Actor Ben Affleck has been announced as the next Batman who'll succeed from 'The Dark Knight' Christian Bale to battle Superman in the 2015 Batman Vs. Superman/Superman Vs. Batman (that's the bit they haven't decided yet) sequel to Man of Steel.

Ben Affleck Argo
Ben Affleck Will Be The New Batman.

With Teen Wolf Tyler Hoechlin, Drive's Ryan Gosling and Mad Men's Jon Hamm all rumoured to be in line to adopt the black cowl and the gravelly voice, Ben Affleck's name has truly come out of the blue. The 41 year-old is a couple of years older than 39 year-old Bale so audiences will be presented with a slightly more mature caped crusader.

Director Zack Snyder is clearly set on Affleck, describing a skill set and look perfect for the world's most popular hero: "[Affleck] 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," he said, adding "I can't wait to work with him."

Ben Affleck
That
Chin.

Chops indeed. We think Ben Affleck was picked because of his chin: the film's selling point will be his fight scenes with Superman which will require both actors to be in full hero garb. Henry Cavill's Superman fights without a mask but Batman historically opts for the partially-covered face for his get-up which is sure to receive plenty more screen time than Bale's reluctant Batman did in The Dark Knight Rises. Therefore, logically any actor who plays Bruce Wayne must have a strong and recognisable chin if it's going to be the only part of him showing.

That chin needs to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies and equally make women swoon. We've seen Ben Affleck's chin and we certainly approve. Especially with that Argo beard, phwoar.

Henry Cavill
Henry Cavill Will Take On Affleck's Batman In 2015's Superman/Batman Showdown.

Snyder's decision to cast Affleck has come as a big surprise and despite Affleck being in Hollywood's good books for his mega Oscar-winning Argo last year, a petition started by fans to have Affleck removed from the Batman role has already harvested 5,750 signatures with Affleck's 2003 derided role as Daredevil in the Marvel Comic adaptation of the same name cited as a top reason he shouldn't have the part.

John Roden, who started the petition on Change, wrote "[Affleck's] acting skill is not even close to being believable as Bruce Wayne and he won't do the role justice. He's not built, nor is he intimidating enough for the role of Batman. His portrayal of Daredevil was atrocious and he's not remotely close to an action star. Please find someone else."

Christian Bale
Christian Bale's Batman Was A Popular Choice But He Won't Be Back.

When Christian Bale announced he was stepping away from the role after the latest trilogy, he really meant it. Such was his popularity, the actor was reportedly offered $50 million to reprise his role alongside Cavill but Bale was not one for turning. However, amongst fans posting comments on the anti-Affleck page, there are still calls for Bale to climb back into the Batmobile; a motion that is echoed by the LA Times' latest poll. "It's bad enough that we lost any possibility to experience Ledger's performance of the joker again. Now's not the time to soften Batman's image. The franchise needs stability and movies need to get back to cannon. Affleck just isn't the man for the job. Bale can bring it," wrote Jamie Austin via Change.

Zack Snyder
Sorry Hoarde Of Irate Fans, Zack Snyder's Set.

It seems to be the opinion of many that Affleck just isn't enough of a tough nut to play Batman, having played more thinkers' roles than damaged billionaires with a tendency for violence; especially as it has just been announced that he'll take the role of husband Nick Dunne in adapted thriller, Gone Girl. Furthermore, after winning Best Film for Argo at the Oscars, it could be argued that he's a stronger director than actor.

Nevertheless, we're still on a high after Argo: the bearded Tony Mendez with his determination to save lives and his 1970s blazers will be a character we'll remember for much time to come. Can he apply the same longevity and character depth to his stint at Batman or will we all be missing Christian Bale's incoherent speech?