2013 has already gone well for Ben Affleck after he celebrated Oscar success with his real-life thriller Argo back in February.

But now the year has just got better for him after Warner Bros confirmed via their Facebook page that the award-winning actor/director had been cast in the iconic role of Bruce Wayne (and his alter-ego Batman) in the upcoming superhero sequel Man of Steel 2.

Affleck takes over the role previously played by Christian Bale in Christopher Nolan’s renowned Dark Knight trilogy. Ironically, this will be the third time he has played a superhero on the big-screen. He previously starred as Daredevil in the 2003 film of the same name and as Superman in the George Reeves biopic Hollywoodland (2006).

His casting was announced earlier today by Warner Bros president Greg Silverman and Sue Kroll with the pair giving their perspective on the news.

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

Kroll – “We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman.  He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.”

Directed again by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen), the film will see Batman join forces with fellow DC Comics superhero Clark Kent/Superman (Henry Cavill) as they continue their battle to save the world.

Snyder himself issued a statement in which he spoke about the prospect of Affleck playing an older and scarred Bruce Wayne.

“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 has been an excellent change of fortune for Affleck after a career of many ups and downs. Initially it all started well for him when he starred and co-wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay of Good Will Hunting as well as having key roles in blockbuster hit Armageddon (1998) and historical romance Shakespeare in Love (1998). However things turned sour when he starred in various critical flops such as Pearl Harbor (2001), Gigli (2003) and Paycheck (2003) over the next few years. Fortunately he recovered well with effective performances in Hollywoodland (2006) and State of Play (2008) before earning acclaim for his directing of Gone Baby Gone (2007) and The Town (2010). His marvellous comeback to the industry was then completed by Argo which allowed him to take in the satisfaction of silencing those who doubted him over the years.

Affleck will make his bow as Batman when Man of Steel 2 hits cinemas on July 17th 2015.

Source: FACEBOOK