Matt Reeves on Ben Affleck’s Original ‘The Batman’ Script: “That was a totally valid take on the movie.”

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As a huge fan of Batman and Matt Reeves‘ work, I can’t help but be in awe of the director’s unwavering commitment to bringing his unique vision to life for the Dark Knight. In an old interview with Esquire, Reeves shared his personal connection to Batman and why he wasn’t interested in directing Ben Affleck’s script for The Batman.

It’s common knowledge now that “The Batman” directed by Matt Reeves was a big hit. Initially, its continuity with the main DC Extended Universe (DCEU) was distinct. However, with James Gunn taking charge and shaping the DCU, “The Batman” franchise has experienced notable influence as a result.

I’m excited about Matt Reeves’ ongoing trilogy of Batman films at Warner Bros., but I’m also looking forward to James Gunn’s planned Batman movies within the DC Universe. It’s intriguing how these two universes will intersect, considering the massive success of Reeves’ The Batman in the DCEU. However, you may recall that Reeves’ Batman project initially began with a different approach in the DCEU.

Reeves was approached by Warner to helm a standalone Batman film, and at first, he was presented with the script Ben Affleck had penned for himself prior to stepping down as the director. However, instead of using this script, Reeves crafted his unique take on the story. Additionally, Reeves shared his thoughts about Affleck’s original script during an interview.

In an earlier conversation with Esquire, Reeves shared insights about his Batman project. Given the current developments in the DCU, we decided to reexamine this tale and disclose the true events, considering the significant shifts that occurred due to Ben Affleck’s personal challenges at the time.

Reeves shared that as a kid, he was deeply drawn to the characters, having grown up watching Adam West portray them in the 1960s series. For him, Batman’s world held a unique and personal charm.

The Batman tale has held a deep connection for me since I first encountered it. Unlike typical superheroes, Batman is fueled by the anguish of his past experiences. He’s on a quest to understand and give meaning to his existence. This narrative strikes a chord within me due to its profound psychological depth.

Source: Esquire

When the studio asked Reeves to direct a “Batman” film based on Affleck’s script, they were insistent about it. However, according to Reeves, this wasn’t a movie he was eager to take on, regardless of how thrilling the script was.

I once came across a compelling movie script. It was filled with intense action sequences and intricately linked to the DC Extended Universe. Several notable characters from various movies and comics made appearances. However, despite its merits, I felt that this wasn’t the direction I wanted to take for the project.

As a filmmaker with a rich background of bringing stories to life on screen, I’ve had the privilege of exploring various genres and characters throughout my career. However, during a recent discussion about a particular project, I confessed my reservations. I shared that despite the numerous compelling adaptations we’ve seen, I felt uncertain if this was the right fit for me.

If you’re intrigued by the idea, I’d be thrilled to dive in and explore how I can make this narrative deeply resonate with me. My goal is to connect with the character on a personal level and guide him towards where I want his journey to go. In other words, I aim to craft a story that feels like it was tailor-made for Batman, giving him an arc that touches him to the core. This wouldn’t be another origin story, as Ben is already established in the role. But that’s the approach I would take.

Source: Esquire

Based on our interpretation, Reeves appeared unwilling or uninterested in taking the job, as he shared information with Warner that might have dissuaded them.

As a seasoned filmmaker with a rich background in the industry, I’ve faced my fair share of unexpected opportunities and challenges. In this particular instance, I found myself in a surprising predicament. I had expressed my reservations about directing a movie due to my ongoing commitment to complete “Apes.” To my astonishment, the studio not only understood but also insisted that they wanted me for their project and were willing to wait. This situation, while initially disconcerting, underscored the importance of trust and collaboration in our industry. I ultimately decided to take on the new project, knowing that it would require careful planning and effective time management to ensure the successful completion of both films.

Source: Esquire

Reeves was eager to secure the position, but he felt it necessary to confirm his terms with the studio to prevent complications down the line. This prudent action proved beneficial as Warner approved, resulting in the creation of a true cinematic gem. We’re thrilled about upcoming installments!

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2024-07-18 03:21