Ben Affleck Gets His Beard on in First Image from His Hostage Drama ARGO

Warner Bros. has released the first official photo from Ben Affleck's Argo online. The story is based on real-life Iran hostage event and also stars Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Zeljko Ivanek, Richard Kind, Scoot McNairy, Chris Messina, Michael Parks, Kerry Bishe, and Kyle Chandler.

Here is the synopsis:

Based on true events, “Argo” chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis–the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.

Argo arrives in theaters September 14th, 2012. Check out the full-size image below and share your thoughts:

I loved Affleck's direction on The Town and Gone Baby Gone and am looking forward to seeing this movie on the big screen. The ensemble cast is terrific and will do wonderfully bringing the story to life with tons of high-tension.

What are your thoughts?