If you’re a fan of the Dark Knight with access to the internet, then odds are that you’ve read something by now regarding Matt Reeves’ comments on The Batman stating that it didn’t take place within “the extended universe.” Obviously, this ignited more discussion and five-alarm flame wars on social media than you could shake a DVD copy of Batman & Robin at.
Before proceeding any further, let’s recap by taking a look at what the director said when appearing on a KCRW show:
“Well, I have a vision for a way to do something with that character [Batman] that feels like it resonates with me personally, and a perspective that can grow outward into other things. When they [Warner Bros.] approached me, what they said was ‘look, it’s a standalone, it’s not part of the extended universe.’”
Having read that again, can’t you see how many, many people took those words quite literally? And, if you did, it’s no fault of your own. Reeves flat out said “it’s not part of the extended universe.” Still, there was some room for interpretation, so let’s be thankful that he didn’t leave us hanging for too long.
Just this afternoon, Reeves himself took to Twitter with the following chain of statements:
Jeez, what'd I miss, guys…? 😀
Just to be clear: Of COURSE Batman will be part of the D.C. Universe. Batman will be BATMAN…
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) August 24, 2017
In my comments from a while back about not being part of the DCEU, I was talking about The Batman being a story specifically about Batman…
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) August 24, 2017
…not about the others in the Universe. That it wouldn't be filled with cameos servicing other stories — that it would be a BATMAN story.
— Matt Reeves (@mattreevesLA) August 24, 2017
As reassuring as all that is, he made no mention of Ben Affleck returning as the Caped Crusader. And before you get your tights in a twist saying that’s a given – and it may be – reports have surfaced since last night saying the actor won’t be involved in The Batman‘s production, and that the film will take place in an earlier time period. After all, that wouldn’t confine the filmmaker to a post-BvS timeline if proven true. Given that, we hope Reeves offers some followup in the near future.