The Batman has been in a production stall ever since the title was announced. Despite having then-director Ben Affleck and Geoff Johns writing the script with Chris Terrio doing the rewrites, and Affleck bowing out as director only to have Matt Reeves take his place, the film has yet to shoot a single scene. While the box office speaks for itself, critics have not been kind to the DCEU films, and things can only get worse with more behind-the-scenes troubles affecting the overall morale.

Now, it is being confirmed that Reeves’ current obligation to War for the Planet of the Apes is forcing the production of The Batman to be pushed back. Also, the script is being rewritten from scratch. More on the story below.

Variety’s Justin Kroll took to Twitter to reveal the latest on The Batman.

Hearing Matt Reeves contracted to work on APES till at least end of June, so production on BATMAN likely not starting till 2018

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) March 14, 2017

This most likely has to do with the press tour that a lot of the cast and crew are obligated to do. Once he’s free of that, Reeves can move on to working on The Batman. However, this also means that any casting rumors will be nothing more than just a rumor, as the director will not have any time to meet with a potential cast until July.

Also means any casting rumors you hear are likely BS seeing that he wouldn't have time to meet with any talent till at least July

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) March 14, 2017

This wouldn’t be the first time that we’ve heard that the script had issues. Last year, author Bret Easton Ellis said he overheard that the studio was unhappy with the script. While he may have backtracked on those comments, it didn’t stop the flood. Terrio was brought in to do some rewrites. This was then followed up by a rumor that the film would be getting a new script.

Of course, all of that has been confirmed now, and the delays have taken their toll. Filming wouldn’t begin at least until early 2018, which means we could see the film hit theaters as early as 2019.

But there is a very bright side to all of this. Sources tell /Film that the film’s script is being completely overhauled. Again, this is a very good sign for the film. For one thing, it tells us that the studio will not put out garbage material. This is not to insult Affleck, Johns, and Terrio’s work. But it seems that with Affleck, who is the title star, working around the clock, there wasn’t enough time to develop the script properly. So, what better way to fix all of that than start from square one. This means Deathstroke, played by Joe Manganiello, could very well be out of the picture. Also, any unconfirmed stories of the film taking place in Arkham Asylum could be nixed as well.

However, the site could not confirm who would be writing the new script. Obviously, Affleck and Johns would have some input on script, and how it would fit in the DCEU.

So even though it may look bad, WB is actually taking a lot of steps in the right direction. They’ve gotten some really solid directors behind their films and are in talks with others to expand the DCEU with new standalone sequels. Who knows, maybe these upcoming films could actually be worth more than just one viewing.

[Source: Justin Kroll Twitter | /Film]