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

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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...

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