However, people tend to forget that Warner Bros. originally wanted Darren Aronofsky to helm the Caped Crusader reboot. Aronofsky, much like Nolan, had come off two critically-acclaimed indies (“Requiem for a Dream,” and “Pi”). Eventually, Aronofsky’s vision for the film was too crazy for the studio and they ended up firing him. Speaking to Empire, Aronofsky finally gave us details of his recalled Batman movie and why the WB parted ways with him in 2003. Of note, Phoenix, back in the day this Aronofsky/Batman project was being developed, was not the same person/actor he is today. He was a little more composed and subtle as an actor, think “Gladiator,” before his eventual mental breakdown in the early aughts turned him into vulnerable, unpredictable, but brilliant on-screen performer. So, it isn’t hard to see the Phoenix of “Gladiator” tackling a focused and composed role such as Bruce Wayne back in 2003/2004 but it’s nearly impossible to even think today’s Joaquin would be a good match. Aronofsky also wanted to team-up with famous graphic novelist Frank Miller, who is best-known for penning “The Dark Knight Returns” graphic novels: Alas, we’ll never really know what Aronofsky was looking to do since he was fired soon after. He went on to instead direct “The Wrestler,” and “Black Swan,” whereas Nolan gave us that iconic Batman trilogy. So, it turned out to be a win-win for cinephiles. Contribute Hire me
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