This is it, then. Part four of four of the ‘What’s Next For Batman?’ mini-series, and it’s arguably the toughest yet. Sure, we can throw around villains and Bruce Waynes and storylines all day and come up with plenty of ideas of where to take the franchise next. But a follow-up to Christopher Nolan? That’s a mighty big ask…
Of course, this hasn’t stopped us trying. So, here’s a bunch of people who could potentially take the series in new and interesting directions!
Ben Affleck
With only three films under his belt – and one of those not yet released – this might seem like a strange choice. But consider just how fantastically directed those films were (GONE BABY GONE and THE TOWN), coupled with Affleck’s superhero-affiliated past, and his position on this list starts making a lot more sense. Add to that the fact he was offered both Superman reboot MAN OF STEEL and (reportedly) the JUSTICE LEAGUE film, and it looks like Warner Bros are already keen to get the man directing somebody (anybody!) in a cape and tights.
Guy Ritchie
His trademark directing style might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you can’t refute his tendencty towards action films, thrillers and the crime genre (Batman fights crime, remember?). Ritchie’s flashy visual style also sits comfortably alongside Zack Snyder’s, who’s currently helming MAN OF STEEL, so a reboot by him could lead easily into a future JUSTICE LEAGUE film. His recent SHERLOCK HOLMES flicks have proved his style works with mainstream audiences too. It’s a long shot, but chalk one up for ‘interesting alternative’.
Nicolas Winding Refn
OK, I’ll admit it: I love DRIVE. Love love love it. Did the Academy see fit to grant it any kind of small golden statue? Nope. (Heretics.) But what better way to make it up to old Nic than by giving him a caped crusader to play with? Refn’s a natural with the crime thriller genre, his productions oozing style and symbolic flair. He’s also already expressed interest in making a Wonder Woman film, but I’d much rather see him take on the Dark Knight. I hope you’re listening, Warner Bros…
Brad Bird
Bird recently dove headfirst into the live action pool with his fantastic MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL (which pretty much blew all previous instalments out of the water). So his action credentials are tip top, while efforts on animated features such as Pixar’s THE INCREDIBLES show he’s got the chops to instil character and plot. (And that’s a superhero film under his belt too.) He’s not the first name that comes to mind when you think ‘Batman’, but his CV certainly boasts quality over quantity.
David Fincher
The first rule of being Batman is: you do not talk about being Batman. Or something. Fincher’s varied history of filmmaking is a bit hit and miss (here’s looking at you, ALIEN 3), but films such as FIGHT CLUB and THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO put him in a decent position to take over the Bat-mantle. I’d probably relegate him towards the lower-priority end of this list personally (I still have a bad taste in my mouth from THE SOCIAL NETWORK), but if everyone else says no, then he’s your go-to guy!
Darren Aronofsky
The BLACK SWAN director once wrote a loose adaptation of Frank Miller’s ‘Batman: Year One’ comic which featured Bruce Wayne as a toothless car mechanic. If that doesn’t prick up your ears for an ‘interesting and alternative’ look at the Batman franchise, I don’t know what will. Aronofsky’s script was a labour of love, so clearly this was something he felt quite strongly about. Would he still be up for taking on the caped crusader if Warner didn’t let him stick to his personal vision? Who knows. But BLACK SWAN also put Aronofsky on the lesbian-love-scene grid, and, well, there’s plenty of ladies in Batman. Hint hint.
Michael Bay
…only kidding.
And that’s that. Be sure to check out the previous instalments in this series, including Choosing The New Bruce Wayne, Choosing The New Villains and Choosing The New Storylines. And don’t forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Jeff T.
Aug 17, 2012 at 7:38 pm
I LOVE you articles, Chris Wharfe.
…only kidding. You can’t write a good article even if your small life depends on it. Nice attack agaist Michael Bay, loser. Feel better?
Feel better when you attack one of the best directors in the action genre? It’s so funny that there are still idiots on the web who come up with such moronic ways to show that they hate someone. No surprise here, because you probably think that the pretentious brit Nolan is DA greatest director ever. His fans are usually the dumbest ones, so it’s expected thet they act like idiots and attack other directors just for the heck of it.
Bay on the other hand is GREAT at what he does and yes, a lot of people love his work. Clearly, you’re not one of them. No big deal.
But at least have some dignity and don’t take cheap shots at a proven director like Bay. There are so many other lame directors like Uwe Boll and Emmerich, yet you decided to go after Bay. Hmmm, I guess you’re angry that he’s one of the most successful and powerful directors. Way more powerful and influential than your brit boy Nolan.
Accept the reality Chrisy. You’ll feel a lot better.
Anonynmous
Aug 18, 2012 at 11:01 pm
Brad Bird would make a great Batman Beyond movie.
Dan Bullock
Aug 19, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Jeff – The God of Biscuits.
Very amusing saying that Bay is the best directors, that’s funny. Sure, he creates giant set-pieces that repeat exactly what’s gone before. Is that what impresses you? Is that the same as Baseball, just the same again and again and again?
Bay had a moment early on but now he’s a stereotype of himself. And he loves to destroy anything that anyone loved from any generation or decade.
I’d agree that Emmerich isn’t much better but at least he’s got a subtle undertone playing, have you noticed how his films always bring down the people who think they are the best?
You know I’d even agree that Nolan follows a certain pattern but at least he tried to make the audience think a little, can you honestly give an example of something similar from Bay?
Chris Wharfe
Aug 21, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Mr T: Please realise I completely agree with you. You’re right: Bay is good at what he does. It’s just that what he does is completely wrong for Batman.
As Dan points out, he does giant set-pieces; big explosions, big SFX and big box office. But no plot, no heart, soul or any other themes at all really. Is that all you want to take from a Batman film? Brainless action? Again to echo Mr Bullock above, Nolan at least provokes his audience to use their noggins on occasion.
Like I say, I agree with you that Bay’s action is at least entertaining. In fact, I wrote 600 words on how much I love Transformers 3 a couple of weeks ago right here: https://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2012/08/04/thns-guilty-pleasures-day-4-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/
Feel free to have a read, Jeffy. You’ll feel a lot better…