Ben Affleck’s Batman film keeps taking blows, Matt Reeves backs out as director

After reports emerged that Ben Affleck was not too keen on playing the Batman any more, after having dropped out as director previously, the new lead contender for the job Matt Reeves has also backed out.

The hits just keep on coming for Warner Bros’ solo Batman movie. A week after director Matt Reeves entered negotiations to helm the superhero film, he has dropped out.

Cast members Ben Affleck (L ) and Henry Cavill attend New York premiere Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (REUTERS)

Reeves was the top pick to take over the hugely-anticipated film after original director Ben Affleck decided to ‘focus’ on his performance and not perform double duty, as per the Hollywood Reporter. Recently, reports emerged that Affleck was having second thoughts about playing the Dark Knight and was having conversations with Warners to get out of his contract.

Reeves is currently deep in post-production on the Apes sequel, War for the Planet of the Apes, which is shaping up to be the biggest entry in the Fox franchise.

Ridley Scott and Don’t Breathe director Fede Alvarez were also in contention to helm the movie.

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Ben Affleck, left, and Henry Cavill in a scene from, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The film received eight nominations for the 37th annual Razzie Awards, including one for worst picture.

Warner Bros’ cinematic universe has got off to an unceremonious start with both Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad getting panned by critics and other films like Wonder Woman, The Flash (which has gone through two directors already) have also faced their problems. Wonder Woman is reportedly battling tonal issues and The Flash can’t seem to get off the ground.