Warner Bros. and DC Films’ solo Batman movie generated a buzz when star/director Ben Affleck said that if The Batman doesn’t come together in development the way he wants it, he won’t do it.
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UPDATE: Now that Affleck has officially dropped out of directing The Batman it’s a big loss for both the studio and fans – but there are those who could step in and do the job.
The trick is finding a director that could execute the vision that Affleck and Warner Bros. agreed on. Here are 5 Directors That Could Replace Ben Affleck on The Batman.
David Slade
A talented and hard-working genre director, David Slade is the type just looking for a breakthrough mainstream project to helm.
After impressing with the 30 Days of Night adaptation to shape things like the Hannibal TV series, the Powers TV series, and upcoming American Gods TV series, Slade has the combination of darkness and comic book cred to be a great eleventh-hour replacement for Affleck.
Ridley Scott
The director Blade Runner and Alien has a fascination for the darker side of sci-fi and action, and that – along with his directorial skill – makes him a well-suited candidate to direct The Batman.
…Of course the biggest issue here is that Scott has little interest in directing a Batman movie. However, if the film’s script is smart enough (and hopefully it is), you could potentially lure him.
Christopher McQuarrie
Tom Cruise’s frequent collaborator is also one of the most unique voices in hard-hitting crime thrillers. After The Usual Suspects made him a name, McQuarrie has resurfaced with an expanded skill set, lending his talent to big blockbuster genre films like Edge of Tomorrow and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. The combination of his hard-boiled writing and more experienced directorial skills would make him a unique match for the material.
Right now, McQuarrie is busy making M:I 6 – Mission Impossible, but after that, he could jump right into a late 2017 start on The Batman, if things with Affleck were to fall apart.
Denis Villeneuve
For those who want another Batman movie that mixes genre and high art together into a fine cinematic blend, Denis Villeneuve would be the prime pick for that task.
The director of Prisoners, Sicario, and Arrival has made thrilling mystery crime thrillers that also have deep, impactful subtext. That’s something that a Batman movie could use – especially stories like “Hush” or “Under the Red Hood,” which examine the how Batman’s violent life and actions can come back around to haunt him.
The trick would be landing Villeneuve. After Blade Runner 2049 hits theaters, the studio tentpole offers are going to be piling up.
David Fincher
This is the match that Batman fans have wanted to see for years – and if Ben Affleck were to drop out of The Batman, David Fincher would be a shining silver lining on the loss.
Fincher has practically branded the look of lavish, vivid darkness, and his famously meticulous technique has resulted into some stunning cinematic moments. And since he’s proven to be one of the best overall cinematic storytellers in the business, having Fincher doing Batman is always an exciting prospect.
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The DCEU continues when Wonder Woman opens in theaters on June 2, 2017, followed by Justice League on November 17, 2017; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League 2 on June 14, 2019; Cyborg on April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps on July 24, 2020. The Flash, The Batman, Dark Universe and Man of Steel 2 are currently without release dates.
