‘The Batman’ to fly in 2021 without Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne

Ben Affleck won’t be donning the Caped Crusader lawsuit when “The Batman” comes to theaters in summer 2021, a person familiar with the situation, but maybe not authorized to talk publicly about it. The source also confirmed that director James Gunn is in discussions to direct the next “Suicide Squad” film, which will be released in 2021. 

The new DC Comics Batman movie will be released on June 25, 2021, composed and directed by Matt Reeves, and will focus to a younger Bruce Wayne. So, the search is on. Affleck, 46, has played with Batman in “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Suicide Squad” and “Justice League.”

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

— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 31, 2019

The celebrity retweeted a Deadline story which stated he would not show up in the film. “Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life,” Affleck wrote. 

Affleck was initially supposed to write, direct and star in “The Batman.” 2 years ago, he pulled out of directing duties but said in a statement he would still a celebrity. “I remain extremely committed for this project and anticipate bringing this to life for lovers around the world.” 

“Superhero movies get the degree of attention that’s nothing like any movie I have done. You cast the 14th direct in these movies and the Internet goes mad,” Affleck said. “I know and adopt this. That is part. That is why I’m not likely to do it unless I really feel confident about it.” 

Back in October 2018, Affleck composed on Instagram he had finished a “forty-day remain at a treatment center for alcohol addiction” and would continue care. 

The online reaction to the death of Affleck was full of admiration for his time from the cape. 

@BenAffleck Thank you. #Batfleck #Batman pic.twitter.com/NpjJM4gGpb

— Paul Dawson (@movie316) January 31, 2019

For Gunn, the “Suicide Squad” sequel is his first directing job because Disney and Marvel Comics cut ties with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” director in July for older, offensive tweets that joked about subjects including rape and pedophilia. 

Gunn is already writing the screenplay for the film, titled “The Suicide Squad.” 

The Hollywood Reporter says that the movie is not being labeled a sequel but as a relaunch with a new cast of actors and characters and a new direction. The project will be very much rooted in Gunn’s quirky vibe, as seen from the “Guardians” movies.