You heard it right, Warner Bros. announced today that Ben Affleck has signed on to be the new Batman in the upcoming Batman vs Superman film. Affleck is the sixth man to don the cape and cowl after Bale, Clooney, Kilmer, Keaton and West on the big-screen. This comes as a bit of a surprise as Affleck's name wasn't mentioned in the rumor mill along with Josh Brolin, Jon Hamm and Armie Hammer.
When asked to speak about the casting, director Zack Snyder said this:
“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,” Snyder said in a statement. “I can’t wait to work with him.”
When the news of a Superman/Batman team-up was leaked during Comic-Con, I don't think anyone anticipated the former Daredevil stepping in for the job. And while Affleck's casting seems out of left field, it shouldn't come as too big of a surprise given that Warners Bros. asked him to helm the Justice League film a year ago.
Zack Snyder returns to direct, David Goyer will write and Christopher Nolan will produce the sequel to Man of Steel. Cast members Henry Cavill and Amy Adams are also scheduled to reprise their roles.
Batman vs Superman is slated to hit theatres July 17, 2015