Ben Affleck has been cast as Batman in a forthcoming Superman sequel, bringing together the two superheroes in one film for the first time. The 41-year-old will star opposite British actor Henry Cavill, who will reprise his role as Superman from the most recent film, Man of Steel. Director Zack Snyder revealed the big screen superhero mash-up at a comic convention in San Diego last month. Mr Snyder, who also directed Man of Steel, said in a statement that Mr Affleck will provide an "interesting counter-balance" to 31-year old Cavill's Clark Kent. The sequel - which has yet to be given a title - will reunite Man of Steel stars Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White) and Diane Lane (Martha Kent). Christian Bale most recently played Batman in director Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. Michael Keaton and George Clooney have also donned the black mask and cape in previous Batman films. Ben Affleck's film Argo, which he starred in and directed, won an Academy Award for best picture earlier this year. Batman and Superman are part of DC Comics universe, which is part of the Warner Bros Entertainment division.