The Batman director Matt Reeves revealed to Variety why he won’t make a Marvel movie and it’s not due to the dislike of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Reeves, who first gained recognition for WB’s Felicity, made a name for himself for directing the hit documentary-footage style monster film Cloverfield back in 2018. Both Felicity and Cloverfield were co-developed with J.J. Abrams.
The Batman director is also known for his critically-acclaimed movies — 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes. The Batman’s Andy Serkis starred in all three Planet of the Apes movies.
Back in 2017, Matt Reeves was hired to write and direct a Batman film that was supposed to be part of the DC Extended Universe — or as fans say, the “Snyderverse.” Reeves took the job from Ben Affleck, who would originally write, star and direct the DC film. Affleck planned to stay involved as a producer and would still star as the Caped Crusader before leaving the production entirely.
As a result, The Batman director brought his own vision to the next Batman entry with co-writer Peter Craig. It would take place outside the DCEU and would feature a younger, more vengeful version of Bruce Wayne. Reeves would then cast Robert Pattinson for the lead role. The film would have a darker, grittier Gotham City.
With The Batman’s release just a day from now, the director has been going on press tours answering questions from his future projects to his overall thoughts on the film industry.
According to Variety, The Batman director revealed why he won’t cross over from DC to Marvel. It isn’t because he doesn’t like what the MCU has done, its filmmakers, or the Chief Creative Office Kevin Feige, but feels he won’t have the creative freedom he has now.
“I have such respect for Kevin Feige and also for the [Marvel] filmmakers. But to be honest with you, I just don’t know how I would make my way through that. There has to be some level of discovery for me, where I have some freedom to find my way,” says Reeves. “If I have to come into something that’s already set too firmly, then I think I would get lost. And I don’t think they would be happy with me either,” The Batman director added.
Reeves went on to share what he felt about the changing film industry as a whole. He feels that audiences now only seem to be interested in seeing movies in theaters that are recognizable properties. After Cloverfield, Reeves turned down big-budget films and opting in to direct smaller projects.
But despite his refusal to make franchise films, he would be hired to direct two Planet of the Apes movies, which were both praised highly by critics and moviegoers. Now, he’s involved in a much bigger franchise and has gone into the superhero movie realm.
The Batman is receiving rave reviews by both critics and fans and seems to be a start of a new trilogy. Reeves is currently developing two Batman spinoff series for HBO Max. As of right now, The Batman director doesn’t see his creative vision aligning with Marvel.
The Batman premieres in theaters March 5th in theaters with early screenings today, March 4th.
