Solo Batman Movie Apparently In Development -- Will Ben Affleck Direct?

Many didn't expect another Batman movie so soon. Following Christopher Nolan's realistic adaptation of the character, an incarnation that was revered and praised by millions, and with The Dark Knight Trilogy smashing multiple box-office records in the process, it seemed that the fans, and Hollywood, were done with the Dark Knight for a while. Too much of something good leaves a sour taste in the mouth, so to speak.

When Man of Steel dropped in 2013, it paved the way for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a film that sees Bruce Wayne don the cowl once more, and return to the big screen mere years after Nolan's final entry in the franchise. Along with a cameo in Suicide Squad, another DC property set to release in 2016, it seems Batman is very much back in the DC driving seat, and it was only a matter of time until another much-rumored solo Batman movie comes to fruition.

Well, according to latest Bruce Wayne, Ben Affleck, who is currently finishing up on his latest directorial project, the film is already in development. But will he direct the solo Batman movie?

'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' will be the eighth big screen appearance of Batman in the modern generation, and Affleck's portrayal of DC's vigilante has obviously convinced the studios that a solo movie will work. It's currently in development. [Image via Warner Bros. Pictures]It seems Ben Affleck is currently hesitant to comment or clarify on anything Batman-related, and this has been his strict MO since being announced as the Dark Knight in 2013. He's simply been riding the constant waves of insurmountable press with minimal input, and it seems he wants the fans to just wait and see, to judge his incarnation of the character on the performance, with his initial casting causing such an uproar.

His words have been short and sweet for the past few years, but he finally took the time to open up about playing Bruce Wayne and Batman. Ben Affleck spoke to Entertainment Weekly, and confirmed the solo Batman movie is in development.

"There's definitely willingness and a will and a desire to make a Batman movie on the part of Warner Bros. It's in development, and right now I'm really focused on finishing Live By Night. That's where my focus is, and I tend to be a one movie at a time guy. So, when I'm finished with this movie, I'll then focus on my next movie and figure out what that will be."

The rumors have been rife for months, with Cinema Blend reporting the rumors last year, but getting Ben Affleck to direct the Batman movie would be a significant acquisition for Warner Bros., and with the movie already in development, it seems the studio is really happy with his performance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Affleck certainly has a stellar directorial career behind him, with successful films like Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and Oscar-nominated Argo on his résumé. With Live By Night due in 2017, his fourth directorial effort, it could be some time until we see him step behind the camera for a Batman movie.

Ben Affleck has enjoyed a successful directorial career to date, including the Oscar-winning 'Argo.' [Image via Warner Bros. Pictures]It's a rare occasion when the actor playing a superhero doubles as a director, and Affleck can certainly use his knowledge of the character to bring Batman to life in a way that's never been done before. With various incarnations of the character already in the rear-view mirror, and each version holding a unique place in the hearts of millions, this could be a huge chance for Warner Bros. to really establish the character in the modern cultural Zeitgeist. From what we've seen of Ben Affleck thus far, the new Batman has the potential to do well, but we won't really know until he makes his big screen return on March 25.

Directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Diane Lane, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will arrive in cinemas on March 25, 2016.

[Image via Warner Bros. Pictures]