Ben Affleck Will Not Play Batman In Upcoming Film

The release date for The Batman was announced today and it was also revealed that Ben Affleck would no longer be playing the caped crusader.

Affleck was previously slated to helm the standalone superhero flick and had  a planned script, but Warner Bros. and Affleck ended up seeking a new directer because he wanted to focus on the role, which he had played in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League and Suicide Squad. Affleck's script will not be used and the new film will be directed by Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes).

After Affleck was checked into rehab for alcohol abuse this summer, reports started to swirl that Affleck was becoming too expensive for Warner Bros. due to insurance costs, however, it is unclear if this is the reason for his exit.

The Oscar winner wished Matt Reeves the best on his new endeavor on Twitter.

Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life. https://t.co/GNgyJroMIO

— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 31, 2019

The search is on for the next actor who will play Batman. The Batman will be released June 25, 2021.