Christopher Nolan helped redefine Batman for a new generation with Batman Begins in 2005, working alongside screenwriter David S. Goyer. But when it came time for a new Batman reboot starring Ben Affleck, Nolan had some advice for his longtime collaborator: don’t get involved.
Goyer, who co-wrote Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, shared the story during a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. He said Nolan suggested he avoid working on the newer Batman films because “it’s confusing.” Nolan told Goyer, “We did one, just stick with that.”
Before working with Nolan, Goyer was known for writing the Blade trilogy, starring Wesley Snipes. He also worked on Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which introduced Ben Affleck as Batman in 2016. Even though Goyer co-wrote those films, Nolan thought it was best not to tie his earlier Batman work to the newer versions of the character.
Goyer also revealed that people often ask him to return to comic book movies, especially to help with Marvel’s new Blade reboot. But Goyer feels that returning to a project he’s already defined might be a mistake.
Goyer’s other comic book projects included work on Green Lantern Corps and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, but he’s now focusing on new, non-comic book stories. His latest work includes the Apple TV+ series Foundation and Murderbot. He also worked on The Sandman for Netflix, which ends with its second season in July.
For now, Goyer says he’s stepping away from superhero projects, following Nolan’s advice to keep the stories clear and separate.
