May 02, 2024
Instagram/ The Batman
Batman is one of DC Comics' most iconic superheroes, who leads a lavish billionaire's life during the day and is a crime-fighting vigilante at night in the fictional city of Gotham. Created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, Batman first made an appearance in comic books in 1939.
The Caped Crusader has always fascinated filmmakers, so much so the first Batman on the silver screen was Lewis G Wilson for the TV series 'Batman' in 1943. This was followed by Robert Lowery in the 1949 film 'Batman & Robin.
The Dark Knight is back on everyone’s mind with the recent release of ‘The Batman’ starring Robert Pattinson. Let’s take a look at some of the actors who’ve played the live-action role of the brooding superhero.
He is the OG Batman we all remember, going ‘Bam!’ and ‘Pow!’ with his sidekick Robin. Adam West played the Caped Crusader on television in the 1960s and later reprised the role in the film of the same name, ‘Batman’, in 1966.
It was almost two decades later that actor Michael Keaton took on the mantle of being Gotham’s saviour as Batman in 1989. He did two Batman films, 'Batman' and 'Batman Returns' (1992)—both were directed by Tim Burton.
Due to creative differences between Keaton and director Joel Schumacher, the role of Batman went to Val Kilmer in the 1995 film, ‘Batman Forever’. Many consider, Kilmer’s Batman to be forgettable.
In 1997, George Clooney took on the role of Batman in, 'Batman & Robin', and failed miserably. The film also starred Chris O’Donnell as Robin and Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl. Clooney is touted as the worst Batman ever!
It was only in 2005 when director Christopher Nolan cast Christian Bale in the Dark Knight trilogy that Caped Crusader finally got his due. Bale and Nolan together explored the dark and painful psyche of Batman in the three films—‘Batman Begins’ (2005), ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008) and ‘The Dark Knight Returns’ (2012). As luck would have it, Bale’s Batman interpretation is considered the finest.
Director Zach Snyder cast Ben Affleck as Batman in the 2016 film, 'Batman Vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice'. This film was also the beginning of the Justice League franchise. Batman fans were extremely sceptical of Affleck being able to do justice to the role, but he fared well.
As the newest Batman in 2022’s ‘The Batman’, there are a lot of hopes pinned on Robert Pattinson. As intense as Bale’s Batman but noir is what early reviewers are saying about this venture. What do you think of Pattinson’s Batman portrayal?