A private screening of Batman V Superman was reportedly such a success, Warner is now planning three Batman films starring Ben Affleck...

Warner Bros clearly has big plans for its growing DC movie universe, with next year's Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice and Suicide Squad to be followed by Justice League, Wonder Woman and Aquaman. There's also the small matter of Ben Affleck's stand-alone Batman film, which he'll write and direct.

We've now heard, however, that Affleck's role in the DC movies is about to get even bigger.

According to an industry source who will remain anonymous, a cut of Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice was screened for the film's crew and Warner bosses within the past 24 hours or so. "It's a near finished cut but not locked," our source tells us.

That screening was, we're told, a glowing success - to the point where Zack Snyder's movie received a "standing ovation".

Warner is said to be so impressed with Affleck's performance as Batman that it's apparently in the process of making an extended, "Golden deal", which could see the actor play the Caped Crusader in a trilogy of stand-alone movies, not the single outing already announced.

All told, this deal could see Affleck in the role of Batman for the next 10 years or so.

"Basically, Warners are now working their movie universe around Ben's Batman," our source says.

As far as Warner's bosses are concerned, Affleck is considered to be the "definitive Batman" and could be the hub around which the DC movie universe will rotate in future movies.

Of course, this is all unconfirmed at this point, but if there's truth to the story, it's likely that an official confirmation will emerge fairly soon. We'll keep you posted as and when we hear more.