Ben Affleck will take up the role of Batman in the Man of Steel sequel, Warner Bros has announced.

The studio confirmed the details on its Facebook page on Friday (July 23).

Affleck's casting as Batman ends weeks of speculation behind the coveted role of Bruce Wayne.

The 41-year-old will work under the direction of Zack Snyder, who returns to direct the follow-up to the Superman film, which starred Henry Cavill in the title role.

"We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics' most enduringly popular superheroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some," said Warner Bros' Greg Silverman.

"His outstanding career is a testament to his talent, and we know he and Zack will bring a new dimension to the duality of this character."

The untitled sequel - widely tipped as Batman vs Superman - marks the first time the two superheroes will share the big screen together.

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