The actor will remain as producer and star of the Warner Bros caped crusader movie due to be released next year

Ben Affleck has dropped out of directing The Batman, Warner Bros’ planned stab at a solo caped crusader movie. Affleck, who had been installed as the director of the project after taking the role in the critically derided Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, will remain as producer as well as the star.

However, according to Variety, rumours began circulating a month ago that Affleck would step down from the directing role. Affleck finally pulled out with a statement in which he said: “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.” He added: “I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director.”

Variety have named War for the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves as a potential replacement. It has also reported sources denying that the recent huge loss that Warner Bros incurred on Affleck’s gangster film Live By Night was connected to the decision.

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Affleck has repeated his Dawn of Justice role in Warner’s Justice League, the DC superhero team movie due for release in November. Affleck has completed his work on that film, and production on The Batman is to start in spring for release in 2018.