Fans worried the Batman movie was slipping onto a back burner have just had huge news. Reeves just categorically declared he had no time to think about a Planet of the Apes sequel for the following reason: “I would love to but I’m so deeply embedded in getting Batman on its feet.” In a remarkably candid interview he also talked about his new vision for the Caped Crusader, the “Rogues Gallery” of villains he was lining up and when fans should expect it to hit the big screen.
Reeves was speaking to the Hollywood Reporter (THR) about his new Fox drama, The Passage, but was happy to talk Batman, too.
He revealed his vision was unlike any Batman seen on screen before: “It’s very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale. It’s told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it’s going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional.
“It’s more Batman in his detective mode than we’ve seen in the films. The comics have a history of that. He’s supposed to be the world’s greatest detective, and that’s not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been.
“I’d love this to be one where when we go on that journey of tracking down the criminals and trying to solve a crime, it’s going to allow his character to have an arc so that he can go through a transformation.”
Asked about which classic villains would be included, Reeved added: “There will be a Rogues Gallery. The casting process will begin shortly.”
In fact, everything is now in motion: “We’re starting to put together our battle plan. I’m doing another pass on the script and we’ll begin some long-lead stuff to start developing conceptual things.”
Fans are already resigned to a wait before the movie hits cinemas, but Reeves has given a clear indication of which year and when: “We haven’t been dated. I wouldn’t commit to this, but we’re thinking the movie would probably be for 2021, late spring or summer. Warner Bros. has been incredibly supportive and given me a lot of time and shared the same passion that I do for this story.”
And what about the title?
Reeves said: “Right now it’s called The Batman. What it will be called ultimately, I don’t know.”
He had even less to give away about the biggest question of all – will Ben Affleck continue in the role? With over two years until the film hits the screen, it could probably still swing either way.
One thing is clear, after the lighter tone and success of Aquaman and Wonder Woman Reeves is proof Warner Bros isn’t throwing away the grittier and darker edges of its first films in the current franchise.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER