RUMOR: WB Planning On Releasing THE BATMAN In 2019 And Will Ben Affleck Direct?

LatinoReview has another big DC scoop, this time it concerns our favorite caped crusader. We recently learned that Warner Bros. is setting-up a large slate of DC films, shockingly a solo Batman movie wasn't on that list. LR reveals that the studio is tentatively placing a new Batman standalone in their 2019 release lineup, and giving it the working title of The Batman. Fans might recognize that title, as it was the original title for Batman Begins.

There is also a bit of speculation that Ben could also direct the film, something we've been expecting since he was originally announced for the role. There had been rumblings that Ben's deal with Warner Bros. was so extensive, that it could include clauses to direct as well. This was never confirmed or announced by the studio, so it's currently unknown if this is indeed their plan or if Ben is obligated to direct.

After watching Affleck's films Gone Baby Gone and The Town. It's easy to see the director has a grasp on the gritty world of crime, and could be a decent successor to Christopher Nolan. The release date is also another hint to Affleck directing as well, since it would allow him plenty of time to film Batman v Superman, Justice League and his period gangster film Live By Night.

At this point there isn't even talk of a script being put together, which might be another reason for the 2019 release date. Giving the studio plenty of time to setup a new trilogy and make the first installment a solid one. Let's not forget that Ben also has an Oscar for screenwriting.

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

Ben Affleck Officially The New Bruce Wayne/Batman For SUPERMAN VS BATMAN, Will He Direct The New BATMAN Films?

WB has officially announced that Ben Affleck (The Town, Argo, Runner Runner) will be taking over the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman for Zack Snyder's Superman Vs. Batman (World's Finest?) which has the release date of July 17th 2015. The deal will likely include Ben being apart of the Justice League film and his own string of Batman films. It's currently unknown if Affleck will be writing or directing the new Batman films along with starring.

JUSTICE LEAUGE Script From Will Beall Getting Tossed By WB?

BadAssDigest is reporting that Warner Bros. is throwing out Will Beall's recent draft of Justice League because of it's quality. The writer scripted their recent bomb Gangster Squad it's lackluster performance could also be a reason. Justice League is also have major problems finding a director and it could be a major factor for the studio going back to the drawing board. It's been mentioned WB is also waiting until the release of Man of Steel before moving forward with the film, so they have time to weigh their options.

Ben Affleck (Argo, The Town) and Shane Black (Iron Man 3) have been linked to direct Justice League. Both directors are also screenwriters, Ben being an Oscar winning writer. I'm sure if they give free reign to someone similar to what they did with Christopher Nolan for his Batman films it might pay-off. Affleck had been hoping for Episode VII but was edged out by J.J. Abrams it's possible the studio could throw a lot of options at him. Black is also well-known for writing skills and could end up making a name for himself as a blockbuster director depending on the success of Iron Man 3 in May. Interesting enough WB had been pursuing Affleck for Gangster Squad also written by Will Beall but passed. Perhaps, the main sticking point is that Ben wants to write it himself being a massive comic book fan.

Rebecca Hall Replacing Jessica Chastain In 'IRON MAN 3'

Variety is reporting that British actress Rebecca Hall is now currently in talks for the Iron Man 3 role vacated by Jessica Chastain. Hall is equally as talented with roles in films such as Vicky Christina Barcelona, The Town, The Prestige, Red Riding 1974 and the upcoming Lay The Favorite. She was also recently linked to the new Robocop reboot. Ben Kingsley has commented on his involvement while Guy Pearce has yet to be confirmed.

The Town Hits Home

Ben Affleck… during the early turn of the millennium and the 90’s, he has become the butt of every joke about bad acting and frankly a sad disappointment. But as we laugh and make fun, Ben was perfecting his skills and has evolved into a respectable and invested storyteller; directing one of my favorite films “Gone Baby Gone” in 2007.

Ben’s sophomore directorial, “The Town” is back in Boston following a group of childhood friends turned notorious bank robbers. Lead by Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) and his trigger-happy best friend James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner) they meticulously plan heists to perfection hitting a number of armored cars. They quickly gain confidence and rob a large bank; mistakes are made and they are forced to take a hostage. Bank Manager Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) is blind folded by hostile men and left tied up alone on the shoreline. Despite heist complications MacRay and his crew believe they’ve escaped without a trace until its brought to their attention that the FBI has found their hostage and is on a full scale man hunt. Task force leader Adam Frawley (Jon Hamm) is getting closer to discovering their identities by the hour and he starts his investigation with Ms.Keesey.

Paranoid, MacRay be-friends Ms.Keesey to assess her knowledge of incriminating details about him and his team; clueless of his true identity, she falls in love with him and they begin a relationship behind the teams back and in plain sight of the FBI. Suspicions rise from all sides, along with the investigation and the difficulty and dangerousness of their following heists. MacRay’s loyalty is conflicted between his friends and new love, in the midst of a closing investigation and critical heists.

The town is a multi-layered film, telling a love story within a cops and robbers action drama, while testing the morals of lasting friendship. As a director Ben Affleck makes all the right decisions and illustrates an emotional and honest narrative. The cast is near-flawless with the exception of Mr. Affleck’s melodramatic relapse in one scene, but all in all this is a great film and one of my favorites of the year. Buy this film on Blu-ray and add it to your collection of great films.

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