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?

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.

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]