Ben Affleck Cast as Batman for Sequel to Man of Steel

Warner Brothers and director Zack Snyder today announced that Ben Affleck will take on the role of Batman for the as-of-yet untitled (though Batman vs Superman is rumored) Man of Steel 2. The film was announced back at Comic-Con and since then speculation had run rampant about who would take over for Christian Bale in the role.

Snyder: “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.”

WB had made it known they were looking for an older, somewhat grizzled, experienced Batman for the film. A few names were tossed around as possibilities but Affleck, who the studio had one desired to direct Justice League, wasn’t really brought up by anyone as being in the running. It seemed somewhat unlikely he’d go back to superhero work after flopping with Daredevil and turning his career around as a director.

The Man of Steel sequel is scheduled to release summer 2015. Henry Cavill will return as Clark Kent/Superman along with Laurence Fishburne, Amy Adams, and Diane Lane.