Ben Affleck Bulks Up For Batman Role

Oscar winner Ben Affleck has reportedly begun an intense work-out to help him bulk up to play the role of Batman.

He follows the footsteps of Michael Keaton, George Clooney, Val Kilmer and Christian Bale who have played the role of the iconic caped crusader. The 41-year-old Affleck has apparently been training for two hours a day to transform his physique.

"Ben provides an interesting counterbalance 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," director Zack Snyder stated.

Batman and Superman will battle in the sequel to this year's Man of Steel. Henry Cavill has agreed to reprise his role as Superman. And joining him from Man of Steel will be Amy Adams (as Lois Lane), Laurence Fishburne (as Perry White) and Diane Lane (as Kent's Earthly mother).

Pre-production has already begun for the much-awaited movie, which will have Christopher Nolan as executive producer. Warner Bros. has confirmed a 17 July, 2015 release date for the film, which will be based on Frank Miller's 1986 graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns.

However, this is not the first time Affleck is playing the role of a superhero, he was a superhero in Daredevil and famously stated that it was a source of humiliation for him.

"By playing a superhero in Daredevil, I have inoculated myself from ever playing another superhero. Wearing a costume was a source of humiliation for me and something I wouldn't want to do again soon," Affleck had confessed to the press at the London premiere of Hollywoodland.

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