As the host of the Fatman on Batman podcast, director Kevin Smith fashions himself something of an expert on Batman. That makes him perfectly qualified to break down all of the reasons he should not direct the next Batman movie.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Following the news that Ben Affleck will not direct the DC Extended Universe’s first solo Batman movie – tentatively titled The Batman – fans and press immediately began speculating about who could take Affleck’s place. Some fans thought of Smith, who became a geek favorite director though his nerd-friendly films like Clerks and Mallrats. In recent years, Smith has shown that he is capable of dong more than just talking about geeky subjects through his films by directing episodes of superhero televisions shows The Flash and Supergirl.
With all of that to speak to his skill and credibility, plus Smith’s friendship with Affleck dating back to when they worked together to Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma, some might see Smith as a natural contender to direct the Batman. However, Smith himself disagrees and listed three reasons why in response to a fan suggesting him for the job in a tweet.
“I’m flattered,” Smith tweeted. “But 3 things make me directing Batman impossible: 1) Haven’t spoken to Ben in years. 2) I made @YogaHosers, 3) Common sense.”
So if Smith is taking himself out of consideration to direct The Batman, now the question becomes, “Who does Kevin Smith think should direct The Batman?”
More THE BATMAN: Matt Reeves Reportedly On The Batman Director Shortlist | 5 Directors that Could Replace Ben Affleck | Why WB Should Respect Ben Affleck’s Vision | Green Lantern Rumored For Justice League | Zack Snyder Reveals New Look At Wonder Woman In Justice League | Ben Affleck Assembles The Batman League In All Batmen Mashup | Amy Adams Talks Batman V Superman Extended Cut And Justice League
Affleck debuted as Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016. He’ll reprise the role for Justice League in 2017 and, while he’s not directing, he is expected to star in The Batman.
In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Justice League will open in theaters on November 17, 2017. The Batman release date is still to be determined.
