'I just didn't know how I would direct that': Matt Reeves reveals uncertainty about directing Affleck's Batman!

The dark, brooding world of Batman has been explored and re-explored by filmmakers across generations, but when Matt Reeves was approached to direct Ben Affleck's Batman film, he wasn't immediately sure he was the right man for the job, as reported by The New York Times on February 28, 2022.

A Bond-Like Batman? Not for Reeves!

Reeves initially called the script "a totally valid and cool take" on the character, likening it to a James Bond adventure. However, he was also honest about his hesitations. "I just didn't know how I would direct that," Reeves said. The action-packed approach wasn't what Reeves envisioned for Gotham's hero, and he wasn't afraid to tell Warner Bros.

From Adam West to the New Era of Batman

For Reeves, Batman wasn't defined by the flashy stunts or the dark, edgy side portrayed in recent cinema. Instead, his connection to the character stemmed from Adam West's straight-faced portrayal in the 1960s TV series. "There was just something cool about that Batman, and that was my way in," he explained.

In crafting his vision, Reeves was aware of the repetitive origin stories that had dominated Batman's narrative. He wanted to take a different path. He wanted to "make sure that Batman is the character who has the emotional arc", focusing on the trauma and resilience that shaped the Dark Knight.

Warner Bros. waited patiently for Reeves' pitch, and after getting the go-ahead, he began working on the script in early 2017. The project then saw a significant change when Ben Affleck left. Reflecting on this, Reeves said, "I think Ben was just evaluating what he wanted to do and it wasn't what I think he had fallen in love with, in terms of playing that character in the first place."

A Fresh Take on a Timeless Legend

Reeves' thoughtful approach to Batman offers fans a fresh and more nuanced perspective on a character that has been a part of our cultural fabric for over 80 years. By leaning into the emotional depths of the character and stepping away from the pure action spectacle, Reeves brings a new dimension to the Caped Crusader.

As the superhero landscape continues to evolve, Matt Reeves' unique vision for Batman serves as a reminder that there's always room for innovation, even in the most well-worn paths of storytelling. It's not about the size of the Batmobile or the glitz of the gadgets; it's about understanding the soul of the character.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)