The Batman doesn't have a script yet - it'll be ready when they get the “right story”, says Ben Affleck

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The Batman, the standalone Caped Crusader flick starring, written and directed by Ben Affleck (no word yet on whether he’s doing the lighting and rigging) doesn’t have a release date yet, but the multi-talented actor has given a brief update on how the writing process is going. And it’s not good news for those wanting to see Batman on the big screen anytime soon.

Speaking with the New York Times (via Den of Geek), Affleck pretty much confirms the movie is some way off as “[they] still have to get a screenplay and get it together”.

In fact, Affleck has some issues with the way some studios (not naming names) plan too far ahead, “I’m a real believer in not doing, not reverse engineering projects to meet a window or a date, but rather like when you get the right story or you get the right idea or you get the right thing, then you make the movie”.

Ben Affleck is a breath of fresh air in a period of studio release schedules longer than a Joker rap sheet: The Batman will be ready when The Batman is ready. It may take some time but fans of The Dark Knight can rest easy. For Affleck there’s “nothing [he’d] love more than to direct a standalone… iconic, great Batman movie”. 

Ben Affleck next appearance as Batman will be in 2017’s Justice League movie. After that, while Affleck has a 'when it's ready' attitude to the main Bats movie, WB creative chief Greg Silverman defintely seems to think it'll be 2018. 

Directed by Zack Snyder and starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa and Ezra Miller, Justice League is scheduled for release in the US on November 17, 2017.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.