The search has been called off for a new Dark Knight - Ben Affleck has just landed the role of Batman in Man Of Steel 2 .
The one-time Daredevil is re-entering the world of comic-book movies with the big budget sequel, exactly a decade after his critically-panned Daredevil movie.
According to an official press release, Affleck's Batman is going to be “a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter”.
Which means we're moving away from origins territory (well, after Nolan's films, what's the point?), which is something of a relief.
Director Zack Snyder explained the casting in the press release, stating: “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman."
Snyder added: "He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal [and] retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”
After Affleck's fantastic directorial work on Gone Baby Gone , The Town and Argo , it's no surprise that he's landed the role, having become a hot Hollywood property again after years in the wild.
Can he pull off The Bat? He certainly impressed as George Reeves in Hollywoodland , and he's got the jaw for the Batman cowl - which is surely half the battle.
And, for those concerned about the casting, remember when Heath Ledger signed onto The Dark Knight as The Joker?
It seems we're not the only ones interested in Affleck's casting - celebrities the world over took to Twitter to express their thoughts, too…
Holy shit... BEN AFFLECK IS THE NEW BATMAN!!! http://t.co/acivqxFl0U Do you know what this means? It means that I've seen Batman naked!!! August 23, 2013
Really looking forward to seeing Affleck bring the depth and gravitas to Batman that he brought to Daredevil and Gigli. August 23, 2013
WOW, @BenAffleck is gonna play Batman. I hope he fights the Joke-ah! #wickedpissah August 23, 2013
As well as confirmation of Affleck's casting, a release date of 17 July 2015 was also announced for the sequel.
Production on Man Of Steel 2 is expected to kick off in 2014.
For our thoughts on the matter, read our Opinion piece on Why a Ben Affleck Batman is a Good Idea , and weigh in with your own thoughts on the matter!
