It was always going to happen.Ben Affleck is reportedly going to star in, direct and co-write a standalone Batman movie for Warner Bros. and DC alongside DC's Geoff Johns.

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Deadline reports that Affleck will begin the project after he completes his adaptation of Dennis Lehane's novel Live By Night.Johns is DC Comics’ Chief Creative Officer with a number of comic credits across TV and books behind him, and an executive producer on Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.The site claims Affleck and Johns are "well in synch and have more than found their rhythm". It's likely they'll have a script finished before the end of the US summer, before Affleck leaves to direct Live By Night in November.No release date details have emerged, but the movie will apparently focus on Batman post the events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League: Part One.As a director, Affleck is drawn to traditionally 'gritty' material. He last directed Argo, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2013. Previous credits include 2010's The Town, and 2007's Gone Baby Gone. Live By Night will turn his attentions to organized crime in the Prohibition Era.If this is true, expect an official announcement at DC's Comic Con panel on Saturday morning. Stay tuned to IGN for all the news as it hits.

Lucy O'Brien is Entertainment Editor at IGN’s AU office. Follow her ramblings on Twitter.