Ben Affleck won't direct 'Batman'

Hot on the heels of last week's news about "The Flash" getting a page one rewrite, Warner Bros. and DC have hit another roadblock with one of its more anticipated entries in this film universe. This is just another entry in what has been a strange chronicle of news stories that have come out about these films.

Affleck not forever

In a story first reported by Variety, it was announced that Ben Affleck will be stepping down from the director's chair for the upcoming "Batman" standalone film in DC and Warner Bros.

superhero movieverse. This is just the latest hit to this series of films, with last hit coming last week with the aforementioned "Flash" rewrite. While he will no longer direct the caped crusader's newest film, Affleck will remain on to star and produce the film. In a statement he released, Affleck did clarify that this was a decision that was a mutual one between himself and Warner Bros. He did also make the point that he will be involved in finding a suitable director to take on the project so Affleck can focus on his portrayal of Batman.

According to the story, the decision had nothing to do with the disappointing performance of Affleck's latest directorial effort, "Live by Night", which was the first bomb of 2017 and was met with lukewarm critical response.

It was also reported by sources within WB that they already have a shortlist of names to jump into the director's chair, with "Dawn" and "War for the Planet of the Apes" director Matt Reeves near the top.

What more can happen

As mentioned, this is just another hit to the DC extended universe, regardless of the positive spin Affleck and Warner Bros. tries to put on it coming on the heels of "The Flash" page one rewrite. Affleck, despite the failure of "Live by Night", has delivered for Warner with his previous films including "The Town" and "Gone Baby Gone" and especially for "Argo," which won best picture at the Oscars. It will be hard to replace his work ethic and insight behind the camera, however, if Matt Reeves is the top choice and agrees to direct, given the success of his previous "Apes" film and the anticipation for the sequel. While he won't replace the artistic void of Affleck, his success with in depth blockbusters may be just what the film needs.