'The Batman' Update: Apes Filmmaker In Talks With Warner Bros. To Direct Film

Warner Bros. has reportedly found a director that will replace Ben Affleck and direct the studio's upcoming movie, "The Batman." The studio has offered the job to the director of the "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" and the helmer of "Cloverfield,"  Matt Reeves, who was first linked with the job earlier this week.

THR reports that the filmmaker has the offer even though talks is still in the early stage to replace Ben Affleck as the director of "The Batman." Affleck was developing the project as a director but officially relieved himself of the position last week. Affleck revealed that performing the role demands focus, passion and the very best performance he can give and it is clear that he cannot do both jobs to the level they require.

He added that he and the studio have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with him on "The Batman." The studio moved quickly to find a replacement and Reeves' name came top of the list. The publication also reports that other directors remained in the wings, including Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez director of "Don't Breathe."

While Affleck will no longer be the director of "The Batman," he remains aboard to play Bruce Wayne (Batman). He is also the co-writer of a draft of the script along with DC Films' co-boss and executive producer, Geoff Johns. the script was recently re-written by Oscar winner, Chris Terrio. However, it has been reported by several media outlet that the script may undergo a significant overhaul.

Variety reports that "The Batman" was initially scheduled to begin in May, but was already expected to be pushed back so as to give Affleck a break after a very busy schedule in 2016 that included press tours and shoots for "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," "The Accountant," and "Live by Night."

However, a shoot "The Batman" should still come by the end of 2017 judging by how quickly the studio sought a new director. Reeves have created TV's Felicity along with J.J. Abrams before making a splash with 2008 found footage creature feature Cloverfield.

He is also popularly known for helming the remake of a Scandinavian horror movie "Let the Right One In," which was entitled "Let Me In." Reeves directed the Dawn of the Planet of Apes in 2014 with his next film, "War for the Planet of the Apes," opens July 14.