Ben Affleck has stepped down from the role of Batman and is handing over his cape to a new Batman.
After months of speculation, Affleck is turning in his cape and utility belt with a new Dark Knight set to rise in his place.
According to Deadline, Affleck has stepped down from the role of Batman after having portrayed the Caped Crusader in three films, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League.
Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman will hit theatres on June 25, 2021.
While Affleck helped write the story for the upcoming film, he reportedly did not feel he was right for the part as this movie will focus on a younger version of the character. No details have been released about the new movie including how old Bruce Wayne will be in the movie.
Affleck tweeted the news himself and said, “Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life.”
Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life. https://t.co/GNgyJroMIO
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 31, 2019
Reeves was first tasked with taking over directing duties from Affleck in January 2017 and has been developing the film ever since. Following the Justice League movie, Affleck and the studio began discussing the actor leaving the series and allowing Reeves to pick his own Batman.
“I have loved the Batman story since I was a child,” Reeves said in a Warner Bros press release at the time. “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.”