Matt Reeves’ Batman movie is going to hit the silver screen in 2021. However, don’t expect to see Ben Affleck in the cape and cowl. A new as-yet declared star will play the Caped Crusader.

But why isn’t ‘Batfleck’ returning to our screens? Well, for one thing, the movie is focusing on a young Batman. In previous interviews, Matt Reeves has said that Batman: Year One is his favorite Dark Knight story. Regardless of whether it serves as inspiration for the film, grizzled 46-year-old Affleck hardly cuts it as ‘young’.

But Deadline offers other possible reasons for the Gone Girl star’s departure. Affleck currently has two major projects under his (utility) belt. For one, there’s the I Am Still Alive book adaptation in which he’ll act and direct. Then there’s Warner Bros.’ Torrance helmed by Gavin O’Connor. There’s no doubt the man is busy nowadays.

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

— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 31, 2019

 

This official confirmation of Affleck’s non-involvement with The Batman project follows months and months of rumors circulating his departure. In July 2015, it was reported that Affleck would direct the film and co-write the screenplay with DC legend Geoff Johns. He claimed that while the film would draw elements from the comics, it would mainly be “an original story”. Test footage of popular Batman foe Deathstroke was also released, implying the character’s inclusion in the movie.

But eventually, things started going south. In 2016, Affleck considered stepping down as director, claiming that the project had no script to its name. The film, initially thought for a 2018 release, was nowhere to be found. February 2017, Matt Reeves officially replaced Affleck in the directing chair and would also co-produce. However, talk of Affleck hanging up the cape and cowl began circulating in 2018.

Turns out that talk is true. After three movies, Batfleck is no more, passing the torch onto another Dark Knight. Regardless, with Reeves at the helm, fans can look forward to a Batman in “detective mode” in 2021.