New Batman Movie Could Start Filming Next Summer, Actor Says

The next time we'll see Ben Affleck's Batman is in 2017's Justice League, but the actor is working on a standalone movie for the caped crusader. Now, in an interview with Variety, Alfred actor Jeremy Irons may have revealed when the movie will start production.

When asked how much screen time his character is going to get in Justice League, Irons revealed it would be similar to his part in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, before saying, "Ben's going to make a Batman film next summer."

"He promises me there's going to be a bit more of Alfred in that," Irons said. "In the Justice League we have seven major lead characters, and I'm the butler to one of them. It's clear I will not be dominating that film."

Last month, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes said he thinks Affleck's Batman movie is "a year and a half out." That would place it in theaters around March 2018, making a 2017 summer production sound possible.

Variety's interview with Irons covers a lot of ground, including Batman v Superman's critical reception and a brief mention of the actor's appearance in the upcoming Assassin's Creed movie. You can read the full thing here.

While The Batman doesn't have a confirmed release date, Justice League hits theaters on November 17, 2017. Alongside Affleck and Irons, it stars Gal Gadot (Fast & Furious 6), Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones), Ezra Miller (Trainwreck), Ray Fisher (The Astronaut Wives Club), and Henry Cavill (Man of Steel). It's also set to feature appearances by J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) as Commissioner Gordon and Amber Heard (The Danish Girl) as Mera.

Justice League is expected to showcase two characters in different outfits. Batman looks to wear a new suit for at least part of the film, while a black costume has been teased for Superman. Despite the darker outfit, Cavill can be seen wearing the classic red-and-blue suit in a goofy behind-the-scenes video.