We recently learned that Ben Affleck has decided against directing The Batman, but following reports that Chris Terrio has rewritten the screenplay, it appears as if Warner Bros. has already found a replacement! His name has been in the mix for a while now, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, Matt Reeves is in talks to take over the upcoming DC Comics film.

He found great success with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, while War of the Planet of the Apes looks downright amazing. So, he’s no stranger to blockbuster filmmaking, but taking the reigns of Batman’s next solo adventure comes with an awful lot of pressure and expectations. Still, it’s hard to find fault with this pick and now we have to hope it happens!

Interestingly, other names considered by the studio include Ridley Scott (Alien: Covenant) and Fede Alvzrez (Don’t Breathe), so even if things don’t pan out with Reeves, they have other A-List talents in mind. Things do sound like they’re progressing well, though, so chances are this will work out (and that hopefully means The Batman won’t be delayed).

Originally rumoured for release in 2018 with production eyed for the spring, chances are The Batman now won’t start shooting until later much this year, and that could mean we’re looking at a 2019 debut. With The Flash without a director as it undergoes yet another rewrite, the signs are now pointing to Warner Bros. only having Aquaman for next year…