Ben Affleck to direct Batman film says Warner Bros. chief

LAS VEGAS — Ben Affleck will direct a stand-alone "Batman" movie, says Warner Bros. chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara.

Affleck portrayed the caped crusader in this year's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and had been rumored to be the studio's top choice. Tsujihara confirmed the studio was moving forward with him in the director's seat Tuesday at CinemaCon, an annual gathering of theater owners in Las Vegas.

The standalone Batman feature is part of Warner Bros. plans for an expanded DC Comics cinematic universe, similar to that of the Disney and Marvel collaboration. Warner Bros. has at least 10 features in the works, including "Suicide Squad," ''Wonder Woman" and "Justice League."

Affleck, who is also directing "Live By Night" for the studio, made an appearance with Amy Adams, who plays Lois Lane.