Ben Affleck is the new Batman

Actor-director Ben Affleck will play the Dark Knight in the upcoming sequel of Man of Steel, which will feature the two superheros, Batman and Superman, for the first time.

The 41-year-old star will be replacing Christian Bale, and will face 30-year-old Henry Cavil, who will reprise the role of Superman.

Zack Snyder, who will be directing the blockbuster, said in a statement: “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.”

Ben Affleck’s movie, Argo, won the Oscar for Best Picture this year. He also shared an Oscar with Matt Damon for writing Good Will Hunting in 1998. He may also direct Justice League.

The Batman-Superman project was announced last month at Comic Con. It will open worldwide on July 17, 2015.

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