His casting as Batman was controversial to say the least, but we don't think many of his detractors will be taking issue with Ben Affleck in person after seeing the first pic of him in costume as the caped crusader.

The 41-year-old star looks absolutely massive in a grainy black-and-white photo shared by director Zack Snyder on Twitter, which also includes a glimpse of the redesigned Batmobile.

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

Fans had been expecting Snyder simply to reveal the new-look vehicle following a teaser pic on Monday - but he caught everyone by surprise with an early peek at Affleck's incarnation of the iconic DC Comics superhero.

Snyder wrote matter-of-factly: "I shot this with my @Leica_Camera M Monochrom. #Batman #Batmobile #Gotham"

The star's seemingly impressive physique has already prompted speculation that he is wearing padding or armour, despite the vein and muscle detail clearly visible on his torso.

However there's no hiding the identity of the man inside the costume, because Affleck's famous chin dimple is clearly identifiable - making us wonder how Bruce Wayne plans to keep his secret identity under wraps.

Snyder's follow-up to Man Of Steel, provisionally titled Batman Vs Superman, is set for release in April 2016.