Almost one year after the sad Ben Affleck meme went viral, the actor has decided to pull out of directing the upcoming Batman film.
On Monday the 44-year-old actor announced he was stepping down as director on The Batman but would remain as both the film's producer and titular star.
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Ben Affleck dumps directing role
The production team are searching for a director for the new stand-alone Batman movie, after Ben Affleck pulls out.
Affleck said the decision was made in consulation with studio Warner Bros. amid concerns he couldn't fulfil both roles simultaneously.
"There are certain characters who hold a special place in the hearts of millions," Affleck said in a statement to Variety. "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."
With the film due out next year, a search for a new director begins. According to Variety, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves is among those shortlisted.
The decision caps off an annus horribilis for Affleck, whose most recent films have bombed at the box office or been trashed by critics.
Affleck's latest film, crime drama Live By Night - which he starred in, directed, produced and wrote - has made just $23 million worldwide.
It's a far cry from his film Argo, which won the best picture at the 2013 Oscars.
And while his first outing as Batman in last year's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice made $1 billion worldwide, critics dubbed the movie directed by Zack Snyder as both "scattered" and "shoddy".
It was nominated for a Razzie Award - a tongue-in-cheek gong for Hollywood's worst films - last week.
Almost one year ago, a video of Affleck looking despondent during an interview about the film with co-star Henry Cavill went viral, spawning the global "Sad Affleck" meme.
In a statement, Warner Bros. said they stood behind Affleck.
"Warner Bros. fully supports Ben Affleck's decision and remains committed to working with him to bring a standalone Batman picture to life."
According to Variety, there had been rumblings for months that the actor was considering stepping down from directoring the standalone Batman film.
It's believed The Batman will kick off a new trilogy of standalone Batman films starring Affleck. The actor will also play the caped crusader in DC spinoff Justice League, which opens in November.