FIRST PICTURE: Zack Snyder gives the first glimpse of Ben Affleck as Batman
THIS atmospheric picture shows for the first time how Ben Affleck will look as Batman.
Zack Snyder, director of the upcoming Batman vs. Superman blockbuster, posted a picture on Twitter of the Oscar winner as the Caped Crusader.
The new Batman costume is completely black and looks more weathered and rugged than the outfit worn by Christian Bale in the Christopher Nolan films.
The new Batmobile is also shown which looks like a cross between the vehicle in Mr Nolan's series and the one in Tim Burton's two movies.
Zack Snyder posts on Twitter first picture of Ben Affleck as Batman
Mr Snyder, who also directed last year's Superman reboot Man of Steel, posted the picture on Twitter earlier this afternoon.
He tweeted it with the caption: "I shot this with my @Leica_Camera M Monochrom. #Batman #Batmobile #Gotham".
The picture sent Twitter into meltdown with Ben Affleck, Batsuit and #batfleck trending on the site soon afterwards.
In little over an hour Mr Snyder's picture has been retweeted more than 23,000 times and favourited more than 12,000 times.
I shot this with my @Leica_Camera M Monochrom. #Batman #Batmobile #Gotham http://t.co/WPHKLxgBLM pic.twitter.com/p5DEf6fLzJ
— ZackSnyder (@ZackSnyder) May 13, 2014
The new Batman film is set to be released in 2016 and will see British actor Henry Cavill also reprise his role as Superman and Clark Kent.
It will be reeled just four years after the latest series of Batman films directed by Mr Nolan finished.
The Dark Knight Rises, released in 2012, completing his Batman trilogy starring Christian Bale and Michael Caine.
The series included 2005 origin film Batman Begins and the critically acclaimed 2008 hit The Dark Knight.