Ben Affleck will no longer be directing The Batman for Warner Bros.

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The Batman: Directors Who Could Replace Ben Affleck 10 IMAGES

Variety has confirmed that Affleck will stay on board the project as star and producer, but that he and the studio came to a mutual decision that he would step down as director.“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” said Affleck in a statement. “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.”“Warner Bros. fully supports Ben Affleck’s decision and remains committed to working with him to bring a standalone Batman picture to life,” the studio said in a statement.The news comes after recent rumblings that Affleck was not fully committed to helming the movie. "[directing it is] the idea. But it's not a set thing and there's no script," he explained in a recent interview.Affleck added, "If it doesn't come together in a way I think is really great I'm not going to do it."Affleck and Warner Bros. will now begin the search for a new director - you can check out our suggestions in the image gallery below.Affleck will next be seen as the caped crusader in Zack Snyder's Justice League, which is due to hit theaters November 17.

Lucy O'Brien is an editor at IGN’s Sydney office. Follow her ramblings on Twitter.