The development of a Batman movie featuring Ben Affleck as the Caped Crusader has been rocky to say the least. That doesn't mean the cast isn't excited for it though. Joe Manganiello, who was cast as Deathstroke, recently stated the movie doesn't have a set date to begin shooting but it will be soon.
In an interview with Robert Irvine Magazine, Manganiello talked about the negativity surrounding the project with script issues and the turbulent process it went through in securing a director after Ben Affleck dropped out.
"Everyone involved wants to make this the best film possible, so that's really what it's about," Manganiello said. "It's funny how the media likes to run with, 'Oh there's trouble!' 'Oh, the script needs to be revised!' They're drama queens. There's a creative process, and everyone on the cast and crew wants to make this the best movie possible. So that's what we're gonna do. When we start shooting it, we'll start shooting it. It will be soon, I can say that. Here's the thing: No one wants to create that superhero movie that's polarizing to fans and critics. Rest assured, we're gonna do this thing right."
He's probably referring to Batman v. Superman when talking about polarizing films. The first movie to feature Ben Affleck as Batman garnered negative reviews but was a substantial box office hit. Everyone involved with The Batman doesn't want it to follow the same fate as its predecessor.
Manganiello goes on to mention a possible date for the shooting to begin, but isn't definitive about it.
"Last year, I said May and that was my understanding," Manganiello said. "It depends. They have big plans for this movie. Whether or not we start exactly on that date or in June, whatever it is, it doesn't matter. Here's the thing: The creative process needs to be respected and no one involved in this film wants to make anything less than an unbelievable film, a legendary film."
The Batman is still up in the air
Joe Manganiello's optimism about The Batman is refreshing, but it's not too reassuring to hear it's been going through so many obstacles. It's essentially a guaranteed hit, but aside from honing in on Matt Reeves to direct and a cast that includes Affleck, Manganiello and J.K. Simmons to name a few, hardly any traction has been made with the script.
The plans for The Batman have been ongoing for nearly a year now, but it feels as though were as close to getting the movie now as we were then. But we'll continue waiting because if Matt Reeves and Ben Affleck manage to make a great movie, the wait will have been worth it.
