Bale backs out of Batman: 'Let's not get greedy'

Christian Bale has hung up his Batman cape for good.

Christian Bale has officially hung up his cape after ruling out speculation he will reprise his role as Batman for the upcoming Justice League superhero movie.

The Welsh actor previously insisted he would only consider donning the Batsuit once more if director Christopher Nolan wanted to make a follow-up to last year's The Dark Knight Rises, the third instalment in their film trilogy.

As plans for the DC Comics superhero adventure take shape, the actor has made it clear he will not be involved.

"We were incredibly fortunate to get to make three (Batman films). That's enough. Let's not get greedy," Bale told EW.com.

Instead, Bale is keen to see another star step into his shoes and tackle the 'Caped Crusader' for a new generation of fans.

"It's a torch that should be handed from one actor to another. So I enjoy looking forward to what somebody else will come up with," he said.

Bale is the latest star to distance himself from the long-delayed Justice League film, which will bring together Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and The Flash in the same way box office blockbuster The Avengers saw the stars of the rival Marvel franchise unite to save the world.

Earlier this year, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who played an early version of Batman's sidekick Robin in The Dark Knight Rises, insisted he would not be taking over as Batman in the forthcoming project.

Last year Ben Affleck denied reports he was in talks to direct the film.

The movie adaptation of the popular comic book series is slated to hit movie theatres in 2015.

Casting details have yet to be announced, although Man of Steel star Henry Cavill is expected to reprise his role as Superman for the film.

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- WENN