Ben Affleck confirms ‘Batman v Superman’ cameo for Leahy

Ben Affleck confirmed Thursday that Sen. Patrick Leahy will appear in 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” quipping the Vermont Democrat is his “co-star.”

The “Argo” actor and director, along with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, testified before a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Diplomacy and National Security. Leahy — a noted “Batman” fanatic who has appeared in several of the films about the famed comic book character — is the ranking member on the committee.

{mosads}“Sen. Leahy,” Affleck said as he began his testimony, “I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my co-star in ‘Batman.’ ” Affleck will play the Caped Crusader in the upcoming movie.
 
“Your role is marginally smaller than mine, but I understand you’re quite good,” Affleck said to Leahy, to laughter.
 
Leahy, 74, has previously remained coy about whether he had landed a role in the upcoming “Batman” flick.
 
“It’s going to be a fascinating movie,” the lawmaker told Yahoo! News last year. “It will have superb actors in it.”
 
With wife Jennifer Garner and their young daughter, Violet, sitting behind him, Affleck, the founder of the Eastern Congo Initiative, struck a serious tone to discuss the situation in the African country, saying “the next two years represent a critical turning point” there.
 
After he concluded his testimony, subcommittee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) remarked, “Jennifer and Violet are very proud. Well done.” The Academy Award winner turned around in his seat and smiled at his family members.

Affleck has been somewhat of a regular on Capitol Hill. He testified last year before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was also in Washington in 2012 to testify before the House Armed Services Committee and in 2011, when he participated in a House Foreign Relations panel hearing.