The Oscar-winning actor-and-director will take on the iconic caped crusader character opposite Henry Cavill's Superman in the untitled Warner Bros. film, which will unite the two DC Comics superheroes on the big screen for the first time.

'Man of Steel' director Zack Snyder is set to helm the highly anticipated movie - which is rumoured to be titled 'Batman vs. Superman' - and the movie studio has announced a release date of July 17, 2015, for the picture.

Snyder 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."

It was previously thought producers were seeking a slightly older actor to play an experienced, grizzled Batman opposite Cavill's younger, inexperienced Superman, who embraced the moniker for the first time in 'Man of Steel'.

Affleck is no stranger to playing a superhero as he starred as Marvel's blind crime-fighter Daredevil in a 2003 movie which co-starred his now-wife, Jennifer Garner.

The actor has big boots to fill in the famed role following Christian Bale's portrayal of Batman in Christopher Nolan's critically acclaimed 'Dark Knight' trilogy. (Bang Showbiz)