Ben Affleck is the new Batman.
Variety reports that Warner Bros. has signed the Academy Award winner to take on the role of the Bruce Wayne and his alter-ego Batman in the upcoming "Batman vs. Superman" film directed by Zack Snyder.
The announcement comes weeks after news of the new film first emerged. Other major actors rumored for the role included Matthew Goode, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Orlando Bloom and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
There is no news on whether Affleck will also reprise the role in the rumored "Justice League of America" film; Affleck previously rejected the opportunity to direct the movie. Other reports indicate that Christian Bale was offered $50 million to take on the role of the Caped Crusader; however, the addition of Affleck likely spells the end of Bale's involvement with the franchise.
"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," WB president Greg Silverman said in a statement, according to Variety.
"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."
Is Affleck the right choice? The actor has a tough act to follow after Bale's universally loved performances in Christopher Nolan's hit trilogy. Aside from Bale, only Michael Keaton has received critical praise for his performance as The Dark Knight. George Clooney and Val Kilmer were attacked by critics for poor turns.
Moreover, Affleck has been more involved in the directing realm in recent years with such films as "Gone Baby Gone," "The Town," and Best Picture winner "Argo." He has never earned an Oscar nomination for his acting. This is his second foray into the Superhero genre; his 2003 film "Daredevil" was blasted by critics and earned a paltry $179 million worldwide.
"Batman vs. Superman" will be released in 2015 and stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Diane Lane.
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