THE FLASH to Begin Production in Early 2019; THE BATMAN to Cast a Younger Actor

There are a few updates regarding the DC Extended Universe, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

First up is THE FLASH. After losing multiple directors over the past few years, the project seems to have finally landed its helmers as John Francis Daly and Jonathan Goldstein (co-writers of SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING) will write and direct the speedster's solo feature. The movie will also forego the darker tones of the Zack Snyder version of the DCEU. THR writes:

"The Flash, which will finally begin production in early 2019 with Ezra Miller starring, has abandoned the somber themes it had been expected to tackle. The film now has the Game Night team of John Francis Daly and Jonathan Goldstein on board, and it's looking to Back to the Future as a touchstone."

Next is an update on writer and director Matt Reeves' THE BATMAN and it sounds like actor Ben Affleck will not be a part of this version of the Caped Crusader. And he could in fact be done with the role altogether. THR writes:

"The big question mark going forward is the future of Batman. Writer-director Matt Reeves turned in the first act of a new screenplay during the Memorial Day weekend. It's said to focus on a young caped crusader, and while the studio would not comment, it's unlikely that Ben Affleck, who has played Batman in three features, will again don the cowl."

Warner Bros. executive Walter Hamada is now running the lead for the studios' DC superhero movie universe. Rumors are also circling how not only will there be big announcements in store for San Diego Comic-Con International next month, but how the DC Extended Universe name itself could evolve. This is all being done as things move beyond and evolve past the huge box office disappointment and critical failure that was the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE last fall.

No release dates have been set for either THE FLASH or THE BATMAN as a final note in this report states how Warner Bros. will not be setting movie release dates so far in advance as they have done in the past. This is so the creatives involved in all these DC movie projects can take their time to make the best movie possible without the stress and pressure of a release date deadline.