After winning the Golden Globe for directing Argo, Ben Affleck is spending at least two hours a day in the gym getting in shape for his next role as Batman in the Man of Steel sequel, Batman vs. Superman, which will also star Henry Cavill. The casting of the 41-year-old father of three has come in for criticism from some Batman fans who have organized anti-Affleck petitions, but Warner Bros. president Greg Silverman said in a statement: “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of D.C. Comics’  most enduringly popular super heroes, and Ben Affleck certain fits that bill and then some.” Affleck follows Christian Bale in the role and becomes the eighth actor to portray the Caped Crusader. The movie is expected to spawn several sequels so Affleck may well have to put his directorial talents to one side for a while to concentrate on his acting, which may well suit him following his comments to HFPA members when he talked with them about differences between acting and directing. “Directing is an extremely lonely occupation,” he said. “When I talk to other directors they often say it’s the loneliest job in the world. “I find it interesting to change things up a bit.Not so much that I’m way out on a limb but enough that I’m challenging myself and doing something different.” Directed by Man of Steel filmmaker Zack Snyder, Batman vs. Superman will open worldwide on July 17 2015 with Diane Lane and Amy Adams returning in their roles of Mrs. Kent and Lois Lane.