Ben Affleck once had the film under his jurisdiction. The actor may have exited the film as its director, but Affleck had his own script in mind for the Batman movie at one point. Now, a report seems to have revealed the inspiration behind the story.

Earlier today, The Wrap’s Umberto Gonzalez tweeted a message which claimed The Batman was inspired by The Game. The movie was created by David Fincher in 1997, and fans began buzzing about the report after Joe Manganiello liked the tweet.

After all, if Deathstroke likes anything, you pay attention.

If you are not familiar with The Game, the film is a mystery thriller that stars Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. The movie tells the story of a rich investment banker who is persuaded to play games that alter his daily life. As the games grow, the banker discovers how the tasks are intersecting with his real life, and a larger conspiracy unfolds before him entirely.

The Game is a suspenseful sort of movie, and its tone seems to line up with how Reeves wants to take The Batman. The director is doing a total rewrite for the film in the wake of Affleck’s leave, but Reeve might have been inspired by the actor’s original treatment. In the past, Reeves has told sites like New Trailer Buzz he wants to bring a noir feel to the DC Extended Universe.

“There’s a chance to do an almost noir-driven, detective version of Batman that is point-of-view driven in a very very powerful way, that will hopefully connect you to what’s going on inside of his head,” Reeves explained.

For now, fans will have to see to how exactly The Batman plays out in tone and style. Reeves reassured fans he was more than capable of handling the hero after War For the Planet of the Apes earned praise this summer. So, if fans are lucky, Reeves might be watching The Game for a bit of inspiration.

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