‘The Batman’: Matt Reeves Finally Confirmed to Direct!!!!

The new Batman movie officially has a director. While Ben Affleck was poised to take the helm of the new solo feature The Batman, he opted to step away from the director’s chair a few weeks ago, leaving a very enviable vacancy. Warner Bros. worked quickly to find a new director who could bring something fresh to the DCEU, and they’ve found that person in Cloverfield and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves.

Reeves actually surfaced as the top choice to direct The Batman two weeks ago, but late last Friday news broke that talks between Reeves and Warner Bros. had broken down, and it was unclear if they would ever resume. Warner Bros. certainly had a number of other qualified candidates in the mix—including Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe)—but today the studio made it official by announcing that Reeves will direct and produce The Batman after all.

In an official statement on the matter, Reeves—who’s in post-production on War for the Planet of the Apes—had this to say:

“I have loved the Batman story since I was a child. He is such an iconic and compelling character, and one that resonates with me deeply. I am incredibly honored and excited to be working with Warner Bros. to bring an epic and emotional new take on the Caped Crusader to the big screen.”

Echoing Reeves’ excitement, WB President and Chief Content Officer Tony Emmerich added:

“We are thrilled to have Matt Reeves taking the helm of Batman, the crown jewel of our DC slate. Matt’s deep roots in genre films and his evolution into an emotional world-building director make him the perfect filmmaker to guide the Dark Knight through this next journey.”

Despite what rumors said, it seems Affleck is still in the Batcave, as it were. The actor posted to twitter tonight welcoming Reeves to the fold.