'It's something we haven't seen': Ben Affleck describes his portrayal of Batman in Dawn Of Justice as older, more broken and 'kind of f***ed up'

Published: 17:14 EST, 29 July 2015 | Updated: 17:30 EST, 29 July 2015

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He's faced his fair share of criticism since taking on the role of the iconic Caped Crusader in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice.

And Ben Affleck has revealed that he himself had hesitations about the role, saying that at 42, he felt too old to play the superhero.

Affleck explained during an interview with Empire magazine: 'Then [director Zack Snyder] pitched me his concept for this older, more broken, kind of f***ed up Batman,

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Aging hero: Ben Affleck has opened up to Empire Magazine about his hesitations before taking on the role of an older superhero in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice

'It was something we haven't seen. We have seen that Batman is willing to cross the line to protect people. That vigilantism has been a part of his character all along, and we are tapping into that mentality when faced by something as potentially as deadly as Superman.'

Snyder told the magazine that Affleck's version of the character is 45 or 46 years old, and is 'having a crisis of conscience' after losing everyone near and dear to him.

The director-producer added: 'We want to assume that Batman has reached this point in his life and career as a superhero, and Superman represents a sort of philosophical change,

A new direction: The actor explained that he thought he was too old at 42 to play the superhero but that director Zack Snyder pitched the concept of a 'broken, more f***ed up Batman'

'Philosophical change': Batman facing off with Superman in the upcoming flick creates a new mental challenge and a 'crisis of conscience'

Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer debuts

Snyder revealed that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice marks the beginning of a storyline that will tie all DC superhero movies, including Suicide Squad and Justice League.

During a Q&A at Comic-con in San Diego earlier this month, Ben discussed his nervousness about playing Bruce Wayne.

The father-of-three explained: 'If I had thought too hard about the actors who had played this part before, I couldn't have taken the job...I talked to Zack [Snyder] about it, I was like, "Are you sure?" And he was like, "I have this vision and this idea for the guy and you're perfect for it,"'

Ben Affleck reveals Batman advice given from Christian Bale

Promo: Affleck, pictured with co-star Amy Adams also discussed the upcoming superhero flick at Comic-Con in San Diego earlier this month where he again revealed his nervousness about the role

'I said, "Well, what do you mean?" And he said, "He's at the end of his rope, he's older, burning out."'

Affleck stars opposite Henry Cavill as Superman in the action flick - which is released March 25 next year - as well as Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and Amy Adams as Lois Lane.

The actor - who announced his split from wife of 10 years Jennifer Garner last month - has certainly been looking a little weary on recent outings in LA.

The Hollywood duo share children Violet, nine, Seraphina, six, and Samuel, three.