Ben Affleck has confirmed that his forthcoming new movie about the caped crusader will be called The Batman.

Affleck is set to direct and star in the Batman solo film, which follows on from the recent Batman V Superman blockbuster.

The star recently revealed that Batman’s nemesis in the film will be the DC Comics character Deathstroke. Deathstroke, an assassin with superhuman strength, speed and agility, first appeared in comic book form in 1980 but did not cross paths with Batman until a 1991 comic.


The villain is also rumoured to be making an appearance in next years’ Justice League movie.

Now, Affeck has told the Associated Press: “The movie I think is going to be called The Batman’ At least that’s what we’re going with right now. I might change it… That’s about all I got right now. We’re working on the script, the script is going well, I’m really excited about it.”

Meanwhile, Joe Manganiello is set to play Deathstroke in Affleck’s forthcoming film.

DC Entertainment president Geoff Johns confirmed the casting recently. Manganiello is best known for his roles in True Blood, Magic Mike and Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy.

Affleck also recently said of his vision for the movie: “I think what I would do, what I probably would do, is in some ways what Zack [Snyder] did with [Batman v Superman], which is to borrow certain things from the great comic books, but create an original story around it,” he explained.


“I wouldn’t want the fans to already know the story and be familiar, but I would borrow, steal great things that have been done before in the comics.”

Affleck’s first solo outing as the caped crusader is reportedly due for release in 2018.