Ben Affleck has been announced as the successor to Christian Bale’s caped crusader Batman in director Zack Snyder’s sequel to the summer’s blockbuster Man of Steel. Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise his role as Superman to take on Bruce Wayne in what has been considered the ultimate superhero face-off of the century.
The untitled Batman-meets-Superman movie will bring the two superheroes together in one film for the first time, a concept that has excited fans since its announcement earlier this year at San Diego’s annual Comic-Con. Affleck and Snyder will reportedly collaborate to “create an entirely new incarnation of the character” which will exist in the “director’s vision of their universe” established by Snyder in Man of Steel.
News of the casting was revealed on 23 August after much speculation. Potential Batmen included Ryan Gosling and Josh Brolin, with fans expecting the casting of a slightly older Batman than previous films.
In the announcement, Warner Bros. president Greg Silverman expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck, stating, “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character.”
He also noted, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”
According to Hollywood Reporter, sources have revealed that Affleck could extend his role as Batman in ‘multiple’ films if his portrayal is well received. Reports also suggest that producers are keen for the actor-director to contribute behind the camera after the success of his Academy Award-winning Argo, and may direct Warner Bros answer to Marvel’s Avengers; the anticipated Justice League movie.
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