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Weekly Movie Highlights: Ben Affleck not directing Batman, Black Manta Casting Announcement

This week in Movie news It's been something of a rollercoaster for DC and Warner Bros. Ben Affleck has stepped down as the Director for The Batman. However, things seem to be looking good for the Aquaman project with both confirmed and rumoured casting announcements for two major characters. Also in news, Diego Luna has been cast in the remake of cult classic Scarface and Mel Gibson is up for a sequel to 2015's Daddy's Home.

1. Ben Affleck no longer directing The Batman

A story that many fans didn't want to hear has, sadly, come true. Variety broke the story with quotes from Affleck stating “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.” Adding “I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director.” Which does make sense, as he’s already writing, acting and producing the film, directing would add more stress to his busy schedule. However, many believe that Affleck’s departure from directing duties is due to the critical and financial figures of his latest movie Live By Night, which didn’t seem to click with audiences at all. Whilst that might have been a factor in the decision making I strongly believe that this was a mature decision by both the actor and the studio. However, many fans have taken this as another sign of DC’s shortcomings with their creative team. Hopefully, The Batman finds a suitable director soon. 

2. Aquaman Casting Announcements/Speculations



Whilst Affleck’s decision has sent fans into dismay it wasn’t all bad news for DC. The Aquaman movie has now cast its main antagonist, Black Manta, with Netflix’s The Get Down star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. I have never watched The Get Down (Something I will correct soon) but I have heard very positive things about the show, and Abdul-Mateen’s role in the show. Which gives me very high hopes for him as Black Manta. The movies also hit the news with speculation casting talks of Nicole Kidman as Queen Atlanna, Aquaman’s mother, and Temuera Morrison to play Tom Curry, Aquaman’s father. Kidman is coming off the heavily praised film, Lion, and she is no stranger to DC, as she starred in Val Kilmer’s Batman movie. Whilst at first I was a bit taken back by this idea, as I thought Kidman looks a bit young to be playing Atlanna, I became more okay with it as I notices that she’s always looked very young for her age. And Kidman can give a good performance as the Queen of Atlantis. As for Morrison, he’s a really good actor. He’s also no stranger to DC, playing Abin-Sur in Green Lantern. I’d be very happy if both of these actors were cast in the film.

 3. Diego Luna in Scarface


Coming off the success of Rogue One, Diego Luna has been cast in Universal’s 2nd remake of Scarface. Luna will be playing Tony Montana, who was played amazingly by Al Pacino in 1983 and, less known, by Paul Muni in the original from 1932. I’m very happy with this idea. Luna was great in Rogue One, he was one of the highlights of the film. So, I think he’ll make a decent Tony Montana. My biggest concern I that Luna has never been a leading man in a film this big before. He didn’t have to carry Rogue One by himself, as that was an ensemble film. But Scarface is centred around the character Tony Montana. Something I don’t think Luna has done before. But he’s proven himself a good actor and I’m sure he’ll knock this role out of the park.

4. Mel Gibson and John Lithgow for Daddy's Home 2

It seems Mel Gibson is on something of a comeback. With Hacksaw Ridge earning him an Oscar nomination for best Director. Whilst John Lithgow has been recently receiving heavy praise for his performance as Winston Churchill in Netflix’s The Crown. And now it seems both actors are in talks to be in the sequel for Daddy’s Home. Potentially as the dads of both Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg’s characters. I think Gibson and Wahlberg could make a good pairing and would definitely be a good polar opposite to the pairing of Ferrell and Lithgow.


And that’s this week’s movie highlights. If there are any stories you feel I missed out then please comment. I hope you enjoyed reading. Thank you. :)

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