Man of Steel 2 release date delayed to 2016: Ben Affleck bulks up, Michael Rosenbaum rumors for Lex Luthor

Warner Brothers

The release date of Man of Steel 2, aka Batman vs Superman film, has been pushed back from its original date of July 17, 2015 to May 6, 2016.

Why the 10 month delay?

Warner Brothers reportedly pushed back the movie's release date to allow "the filmmakers time to fully realize their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story."

The highly anticipated Batman vs Superman movie was expected to start filming this February but has been pushed back to Q2 of this year. It was revealed earlier this month that the script for the movie is finished.

Warner Brothers' president of Domestic Distribution stated: "We share the fans' excitement to see DC Comics' most popular figures, Superman and Batman, together on the big screen for the first time, which will now be arriving in theatres in May 2016. Peter Pan has delighted people of every generation for more than a century, so we are thrilled to bring him back to the screen next summer for today's moviegoers."

WB's International Distribution president Veronika Kwan Vandenberg added: "We know that there is already great anticipation building for the next Super Hero film from Zack Snyder, and we are equally eager to see what he has in store for Superman and Batman as they share the big screen for the first time ever. The summer release corridor is also perfect for Joe Wright's ambitious new Peter Pan adventure, reimagining the ageless story of the beloved and forever-young hero for audiences worldwide."

Meanwhile, Ben Affleck, who will be starring as Batman/Bruce Wayne, has reportedly started training to build up his physique in time for filming.

Affleck is hard at work with trainer Rehan Jalali, who recently posted an image of the actor on Twitter with the caption "Getting Batman more pumped than ever! #Batfleck #Fitness#SixPackDietPlan http://t.co/Xr2FvqR1Ze pic.twitter.com/bTr3Nm1t5F" See the photo here. 

Cast rumors for villain Lex Luthor continues, with Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston still being named as fans' favorites. Recent rumors point to Michael Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor in the "Smallville" TV series. The actor recently stated that he would love to reprise the role, stating to Media Mikes: "The fans have been unbelievable. They've tweeted me, I've tweeted back...I've been to conventions and they always ask me, 'Would you do it?' And I'm not an idiot, of course I'd do it," he confirmed. "I'd love to do it. But I think Joaquin Phoenix is probably gonna do it or somebody."

The first ever Batman/Superman movie will see the return of Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent. Amy Adams will reprise her role as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, and Laurence Fishburne as the Daily Planet's Editor-in-Chief Perry White. Gal Gadot will star as Wonder Woman.

The Man of Steel sequel will be directed by Zack Snyder has been scripted by David S. Goyer.