Ben Affleck is new Batman

Actor Ben Affleck will slip into the Batman suit for the lead role in the "Man of Steel" sequel, Warner Bros Pictures announced.

The announcement was made by Greg Silverman, president - creative development and worldwide production, and Sue Kroll, president - worldwide marketing and international distribution, Warner Bros Pictures, in a statement.

"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 (director) Zack Snyder will bring new dimension to the duality of this character," said Silverman.

Kroll added: "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."

Affleck will play the role of Bruce Wayne, actor Henry Cavill will continue his role as Superman in Snyder's as-yet-untitled project, bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen.

Snyder also expressed his excitement about Affleck's association with the project.

"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," he said in a statement.

The film will also reunite "Man of Steel" stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

The new superhero film is being scripted by David S. Goyer from a story that he co-created with Zack Snyder. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing the film, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller serving as executive producers.

The production is expected to begin in 2014 and the film is slated to open worldwide July 17, 2015.