Lois & Clark’s Teri Hatcher Joins Supergirl, Ben Affleck No Longer Directing Batman, & More

Jill Pantozzi | January 31st, 2017

Busy day for Warner Bros. superhero property news!

In the television world, news just broke today of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman actor Teri Hatcher guest starring on The CW’s Supergirl. Entertainment Weekly says she’ll “be playing a mysterious new role that will become the new Big Bad of Season 2.” Her co-star from the Lois & Clark years, Dean Cain, already has a role on the series and is just one of a few Super-alums to have made appearances. Also, as EW points out, Hatcher’s Desperate Housewives co-star Brenda Strong has also been recurring on Supergirl. Here’s hoping they all get scenes together.

In other Supergirl news, Buzzfeed revealed Crazy Ex-Girlfriend star Rachel Bloom has written a song for the musical crossover with The Flash:

“As soon as I heard that they were doing a musical crossover, I e-mailed Mark Pedowitz who connected me to Greg and Andrew. I immediately offered them my services,” Bloom told BuzzFeed News in a statement. “As soon as they picked one of my song ideas, I hopped on the phone with my old Robot Chicken boss Tom Root and we brainstormed and, based on that brainstorm, I wrote up the song ‘Superfriends.’ I am so excited to contribute more to the upward trend that is musicals in television and film. Music can be one of the most amazing and efficient forms of storytelling and character development. Also, it was really fun to write a comedy song for two superheroes.”

We just recently learned Glee’s Darren Criss would be playing Music Meister in the episodes. TV Line adds La La Land’s Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have also written a song.

Moving over to the film side of things we have two bits of Aquaman news today. First, The Get Down’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen II may wind up playing DC villain Black Manta opposite Jason Momoa. The Hollywood Reporter says they’re still in talks but it’s looking good. They also add that he was apparently up for Lando Calrissian in the Han Solo movie, a role that eventually went to Donald Glover.

In another story, THR says Nicole Kidman is in talks to play Aquaman’s mother.

Yes, 49-year-old Kidman might play 37-year-old Momoa’s mom. Cool, Hollywood, cool.

Anyway, besides her Batman Forever connection, she was previously in talks for the Wonder Woman film so it seems like Warner is eager to have her be a part of the new DC film universe. Besides Momoa the film stars Amber Heard as Mera, Willem Defoe as Dr. Vulko, and Patrick Wilson as Orm.

Finally today, the writing seemed to be on the wall but it was made official last night that Ben Affleck would step down as director of his solo film, The Batman. There’d been a lot of talk about the status of that project (which didn’t have a script yet but Warner was trying to set for a specific date) and Affleck getting a bit frustrated with getting asked about it left and right. Variety had this statement:

“There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions,” Affleck said in a statement. “Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film. I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director. I remain extremely committed to this project, and look forward to bringing this to life for fans around the world.”

He’ll still produce and star. Here’s just a few names of directors who Warner should consider to replace him: Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Lexi Alexander, Patty Jenkins, Michelle MacLaren, Mimi Leder, Angelina Jolie, Kathryn Bigelow, Ana Lily Amirpour, Tricia Brock, Karyn Kusama.