The Batman getting “fresh start”, will Ben Affleck still star?

Recently, Ben Affleck left the role of director for his upcoming standalone Batman movie, and now questions are being asked whether he’ll leave the project entirely, with reports that the film is set for a “fresh start”.

According to Forbes, “the project will undergo substantial changes”, “probably another full rewrite” and it “will essentially get a fresh start once a new creative team has been put together”.

This comes after Affleck released a statement, announcing his departure as director:

“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions. Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. 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. 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.” he said.

Cloverfield‘s Matt Reeves is reportedly the favorite to take over at the helm:

Hearing Matt Reeves is high on the list of directors they are looking at

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) January 31, 2017

With Warner Bros. set to make such drastic changes, could Affleck be tempted to leave the film entirely? The Gone Girl actor has lost a lot of control of the project and with sources confirming that The Batman script originally penned by Affleck, was rewritten by Argo’s Chris Terrio, this can only add fuel to the fire. Forbes certainly think that Affleck quitting is a possibility:

“For now, Affleck remains attached to play Batman/Bruce Wayne, and has publicly asserted his intention to remain in that role. However, since he’s already played Batman in three films to date, it’s fair to question whether he will remain committed to the project over the next several months while a new filmmaker and new script are acquired.

Affleck’s public statement insists he wants to make the film and will star in it, but he made similarly firm remarks just three weeks ago when asked if he was still directing the film”

The Batman is not expected to get a release until 2019. We can next see Affleck as the caped crusader in Justice League, which hits theaters on November 17.