Warner Brothers have confirmed that the sequel to the Superman movie Man of Steel will include Batman - the first time the two superheroes have met on the big screen.
The news was revealed by Man of Steel director Zack Snyder during a surprise appearance at San Diego's Comic-Con, the largest annual gathering of fans of the comic book genre.
After announcing the plan to bring the two superheroes together, he issued a statement revealing the two would be fighting each other, and conceded this might surprise some.
"Let's face it, it's beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest superheroes in the world," said Snyder, who will direct the as-yet unnamed sequel.
Although he declined to reveal any more details he invited an actor onstage to read a passage from the script.
"I want you to remember, Clark, in all the years to come," read Harry Lennox, before an image of the Superman logo and the Batman symbol flashed on the screen.
"In your most private moments, I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you."
Snyder recreated Superman in Man of Steel which stars Henry Cavill and Amy Adams. The film has grossed more than $630m (£412m) worldwide.
In a statement Warner Brothers said Cavill and Adams would reappear in the sequel, but could not confirm who would play Batman.
Reaction to the news excited some of the 6,000 Comic-Con fans who had arrived at the convention from all over the world.
Production on the Superman sequel is set to begin next year. The film is expected to be released in the summer of 2015.
