Ben Affleck to direct, star in solo Batman movie: report

Looks like Ben Affleckis going even deeper into the Dark Knight.

The actor and Oscar-winning writer and director has reportedly signed on todirect and star in an upcoming Batman standalone movie, according to industry media outlets Deadline and Hollywood Reporter.

The 42-year-old wouldalso co-write the projectalongsideDC's creative head and TV scribe,Geoff Johns, who isknown for his work onSmallville, Arrow, and The Flash.

Affleck, who most recently made headlines for his divorce from wife and fellow actor Jennifer Garner, isalso playingtheblack-masked crusaderin Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Batman was also spotted on the set ofDavid Ayer's supervillain flick Suicide Squad during filming in Toronto.

It's expected that production on a Batmanstandalone film will start after Affleckcompleteshisdirecting gig on the crime novel adaptationLive by Night.

More Batnewspending?

The Batmanbombshell arrives on the eve of Warner Bros.'San Diego Comic-Con panel, scheduled for Saturday morning. Until then, the studio is unlikely to makean official comment on the project.

• WATCH|Artist creates life-sized copies of DC comic heroes using Lego
• Comic-Con 2015: Star Wars, superheroes and sneak peeks

The studio announced its roll call of movies headlined by DC characters last October, includingnew Superman, Wonder Woman and Justice League movies.They are slated for release between 2016 and 2020.

At the time, the studio didn't rule out the possibility ofBatman's return, but no solo outing was mentioned.

Affleck's2012 Iranian hostage drama Argopicked up threeAcademy Awards including best picture, best adapted screenplayand best film editing.

He also shared an Oscar with writing partnerMatt Damonfor 1997'sGood Will Hunting.