Ben Affleck Will Play Batman in Superman/Batman Film

Get your torches and pitchforks ready!

In a press release earlier today, Warner Bros. confirmed that Oscar-winning writer/director Ben Affleck has been confirmed to play the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in the upcoming "Man of Steel" following up, the first time both Superman and Batman will appear in the same film. In the official statement on their Facebook page, Warner Bros said,

Ending weeks of speculation, Ben Affleck has been set to star as Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in “Man of Steel.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The studio has slated the film to open worldwide on July 17, 2015.

The 41-year-old Affleck is 11 years older than his co-star Henry Cavill, changing the normal dynamic from the comics where Superman and Batman are usually portrayed as being close in age. Rumors of Warner Bros wanting an older Batman have been going around for a few weeks now, leading to rumors of actors like "Castle" star Nathan Fillion being a contender for the role.

Honestly, I don't like this. I'm really concerned for the movie. The last time Affleck tried to play a superhero was as the title character in Marvel's "Daredevil", a film widely considered to be one of the worst superhero movies made. Affleck is an amazing writer and director, but as an actor he's never been truly impressive. I loved "Man of Steel", and was excited about the prospect of finally seeing Batman and Superman on the big screen together, but I knew the project would rest entirely on who would be the new Batman. And knowing who that is now, my hopes are, for the time being, greatly damaged.