Matt Damon supports Batfleck, but 'I won't be Robin'

Matt Damon says his friend Ben Affleck will make a great Batman. Photo / AP

Matt Damon has come out in support of Ben Affleck's controversial casting as Batman in the next Superman movie.

But Damon, who is best friends with Affleck, says: "It's safe to say I won't be Robin.

Affleck was last week announced as the successor to Christian Bale and will star in Batman vs Superman next to Henry Cavill in a film due for release in 2015.

It was a controversial choice with angry fans venting frustration on Twitter and a petition being sparked to persuade Warner Bros to change their mind.

Damon told the Times of India that Affleck would be "terrific".

"I know there are a lot of people grousing on the internet. I just think it's kind of funny. You know, he's not playing King Lear. It's Batman! Certainly within his skill set," he said.

"If anybody saw Argo or The Town and all the work he's been doing lately, it's way more nuanced and interesting and way more difficult than Batman!

"Batman just sits there with his cowl over his head and whispers in a kinda gruff voice at people."

He then addressed internet jokes that Damon would wind up playing Robin.

"Bruce Wayne is the more challenging part of the role, and Ben will be great at that ... But it's safe to say I won't be Robin."

- nzherald.co.nz