'The Batman' Update: Warner Bros. Could Possibly Lose Matt Reeves As A Potential Director

Shortly after news broke out that Warner Bros. was seriously courting Matt Reeves to direct the planned solo Batman film featuring Ben Affleck, negotiations between the studio and the filmmaker have reportedly ended abruptly. But not all hope is lost as there is still a chance that the two parties may be back to work out a more agreeable deal down the road.

Sources told Variety that talks are currently halted although no specific reason regarding the decision has been cited. Despite the setback, the tipster reiterated that the negotiations between Reeves and Warner Bros. can resume anytime shall both camps are willing to get back on the drawing board with each other.

Reeves, whose body of work includes directing 2008's "Cloverfield" and this year's "War for the Planet of the Apes," was only rumored to helm the standalone Batman film for more than a week before he walked away from the project. It can be remembered that up until last month, Affleck was tipped to pull the ropes for the flick. Unfortunately, he ultimately decided to vacate the director's chair in order to focus on playing the iconic superhero. In an official statement sent by the Academy Award-winning actor and director, he explained that at this point, he only wants to channel all his energy to make sure that he is able to give justice to the beloved character via his performance.

"It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film," he stated. Amidst all of this, Affleck then reassured DC fans that he is by no means starting to bail out from the project adding: "I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director. I remain extremely committed to this project, and look forward to bringing this to life for fans around the world."

The standalone Batman film has already pushed back its production start to summer, but with the project still having no director, it is uncertain whether the current schedule will be followed or not. The movie has no official release date yet although it is tipped to hit theaters sometime next year.