Ben Affleck's Batman To Take On Superman

Ben Affleck's Batman To Take On Superman, Film studio Warner Bros Pictures has confirmed the 41-year-old will take on the role of reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne, Batman's alter-ego, in director Zack Snyder's 2015 sequel to Superman reboot Man Of Steel.

"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," said Greg Silverman, president of creative development at Warner Bros Pictures.

"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."

The announcement that two iconic comic book heroes will face off against each other was made by Snyder earlier this year at San Diego's annual Comic-Con - a convention celebrating comic-book and pop culture.

"It's beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest super heroes in the world," Snyder said.

The director's Man Of Steel, starring British actor Henry Cavill, has been a successful reboot of the Superman franchise this year, making £417m ($650m) at the global box office.

The yet-to-be titled sequel, set for release on July 17, 2015, will reunite Man Of Steel stars Cavill, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

Affleck joins a list of actors who have donned Batman's black mask and cape, including Michael Keaton, George Clooney and most recently Christian Bale in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy.

The star, who directed and played the lead role in this year's Best Picture Oscar winner Argo, will also be in upcoming gambling drama Runner Runner, opposite Justin Timberlake.