Ben Affleck is bowing out as Batman as the next big-screen instalment for the Caped Crusader has been confirmed for 2021.

The actor had been rumoured to be departing the role having starred in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League.

US entertainment trade website Deadline was the first outlet to report the news, saying that Warner Bros. would be releasing The Batman in 2021 from writer and director Matt Reeves.

It was reported the film will focus on a younger Bruce Wayne.

Taking to Twitter, Affleck shared the story along with the message: "Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life."

The Batman has been given a June 25 2021 release date by Warner Bros.

Reeves' previous films include 2008 horror Cloverfield, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and War for the Planet of the Apes.