Argo director and star Ben Affleck is set to play Batman in the Man of Steel sequel pitting the two superheroes against one another.
The announcement was made by Warner Bros. this afternoon.
“Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in ‘Man of Steel,'” writes Warner Bros. in a press release.
Said Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production at Warner Bros., “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.”
Director Zach Snyder said, “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.”
Added Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, “We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.”
Affleck isn’t exactly new to superhero films, as he starred in Daredevil in 2003 along with Jon Favreau and his wife Jennifer Garner. The film was greeted with very mixed reviews, but diehard fans have said that Affleck actually shined as the character in the director’s cut of the film.
Ben also played George Reeves in the 2006 film, Hollywoodland, which told a fictionalized account of the strange circumstances that surrounded the death of actor George Reeves. Reeves played Superman in the 1950s television series Adventures of Superman.
He’s certainly a bold choice for Bruce Wayne, and with Christian Bale’s performance fresh in the public’s mind, it’ll be one incredibly difficult act to follow. Warner Bros. obviously sees something special in Affleck, and we look forward to seeing what he’ll bring to the iconic character.
Batman VS Superman will hit theaters July 17, 2015. The announcement of a film starring both huge comic characters was made at San Diego Comic-Con last month. Henry Cavill will reprise his role as Superman for the movie.
Man of Steel opened June 14, 2013 and went on to make $649 million worldwide.
Warner Bros., Affleck, and Justice League: A History
Those who’ve followed Affleck and Warner Bros. may remember that last year the studio had reportedly approached the director to helm a Justice League movie. Read our analysis of this idea in our previous article.