The actor’s future in the role had been the subject of speculation for quite some time before it was finally confirmed earlier this year that he will not be donning the iconic cape again. The star was initially slated to direct, write and act in upcoming solo venture The Batman, but step-by-step he has walked away from it altogether. Matt Reeves will now helm it, with casting yet to be determined. Related articles Batman odds: Who will replace Ben Affleck? What are the odds? Batman Ben Affleck to be replaced by THIS Game of Thrones Brit? Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel’s chatshow last night, Affleck spoke out for the first time since he tweeted his best wishes to Reeves at the time of the initial announcement. He explained: "I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter, but just couldn't come up with a version. I couldn't crack it. “And so I thought it was time to let someone take a shot at it. “They've got some really good people." Ben Affleck spoke out on his exit as Batman on Jimmy Kimmel's chatshow (Image: SG • STUDIO STILL) The actor admitted he "couldn't crack it" (Image: SG) Asked later if there was anything he wanted to add, Affleck said only: “I am not Batman.” Reeves, meanwhile, has recently spoken about what he has planned for the blockbuster. "It's very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale," he teased. "It's told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it's going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional. It's more Batman in his detective mode than we've seen in the films. Related articles The Batman: Who'll REPLACE Ben Affleck? THIS star 'is favourite' Batman: Ben Affleck CONFIRMS exit from DC Comics franchise His casting was initially controversial, but he won a lot of people over (Image: DC) The movies were never particularly well-favoured by critics (Image: DC) "The comics have a history of that. He's supposed to be the world's greatest detective, and that's not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been." While Kit Harington has been picking up a lot of support in recent days, Jake Gyllenhaal remains the frontrunner with many outlets - including Ladbrokes, who list him at 3/1. Armie Hammer and Michael B Jordan have also been touted as potential replacements for Affleck. DC, meanwhile, continues its recent hot streak with the release of Shazam! in April. The Batman is expected to land on June 25, 2021.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility