In a recent interview, screenwriter David S. Goyer revealed that Christopher Nolan warned him against getting involved with Ben Affleck’s planned Batman film, highlighting the complexity of shifting creative visions within the superhero genre. The Christopher Nolan advice to David S. Goyer on Batman movie underscores a turning point behind the scenes, as the character’s cinematic legacy navigates new directions in the DC Universe.
Background on Goyer’s Involvement with Batman and Blade Films
David S. Goyer has had a significant influence on comic book films, writing for major projects such as The Dark Knight trilogy alongside Christopher Nolan, as well as penning scripts for the original Blade movies starring Wesley Snipes. Recently, while appearing on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Goyer discussed his lengthy career and ongoing fan requests for him to contribute to new adaptations, particularly for Marvel Studios’ upcoming Blade reboot. Despite public enthusiasm, Goyer expressed reservation about revisiting Blade or joining new Batman productions, citing both creative fulfillment and potential pitfalls of repeating past successes.
All the time on social media I see ‘oh, they should have Goyer do the new Blade’ – part of me thinks it would be fun, but part of me thinks that so far, I did the definitive Blade, and it’s a mistake. And I remember Chris [Nolan] advising me not to work on the Affleck Batman – just because it’s confusing, you know? We did one, just stick with that.
—David S. Goyer, Screenwriter
What Motivated the Advice to Decline Affleck’s Batman Project
Ben Affleck’s solo Batman film was initially planned as a starring, directing, and writing vehicle for Affleck, working alongside Geoff Johns, and it was set to be part of the DCEU timeline. However, as creative differences and shifting studio priorities emerged, Affleck eventually stepped down, leading to the project’s reinvention under director Matt Reeves, which resulted in Robert Pattinson‘s successful The Batman in 2022. Goyer’s long-standing relationship with DC properties and his decade-spanning collaboration with Christian Bale’s Batman made the prospect of re-entering the franchise both familiar and potentially redundant, according to his podcast remarks.
The advice from Christopher Nolan appears to stem from a belief in creative clarity and legacy. Having already contributed to a well-regarded version of Batman’s mythology, both Nolan and Goyer recognized that participating in another interpretation could both confuse audiences and dilute the unique identity of each cinematic Batman. This perspective is especially relevant given Goyer’s work, which also includes Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel, and several other comic book projects, such as Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Krypton, and The Sandman TV series. The scope and variety of these credits highlight how essential it can be for creators to remain selective in their choices to preserve the impact of their past achievements.
The Broader Impact on Batman’s Cinematic Journey
By stepping away from Affleck’s Batman project, Goyer may have avoided the creative complications that troubled much of the DCEU, where differing visions around core characters often led to disrupted production schedules or abandoned concepts. The DCEU struggled with consistent direction for its heroes, and Goyer’s decision to decline involvement could be seen as a way to avoid being caught in that tumultuous process. Now, with James Gunn preparing a fresh reboot for the DC Universe, the Batman character stands on the brink of another transition that will be scrutinized by both longtime fans and industry observers.
The widespread praise for The Dark Knight trilogy and the success of Robert Pattinson’s turn as the Caped Crusader provide optimism for Batman’s future on screen. Creators like Goyer and directors such as Christopher Nolan and Matt Reeves have each left distinct marks on the franchise, making each iteration stand apart. As the DC Universe heads toward new storytelling with Gunn at the helm, there is hope that lessons from the franchise’s varied history will guide a more cohesive and acclaimed path for Gotham’s iconic hero.
