Ben Affleck has another shot at playing a superhero after landing the role of Batman in the follow-up to Man Of Steel sequel.

The Oscar winner will suit up to play the Caped Crusader alongside Henry Cavill as Superman in the as-yet-untitled sequel, which is expected to begin production next year (14) ahead of a July 2015 release.

In a statement announcing the casting, director Zack Snyder says, "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."

Affleck's first foray into playing a superhero was in the 2003 box office flop Daredevil; he also portrayed George Reeves, the star of the 1950s TV show Adventures of Superman, in the 2006 biographical drama Hollywoodland.

The movie will mark the first time Superman and Batman have met on the big screen.