Things aren’t looking too good for the DCEU. In just the past few weeks, Ben Affleck took himself out as director of The Batman. The film reportedly went through a script overhaul – despite contrary reports that the studio was happy with Chris Terrio‘s rewrites to Affleck and Geoff Johns’ script. Then there was the rumor that Affleck did not want to play Batman anymore. And now, after Matt Reeves entered talks with the hopes that he would direct, word is coming out that talks have broken down and he is no longer in consideration. More on the story below.

The Hollywood Reporter was the first to break the news. According to their report, negotiations have stopped. However, there is a possibility that they could resume once again. Still, the news isn’t good for the DCEU, who hasn’t had much success in finding a director for The Batman – or The Flash.

As it stands, offers to Ridley Scott and Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe) are still on the table. Though, we don’t know if WB has spoken to either of them. It’s still not clear if Matt Ross is on the shortlist as well.

Considering all the bad publicity that The Batman has been getting, one wonders if we will ever see the Caped Crusader’s first standalone film in the DCEU. Filming is reportedly scheduled to begin this summer for a 2019 theatrical release. However, since they have been unable to sign a director, it is likely that they will have to push the release date back. That is unless they find a director right away.

This wouldn’t be the first time that the DCEU has seen a director walk away from their post. Michelle MacLaren was the first to do so with Wonder Woman. Both Seth Grahame-Smith and Rick Famuyiwa could not agree with WB on the vision for The Flash. And as aforementioned, Affleck could not commit to directing The Batman.

Remember, Reeves was never actually set to direct The Batman. WB only talked to him with the intent that he would direct. Obviously, those plans fell through. But one has to wonder, what is going on behind the scenes of the DCEU. Because the problems continue to mount, and its beginning to look like things are getting worse before they get better.

[Source: THR]