At a time when recognizable franchises are getting reboots at faster and faster paces, we will soon be introduced to a new actor in the role of Bruce Wayne and Batman — even though “Good Will Hunting” star Ben Affleck (shown above left) took over the role in 2016 in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”

That’s right: Ben Affleck appears to be out as Batman.

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Christian Bale (above right) was in the role for three movies before that, the last of which was released only four years before Affleck took the reins.

Warner Bros. and DC have now set up a new Batman movie to hit theaters in the summer of 2021, with director Matt Reeves (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “War for the Planet of the Apes”) taking charge of the project. We don’t yet know who will star in the role.

Reeves has technically been working on his version of the caped crusader since early 2017, but no one knew whether Affleck would take over the role or not until now. Based on Reeves’ most recent comments about the project, it seems Affleck is out as the beloved crime fighter and a younger actor will soon be stepping behind the cowl.

“It’s very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale. 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,” Reeves told The Hollywood Reporter about his new version of Batman. “It’s more Batman in his detective mode than we’ve seen in the films. 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. I’d love this to be one where when we go on that journey of tracking down the criminals and trying to solve a crime, it’s going to allow his character to have an arc so that he can go through a transformation.”

He added the film will contain a “rogues gallery” of recognizable villains.

For his part, Affleck said he was looking forward to Reeves’ version of the character.

“Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life,” he tweeted following the news about Reeves’ movie.

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Affleck last played the vigilante crime fighter in 2017’s “Justice League.” That comic book movie has grown increasingly controversial, as more and more has been revealed about the difference between the original vision of director Zack Snyder — who had to leave the project before reshoots due to a family tragedy — and that of the final product, which was completed by Warner Bros. and director Joss Whedon.

At one point, Affleck himself was slated to direct a solo Batman movie, but it appears he’s moved on from the franchise.

Aside from Affleck and Christian Bale, many other actors have played the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne. The late Adam West brought a campy charm to the role in the ‘60s series “Batman”; Michael Keaton (above middle) performed the role for Tim Burton’s unique “Batman” and “Batman Returns”; and even Val Kilmer and George Clooney took over for two very different sequels.

There have also been numerous voice actors to perform the role, including Kevin Conroy.

Related: Adam West Passes: A Look at His Five Best ‘Batman’ Moments

Bottom line: It’s hard for audiences to really invest in any new Batman if actors and visions are filtered in and out so quickly. While Affleck starred in films that received mixed receptions from critics, it’s hard to argue he ever really had a solid chance to make a stamp on the character after only a couple of years.

Fans will forever argue over which actor is their favorite Batman — but it’s tough to fathom whether anyone past Christian Bale will seriously make it into the conversation, since studios like Warner Bros. seem more interested in kickstarting franchises based on novelty these days rather than creating inspiring stories. They’re even willing to give up on a franchise after only a couple of years, as evidenced by the exit of Affleck from their DC movies.

It would probably be a more popular move to bring back someone like Keaton at this point for a one-off movie — than to keep throwing new actors into fictional universes in an attempt to mimic Marvel’s success.

But since when has mainstream Hollywood seriously listened to moviegoers?

Check out a trailer for “Justice League,” likely Affleck’s last movie as Batman, below: