'Batman' Movies: Ben Affleck Signs on as Director and Co-Writer of New Solo Film

The latest dynamic duo has been formed at Warner Bros. Pictures as actor Ben Affleck has signed on to direct and co-write the script for an upcoming standalone ‘Batman’ movie alongside DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, as reported by Deadline.

Johns has been known for working on a number of issues for The Dark Knight’s solo title as well as both volumes of ‘Batman: Earth One’ and Batman’s regular features in ‘Justice League.’

The comic book and TV writer has also worked on a number of episodes for ‘Smallville,’ ‘Arrow’ and ‘The Flash,’ which he also helped to develop.

Affleck and Johns are reportedly in the swing of things when it comes to collaborating with each other and could finish a draft as early as the end of the summer, right before Affleck takes on directorial duties for his next future project, an adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s novel ‘Live By Night.’

The duo has confirmed that the film’s plot will “reflect the Batman character” as he is portrayed after his other DC movies. No official release date has been set for the upcoming solo film, although it is expected that another project DC slate will be moved to another slot to make room for Bruce Wayne.

Meanwhile, Affleck will make his debut as the said character in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,’ scheduled for release on Mar. 25, 2016. He will also make an appearance in ‘Justice League: Part One,’ which will make its way to theaters on Nov.17, 2017.

Although there have been limited information about the movie’s plot, ‘Batman v. Superman’ will reportedly follow Frank Miller’s series, ‘The Dark Knight Returns’, which pitted the two superheroes against each other.

Affleck also shared about how his character has gone through more personal changes this time.

"He's on the verge of being swallowed up by the anger and the rage that we see haunt this character in the other manifestations of it," the recently divorced actor explained. "But this guy is further down the line and has become more embittered and cynical."

Besides Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman, they will also be joined by Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot, and Aquaman, portrayed by Jason Momoa. These heroes are recognized as the key characters for Warner Bros. to work on a cinematic superhero universe that will rival Marvel Studios.