The Bat-fleck signal flickers.

Today has been a flood of news about last night's revelation that Ben Affleck will no longer be directing the new solo Batman flick. In a press release statement, Affleck said:

“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” Affleck said 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.”

I have to admit that this sounds like a step in the right direction but I'm still hesitant that the trend of dark and grim DC movies could continue with a different director. Part of the hope that I had in Affleck directing is that he would have enough creative control to steer things into a different direction. Maybe not have Batman murder so many people this time around?

Who they will find to direct the mega franchise film is anyone's guess. Variety reporter Justin Kroll did post this tweet:

Hearing Matt Reeves is high on the list of directors they are looking at

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) January 31, 2017

Reeves is the director of the War for the Planet of the Apes film coming out this year as well as the previous film in that franchise. Personally I'd like to see the director of John Wick, Chad Stahelski, take on the Batman. Can you imagine the fight choreography with him in the director's chair?

Long time friend of Ben Affleck and movie director Kevin Smith made a tweet about the search for a director after fans mentioned his availability and recent directing of episodes of CW shows Flash and Supergirl:

I'm flattered. But 3 things make me directing Batman impossible: 1) Haven't spoken to Ben in years. 2) I made @YogaHosers, 3) Common sense. https://t.co/oTIhA3FtjO

— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) January 31, 2017

I haven't always thought that Kevin Smith was the best comic book writer but there is no doubt that his heart is 100% towards making the best tv representations of comic book characters he can.

What do you folks think?