THE BATMAN Unlikely To Begin Production Until 2018; Ben Affleck Announces Rehab Stint For Alcohol Addiction

More news on the delayed production schedule of The Batman has been revealed now that Matt Reeves is at the helm, while Ben Affleck has made an unexpected announcement on social media...

By JoshWilding - Mar 14, 2017 04:03 PM EST

Filed Under: The Batman

Ben Affleck recently stepped down as director of The Batman and after a lot of speculation about whether the movie would happen, War for the Planet of the Apes helmer Matt Reeves was announced as his replacement. Unfortunately, the troubled movie's production made the long rumoured Spring start date an impossibility and it's seemed unlikely for a while now that it would be released in 2018.

Now, comments from Variety reporter Justin Kroll have pretty much confirmed that we should forget about seeing The Batman reach the big screen next year (unless Warner Bros. tries to get it out in December and that would definitely be a push based on the information revealed below).

Meanwhile, Affleck took to Facebook a little earlier today to announce that he's recently completed a stint in rehab for alcohol addiction. Does this have something to do with why he decided not to direct The Batman? That's hard to say but given the many reports about his personal life in the media and the reception to Live by Night, you can understand why he felt he may have needed to focus on himself and get what sounds like some much-needed help. Here's the actor's statement in its entirety:

"I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I've dealt with in the past and will continue to confront. I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be. I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step. I'm lucky to have the love of my family and friends, including my co-parent, Jen, who has supported me and cared for our kids as I've done the work I set out to do. This was the first of many steps being taken towards a positive recovery."

Interestingly, Entertainment Weekly claims to have heard from a source who tells them that, "Affleck’s alcohol addiction treatment didn’t affect his involvement in The Batman, and he’s still working on the script for the planned sequel with D.C.’s chief creative officer Geoff Johns." What do you think?

Hearing Matt Reeves contracted to work on APES till at least end of June, so production on BATMAN likely not starting till 2018
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) March 14, 2017

Also means any casting rumors you hear are likely BS seeing that he wouldn't have time to meet with any talent till at least July
— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) March 14, 2017

REACHER Star Alan Ritchson Continues To Let It Be Known That He Wants To Play BATMAN In James Gunn's DCU

Recommended For You:

Jake Gyllenhaal Recalls Christopher Nolan Calling Him To Reveal He'd Missed Out On BATMAN BEGINS Role

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Do you have what it takes to write for us?

Want to contribute?

372 Comments

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Doomsday8888 - 3/14/2017, 4:28 PM

Alright then 2018 it is just...You Know...

Let's get this party started!!!

Doomsday8888 - 3/14/2017, 4:32 PM

Also, all the best Ben, you can do it! :)

NoMeaning45 - 3/14/2017, 4:33 PM

Was never expecting it to hit 2018.

Was always expecting 2019.

soberchimera - 3/14/2017, 4:58 PM

@NoMeaning45 - Seriously, why do people want to rush this thing? Quality over punctuality every time.

NoMeaning45 - 3/14/2017, 4:34 PM

And good for Ben.

Coming out and admitting is strong, and beating it is even stronger.

RancidBane - 3/14/2017, 5:00 PM

@NoMeaning45 - makes a lot of sense why he didn't direct.

NoMeaning45 - 3/14/2017, 5:04 PM

@RancidBane - yep. Too much pressure from the press.

Poor Matt Reeves, though

ConnorHawkeye - 3/14/2017, 4:34 PM

It takes alot of dignity and power to do what he is doing, and that is another example of why I like him so much as an actor and director

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

THE BATMAN Unlikely To Begin Production Until 2018; Ben Affleck Announces Rehab Stint For Alcohol Addiction

More news on the delayed production schedule of The Batman has been revealed now that Matt Reeves is at the helm, while Ben Affleck has made an unexpected announcement on social media...

REACHER Star Alan Ritchson Continues To Let It Be Known That He Wants To Play BATMAN In James Gunn's DCU

Jake Gyllenhaal Recalls Christopher Nolan Calling Him To Reveal He'd Missed Out On BATMAN BEGINS Role

Is SHAZAM! Star Asher Angel Teasing A Role In James Gunn's DCU As NIGHTWING?

SHAZAM! Star Mark Strong Confirmed To Star In THE PENGUIN - But Who Is He Playing?

JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX Star Steve Coogan Reveals Who He's Playing In Todd Phillips' Upcoming DC Sequel

Is SHAZAM! Star Asher Angel Teasing A Role In James Gunn's DCU As NIGHTWING?

SHAZAM! Star Mark Strong Confirmed To Star In THE PENGUIN - But Who Is He Playing?

JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX Star Steve Coogan Reveals Who He's Playing In Todd Phillips' Upcoming DC Sequel

BATMAN: CAPED CRUSADER Sets Premiere Date; First Images Reveal New Takes On Harley Quinn, Clayface, & More

BATMAN: ARKHAM SHADOW Announced Exclusively For Meta Quest 3

BLACK PANTHER Star Winston Duke Is Campaigning To Play BATMAN In The DCU

Popular Headlines

BLADE Star Wesley Snipes Responds To Rumor He'll Return As The Daywalker In The MCU

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Teases Onslaught Plans And Confirms Morph's Romantic Interest In Wolverine

THUNDERBOLTS* Star Lewis Pullman Breaks Silence On Playing The MCU's Sentry: "What A Beautiful Costume..."

HAWKEYE Season 2 Has Reportedly Been Greenlit - And We Have The First Rumored Plot And Villain Details!

Benedict Cumberbatch And Chris Pratt Address Their Uncertain MCU Futures As Doctor Strange And Star-Lord

SILK: SPIDER SOCIETY TV Series No Longer Moving Forward At Prime Video

Marvel Comics Announces STORM Series And Reveals Ororo Munroe's Electrifying New Costume

DAREDEVIL Stars Reveal BORN AGAIN Had No Connections To Netflix Series Before Creative Overhaul

SILK: SPIDER SOCIETY TV Series No Longer Moving Forward At Prime Video

Marvel Comics Announces STORM Series And Reveals Ororo Munroe's Electrifying New Costume

DAREDEVIL Stars Reveal BORN AGAIN Had No Connections To Netflix Series Before Creative Overhaul

Benedict Cumberbatch And Chris Pratt Address Their Uncertain MCU Futures As Doctor Strange And Star-Lord

There's Now A New Highest-Rated Marvel Studios TV Show On Disney+

RUMOR: NOVA Project WILL Be A Disney+ Series, Possibly Focusing On Sam Alexander

Hot Headlines

THUNDERBOLTS* Star Lewis Pullman Breaks Silence On Playing The MCU's Sentry: "What A Beautiful Costume..."

DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN & IRONHEART Trailers Screen At Disney Upfronts - Here's A Breakdown Of What Was Shown

THE FANTASTIC FOUR Adds RUSSIAN DOLL And POKER FACE Star Natasha Lyonne In A Mystery Role

SUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW Will Fly Into Theaters On June 26, 2026

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Teases Onslaught Plans And Confirms Morph's Romantic Interest In Wolverine

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

MEGALOPOLIS First Reviews Land As Francis Ford Coppola's Sci-Fi Passion Project Divides Opinion At Cannes

THE WITCHER Leaked Set Photos Reveal Our Actual First Look At Liam Hemsworth As Geralt

Francis Ford Coppola's MEGALOPOLIS Sets Global IMAX Release Despite Recent Controversy

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA - Here's What Critics Are Saying About George Miller's FURY ROAD Prequel

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM Creative Team Share New Details About Sméagol's Origin Story

WICKED Full Trailer Condenses The Entire Movie Down To Three Minutes

Cartoons & Animated Features

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Confirms Morph's Feelings For [SPOILER] And Addresses Finale's Unanswered Questions

TERMINATOR ZERO First Look: The Iconic Sci-Fi Franchise Continues In New Netflix Anime Series

X-MEN '97 Finale Features More Massive Marvel Cameos And Addresses A Decades-Old [SPOILER] Cliffhanger

X-MEN '97 Finale Features A Final Stand, Huge Cliffhanger, And A Must-See Post-Credits Scene - SPOILERS

INSIDE OUT 2: New Clip And Posters Released As Tickets Go On Sale For Pixar Sequel

CREATURE COMMANDOS Confirms First-Look Reveal Headed To Next Month's Annecy Film Festival

Gaming

MULTIVERSUS Reveals New PvE Mode "Rifts" Ahead Of Games Launch This Month

GRAND THEFT AUTO 6 Release Date Narrowed To Fall 2025

RETURN TO SILENT Hill First Look Reveals A New Take On Pyramid Head

Ubisoft Cancels TOM CLANCY'S THE DIVISION HEARTLAND

ASSASSIN'S CREED SHADOWS Cinematic Trailer Revealed With November Release Date

THE LAST OF US Season 2 First Look Images Reunite Us With An Older Joel And Ellie

Anime & Manga

Two More Seasons Of SHOGUN Reportedly In Development At FX And Hulu

Crunchyroll Announces Blu-Ray Release For MY HERO ACADEMIA Season 6, ONE PIECE FILM: GOLD And More

RICK AND MORTY: THE ANIME Series Synopsis Revealed By Warner Bros. Discovery

DEMON SLAYER -KIMETSU NO YAIBA- SWEEP THE BOARD! Sets July Release Date For Xbox, PlayStation, And PC

TERMINATOR ZERO: First Official Look At Netflix's New Anime Series Released

SOLO LEVELING: ARISE Has Already Surpassed 15 Million Downloads Since Release

Horror

SILENT HILL Reboot Unveils First Official Look At New Take On Pyramid Head

Halle Berry Fights An Unspeakable Evil In The Brand New Trailer For Alexandre Aja's NEVER LET GO

ABIGAIL Star Melissa Barrera Reveals An Alternate Ending For Vampire Horror Movie - SPOILERS

WOLF MAN Producer Reveals Whether Upcoming Reboot Ties Into Universal's Dark Universe Plans

THE SHROUDS: First Teaser Trailer For David Cronenberg's Latest Is Not Meant For The Living

LONGLEGS Full Trailer Might Be One Of The Most Unsettling Teasers Of All Time

Action Movies & TV

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Production Designer Pawas Sawatchaiyamet On Working With Dev Patel

MONKEY MAN Exclusive Interview With Mask Designer Eddie Yang; Dev Patel Film Now Available On Digital HD

Tom Cruise's MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 8 Adds SEVERANCE Actor Tramell Tillman

A24's CIVIL WAR Was The #1 Movie In America For The Second Week In A Row

JAMES BOND: Henry Cavill Isn't Closing The Door On Playing 007; "Maybe I'm Too Old Now. Maybe I'm Not..."

Alex Garland's CIVIL WAR Is The #1 Movie In North America- Opens To $25.7M

Pro Wrestling & MMA News

The Undertaker Talks More About How His WRESTLEMANIA 40 Surprise Appearance Became A Reality

Ricky Starks Reflects On Relationship With CM Punk And Admits He's In The Dark About AEW Future

THE FANTASTIC FOUR Star Paul Walter Hauser To Wrestle For MLW; Reveals Plans To Play Mick Foley On Screen