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Time Warner CEO says Ben Affleck's Batman movie is "a year and a half out"

By

Chris Begley

·

on Time Warner CEO says Ben Affleck's Batman movie is "a year and a half out"

Earlier this week, Time Warner CEO and chairman Jeff Bewkes spoke about the state of DC Films on an investor call. I wrote about it and included notable quotes that were reported, but now thanks to The Suicide Squadcast we have full audio of the CEO's comments... including an update on when we might be able to see Ben Affleck's Batman movie!

After speaking about Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, Bewkes said...

"Ben (Affleck) announced a Batman movie. He's going to direct, star, write. I think it's a year and a half out".

A year and a half from now would bring us to about March 2018. Given that Ben Affleck would have to start shooting soon for the movie to come out then, I think Bewkes was saying that the Batman movie will begin production around March 2018. If it did, it's likely that the announced (but untitled) DC movie that's scheduled to be released on November 1, 2019 is in fact Ben Affleck's Batman movie!

Update: On second thought... perhaps the Batman movie is already in pre-production. Remember the Deathstroke test footage? Maybe the release really is March 2018 if it starts shooting soon!

You can take a listen to all of Bewkes comments that you read about earlier this week in the player below.

VIA: The Suicide Squadcast

This is an archive of Batman-News.com from 2010 to 2025. For the latest news, check out BatmanNews.com

113 comments

  1. Hunter Zolomon Avatar
    Hunter Zolomon

    Hell yeah, can't wait for is as Affleck was perfect in the role. Bring on Bats Vs Deathstroke.

    https://66.media.tumblr.com...

    1. rodo Avatar
      rodo

      hahahaha you're amazing buddy...

    2. Steph & Ayesha r havin a baby! Avatar
      Steph & Ayesha r havin a baby!

      looks good as a gif, but on a big screen this would be nauseating.

    3. John Johnson Avatar
      John Johnson

      Fun fact: The director of Deadpool, Tim Miller, directed this sequence. :)

    4. AnonymousHero Avatar
      AnonymousHero

      Deathstroke is definitely the main for the new Batman new film. Rumor has it that the film will be loaded with cameos from the Bat's rogues gallery so we could see Black Mask at some point. I wouldn't mind seeing Black Mask be a main villain for one of Affleck's films but definitely not this one. Deathstroke is an awesome choice and I think we're definitely in for something very special. I dare say it could be the best Bat film ever made. All the signs say this could be the one.

  2. larva Avatar
    larva

    Great to hear that they're aware of the situation.

  3. e11even Avatar
    e11even

    If you listen to the audio, he doesn't seem intimately aware of the whole thing. He wasn't even sure if Ben was executive producing JL, and we know he is. His comment is being taken somewhat out of context. We do not know if he meant Ben would start shooting within a year and a half, which is very much the likely scenario, with a 2019-20 release. I'm on this site, so you bet I want it to be 2018, but I wouldn't take Jeff's comments too seriously.

    1. BatmanNewsChris Avatar
      BatmanNewsChris

      Yeah, as the CEO of Time Warner he has to keep a pulse on... New Line Cinema, Home Box Office, Turner Broadcasting System, The CW Television Network, Warner Bros., CNN, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, DC Comics, Warner Bros. Animation, Castle Rock Entertainment, Cartoon Network Studios, Esporte Interativo, Hanna-Barbera Productions, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

      So I don't blame him for getting a little forgetful :) But I agree, he most likely meant "a year out from production", not "a year out from being released". I mentioned that in my article so fans don't get *too* excited. But for us, it's still nice to know when production will start... roughly.

      1. e11even Avatar
        e11even

        Yeah it's a lot. I really hope he starts shooting next year, the script should be refined by then. I know Ben likes to take his time when directing, but Jeff's mention of his success as Batman, suggests the higher ups--who usually are tone-deaf unless something's printing them money--really want him to move his butt which is good. More money to Ben, more creative freedom, like Nolan. I hope it works and we get it in 2018.

        Thanks for the hard work Chris!

        1. BatmanNewsChris Avatar
          BatmanNewsChris

          Thanks for reading! :)

      2. Adam Gallacher Avatar
        Adam Gallacher

        I don't buy your argument. He is the CEO of Warner and should be where he is because he's a professional. He's speaking publicly about his company and his biggest most high profile franchise Batman is something he is forgetful over? The money he is making I find that unacceptable and not very professional. How can this help win over skeptics when he's not entirely certain about what he is talking about?

    2. Your_Mama1 Avatar
      Your_Mama1

      I'm also guessing the guy is a bit older? In his 50s or 60s? He didn't seem to know everything, probably a bit forgetful now.

  4. Thinwheat Avatar
    Thinwheat

    WOOHOO!!!

  5. Canucks Fan Avatar
    Canucks Fan

    Doing my happy dance right now

    Woot Woot

    Everything is Batman!!!!!

  6. SBHM Avatar
    SBHM

    So. Far. Away. I NEED it.

  7. Ryan Keith Allen Avatar
    Ryan Keith Allen

    The script for the movie has been in the works for more than a year now, so I am confident, so the sooner the better.

  8. diogo02000 Avatar
    diogo02000

    The theory about start shooting on March 2018 makes a lot of sense. And for the source itself, i'm totally buying it.

    1. BatmanNewsChris Avatar
      BatmanNewsChris

      You don't trust the CEO of Time Warner? That's the parent company of Warner Bros.

      1. Diego! Avatar
        Diego!

        I think he says he believes the CEO of Time Warner.

        1. BatmanNewsChris Avatar
          BatmanNewsChris

          Yeah that's true. He said "I think", he has a lot to keep track of. But it would make sense if the November 2019 release date is for Batman.

  9. The walking Cuban Avatar
    The walking Cuban

    Feb 16, 2018 - Black Panther
    Mar 02, 2018 - Untitled Fox Film
    Mar 16, 2018 - Flash
    May 04, 2018 - Avengers Infinity War
    June 29, 2018 - Untitled FOX Film
    July 06, 2018 - Antman and the Wasp
    July 27, 2018 - Aquaman
    Oct 05, 2018 - Untitled DCEU Film

    So that last spot? I'll watch a little bit of it everyday til the end of the month.

    The LOOOONG Halloween...

    I'll grab my cowl.

    All jokes aside, epic year.

    1. The walking Cuban Avatar
      The walking Cuban

      Or does he mean filming begins then? Aw man.

    2. Jax Teller Avatar
      Jax Teller

      I just realized James Wan Aquaman is going to be battling with Antman 2 for marketing... God the annoying marvel fanboys will be freaking out about the dark sea badass Aquaman and going "We want jokes!" for a month straight...
      But yeah Batman on October, I'm going with my Deathstroke cap and Batman shirt.

  10. Diego! Avatar
    Diego!

    This is such great news! I'd love to see more characters of the Batman Family: Catwoman, Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, Batwoman and Red Hood. As for the villains: Deathstroke for sure, Black Mask, Poison Ivy and I hope they bring The Joker back and Harley Quinn as well.

    1. Anon Avatar
      Anon

      Black Mask would be totally awesome if done in the same manner as the Redhood animation movie

      1. Rust Avatar
        Rust

        I prefer him from the comic version of UTRH. Still amusingly dry-humored, but also a bit scarier.

        The way he looks in Arkham Origins is probably the best visual interpretation so far.

    2. Your_Mama1 Avatar
      Your_Mama1

      BRING ON NIGHTWING!!! That would be a dream come true.

      1. Diego! Avatar
        Diego!

        Indeed! I love Nightwing!!! 😍😃

  11. Scott Peterson Avatar
    Scott Peterson

    Hall H is gonna be nuts next year.

    I'm predicting a complete sell out of all badges in 30-45 minutes the day they go on sale.

  12. Worlds Finest Comments Avatar
    Worlds Finest Comments

    Just don't rush it...

  13. Jesse Hernandez Avatar
    Jesse Hernandez

    Please... let Ben handle this all the way

  14. Alan Conn Avatar
    Alan Conn

    Oh its so long tho! Least were getting so many great movies in the meantime!

    1. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump Avatar
      BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump

      Total Lifetime Grosses
      Domestic: $318,133,343 43.5%
      + Foreign: $413,600,000 56.5%
      = Worldwide: $731,733,343

  15. Knight Radiant Avatar
    Knight Radiant

    Way too far out but I imagine Justice League will hopefully be enough to hold me over till then. Affleck is by far my favorite superhero/actor combo out there right now.

  16. IamTheOneWhoKnocks Avatar
    IamTheOneWhoKnocks

    This is going to be Affleck's best movie. He's starring, directing, and producing....perfect formula for award nominations. Hopefully, we'll see more of this kind of total control by other talented actors once this movie proves to be successful.

    1. Knight Radiant Avatar
      Knight Radiant

      I would temper those expectations a little bit. It would take a freak occurrence for a movie like Batman to get any kind of Oscar win outside of visual effects and MAYBE costumes. Also it will be a crime if DOJ gets no nomination for their stellar costumes.

      1. OssamNin Avatar
        OssamNin

        for costumes and musical score... I just can't believe they ignored the musical score for the oscars.

      2. John Johnson Avatar
        John Johnson

        Batman (1989) - won Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
        Batman Begins - nominated for Cinematography
        The Dark Knight - won Best Supporting Actor, nominated for Cinematography, Editing, Makeup, and Art Direction

        There have been three freak occurrences so far.

        1. jrvc Avatar
          jrvc

          TDK also won an Oscar for sound edition. Two Oscars winnings plus another 6 nominations. AND don't forget that because it couldn't be nominated as Best Picture, the Academy had to change its nominating rules for Best Picture and increase the numbers of nominees.

          Not bad for a comicbook movie

    2. Rust Avatar
      Rust

      Not only is he in total control with all of his talent, but he's also a HUGE Batman fan.

      I'm scared to say it, but it's a recipe for dreams to come true.

      1. IamTheOneWhoKnocks Avatar
        IamTheOneWhoKnocks

        Exactly!

  17. OssamNin Avatar
    OssamNin

    Considering the script has been worked on for quiet a long time now, ever since they were filming BvS, and that they already announced the casting fot the main villain, I think the year and a half thing means the release date, which then can be extended to 2 years from now... I just don't see them waiting so long to release a Batman solo movie. Affleck already finished filming for JL, which leaves him free to film The Batman movie.

    1. StarTheory Avatar
      StarTheory

      Affleck has also been busy filming Justice League and is also working on the post-production for Live By Night so I doubt that he has been spending a lot of time on the Batman script.

      1. OssamNin Avatar
        OssamNin

        But still, he's got at least a draft of it, he only has to refine it, and for the looks of it he won't be filming anything else in 2017...

        1. StarTheory Avatar
          StarTheory

          I guess we'll see, 2019 will make the most sense and it's also Batman's 80th anniversary.

          1. OssamNin Avatar
            OssamNin

            It could be 2019, but Batman is their most popular character and I just don't see them waiting so long to release a Batman solo film.

    2. Guest Avatar
      Guest

      *quite

      -Dr.Weezil

      1. OssamNin Avatar
        OssamNin

        thanks, english is not my native language .

  18. StarTheory Avatar
    StarTheory

    I doubt it's that early, I think we are getting the MoS sequel in 2018 with Batman in 2019, good year for both since they'll be celebrating their 80th.

    1. Rust Avatar
      Rust

      It would be charming timing, but I don't see it as something we should necessarily assume is happening.

  19. Nahuel Benvenuto Avatar
    Nahuel Benvenuto

    i really hope they dont ruin and mutilate the movie, WB just needs to distribute, nothing else

  20. I hate WB now Avatar
    I hate WB now

    "I think"... Chris please report accurate news and not unconfirmed reports even Ben himself said he isn't sure if he wants to do this solo movie

    1. DapperDan11 Avatar
      DapperDan11

      It's amazing what lengths people will go to just to try and knock ANYTHING related to WB/DC nowadays.
      And to the OP… These statement's came right out of the CEO's mouth, so I think it's relevant. As stated above, you need to try a little harder.

      1. I Hate WB now Avatar
        I Hate WB now

        You "think" it's relevant.

    2. Nice try troll Avatar
      Nice try troll

      Try again buddy, I am the furthest from a troll I enjoy everything Dceu but Ben doesn't want to do the solo film, it's obvious.

  21. OptimistPrime99 Avatar
    OptimistPrime99

    Wait, what?! November 2019?! LOL PRETTY SURE that the Deathstroke casting and test footage, would qualify as pre-production, with Affleck starting production in the Spring of 2017, for perhaps an October 2018 release. https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

    1. jrvc Avatar
      jrvc

      I said I would like to see Charlieze Theron as Catwoman, but this lady is a pretty neat choice too! ;)

      1. Mark Avatar
        Mark

        Who is she?

        1. krampe1995 Avatar
          krampe1995

          Emily Blunt
          awesome actress. She always plays badass roles.
          You can check her out in sicario and edge of tomorrow. Both very good movies

        2. jrvc Avatar
          jrvc

          Theron or the actress in the picture (Emily Blunt)?

      2. Rust Avatar
        Rust

        Fingers crossed for Kate Beckinsale here. There are lots of great choices in the sensible age range for Selina in this universe, so I'm excited to see what happens. :)

    2. AnonymousHero Avatar
      AnonymousHero

      Emily Blunt is a good choice. My #1 is Milla Jovovich.

  22. Anon Avatar
    Anon

    Hope we get a ferocious and master detective version of Batman...I am done with the sad and drooping version...We need a cross between the Batman of Scott Snyder and Grant Morrison

    1. JaymusYawsley Avatar
      JaymusYawsley

      I would love a Batman mystery movie where he solves a case rather than taking on a huge threat.

      1. DapperDan11 Avatar
        DapperDan11

        Agreed. It's time we see more detective work again, similar to what was going on in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

      2. JoshDen Avatar
        JoshDen

        I think everybody would love that

      3. Anon Avatar
        Anon

        huge threat kinda movie wud make sense if there are cameos from Supes and WW...

        1. JaymusYawsley Avatar
          JaymusYawsley

          I don't mind huge threats if it's called for and done well, but it would be great to see him be the World's Greatest Detective on film.

    2. residentgrigo Avatar
      residentgrigo

      His JLA presence / leadership (?) alone will force them to do Bat-God. They will need to double their efforts to keep him grounded, if anything. Look how far the TAS version went in the end:
      http://i.makeagif.com/media...

      1. Your_Mama1 Avatar
        Your_Mama1

        Bat-God is awful, I must say.

  23. BatmanNewsChris Avatar
    BatmanNewsChris

    But not if it's being shot in March 2018? That'd be way too quick of a turnaround.

  24. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump Avatar
    BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump

    Wb knows stay out of his way so he can shine...Ben hope you showcase the detective aspects...this film will be a classic..

  25. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump Avatar
    BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump

    http://www.comicbookmovie.com/wond...

    2 new low res ww pics...

  26. Josh Morgan Avatar
    Josh Morgan

    eh...im still going to hold out hope for a 2018 release. If not 2018, then maybe we will get MoS2 instead that year. Of course im hyped for Flash and Aquaman, but I guess its that we barely know anything about those films to be REALLY excited for them. Plus we haven't even really seen the characters in action yet.

  27. OmegaCorleone Avatar
    OmegaCorleone

    October 2018 most likely

  28. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump Avatar
    BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump

    What you think?

    https://uploads.disquscdn.c... https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

    https://uploads.disquscdn.c... https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

    1. Mark Avatar
      Mark

      I think I have no idea who the actors are that you've pictured.

      I also know I have no interest in the Red Hood, if that's who is in the second row.

    2. krampe1995 Avatar
      krampe1995

      I think its a little bit to early to bring in red hood. They should first introduce nightwing properly

    3. AnonymousHero Avatar
      AnonymousHero

      Dylan O'Brien as Red Robin (Tim Drake). Good choice. I much prefer Ryan Potter as Tim Drake though. Dude looks virtually identical to what Tim would be in real-life and he is skilled in martial arts. Kid is a beast.

  29. Новица Чворовић Avatar
    Новица Чворовић

    If they release it in March 2018 they should start shooting it in January-February, they will probably need 4-5 months, so post production will start in July, they will have plenty of time to finish it until March, probably than WB will move Flash to October 5th, So Batman in March 16th 2018, Aquaman July 27th 2018, Flash October 5th 2018, that would be great.

  30. DapperDan11 Avatar
    DapperDan11

    This is just my take, but I'm under the impression that he's meaning the release date, which would mean March 2018 we see the Batman film. Which means… The Flash would be moved. Assuming this CEO's remarks do have weight behind them, that would be my assumption. Although, I think the October 2018 slot was always going to be used as the reserved spot for this film, which is what I still think will happen to give Affleck more time and not rush him (I don't want a rushed Batman film, dear god I will hurt someone if they rush Affleck on this film).
    Speaking to the latter, that would mean Flash and Aquaman keep their 2018 slots and Batman comes in October 2018. Keep in mind that we can strongly assume Ben and Geoff have already been doing some script and pre-work (obviously), so they may potentially be further along than we think. They will probably need 4-5 months or so of shooting and leaving about a year for post-production. That leaves the unannounced 2019 slot for the Man of Steel sequel, which I think will be the most likely candidate given recent news.
    So, we'll probably have two Superman films, a Wonder Woman film, a Batman film, Flash, Aquaman, and two Justice League films, plus a Cyborg/Teen Titans before we see Green Lantern (Corps) take the stage again. Sound right? All this within the next 4 years.

    1. grayghost84 Avatar
      grayghost84

      Ya like, they cast and announced Deathstroke and have his costume, I think they are pretty well into pre production already. Ben will probably start shooting shortly after JL is done shooting? I dont think he has another project besides Batman that he's working on?

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