We know that Ben Affleck is writing the screenplay with DC’s Geoff Johns. We know that Affleck will also be directing. And we know that Joe Manganiello will be the ‘big bad’ of the film, Slade Wilson/Deathstroke. What we don’t know, though, is just when The Batman will start production or when it will be released. Well, now we do.

Previously, it was said that the first solo outing for Affleck’s Caped Crusader had an 18-month timetable surrounding it. Details were hazy, however, on whether that 18-month mark was when the film would start shooting or if it would be a rushed release date. The film’s villain has now given us something more concrete on that front, though.

Speaking to ET, Joe Manganiello has confirmed that The Batman will start shooting next spring. Still, there’s no details on just when the film will hit the big screen, with Warner Brothers keeping schtum on when the Affleck-helmed Dark Knight effort will be released. Interestingly though, Warner Bros. does have release dates of October 5th, 2018 and November 1st, 2019 reserved for DC-based movies. If The Batman does indeed start shooting next spring then that October 2018 would certainly be a realistic aim for the film.

Joining Affleck and Manganiello in The Batman will be J.K. Simmons as Jim Gordon and the returning Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth. Before that movie arrives, Ben Affleck’s World’s Greatest Detective will be next seen in Zack Snyder’s Justice League in November 2017.