Which stars have played the role of Batman on TV and film

Since his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in 1939, Batman has become one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. Over the years, many actors have taken on the role of the Dark Knight on both the big and small screen. In this article, we’ll take a look at the actors who have played Batman in film and television.

Lewis Wilson – Batman (1943)

Lewis Wilson was the first actor to portray Batman on screen, in the 1943 serial Batman. Wilson’s Batman was a departure from the dark, brooding character we know today, with the serial featuring a lighter, more comedic tone.

Robert Lowery – Batman and Robin (1949)

Robert Lowery took over the role of Batman for the 1949 sequel Batman and Robin. Like Wilson before him, Lowery’s Batman was a more lighthearted take on the character.

Adam West – Batman (1966-1968)

Adam West played Batman in the popular 1960s television series Batman, as well as the 1966 film of the same name. West’s portrayal of Batman was campy and comedic, with the show becoming known for its over-the-top villains and bright, colorful sets.

Michael Keaton – Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992)

Michael Keaton was the first actor to portray Batman in a modern, big-budget film. Keaton’s Batman was a darker, more brooding take on the character, and his performance was well-received by fans and critics alike.

Val Kilmer – Batman Forever (1995)

Val Kilmer took over the role of Batman for the third film in the series, Batman Forever. Kilmer’s portrayal of Batman was more serious than Adam West’s, but not as brooding as Michael Keaton’s.

George Clooney – Batman & Robin (1997)

George Clooney played Batman in the widely panned film Batman & Robin. The movie was criticized for its overly campy tone and poor writing, and Clooney himself has been open about his dislike of the film.

Christian Bale – Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Christian Bale’s portrayal of Batman in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is widely considered to be one of the best interpretations of the character. Bale’s Batman was dark, brooding, and intense, and his performance received critical acclaim.

Ben Affleck – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Suicide Squad (2016), Justice League (2017)

Ben Affleck played an older, more grizzled version of Batman in the DC Extended Universe films Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, and Justice League. While his performance was generally well-received, the movies themselves received mixed reviews from fans and critics.

Robert Pattinson – The Batman (2022)

Robert Pattinson is set to take on the role of Batman in the upcoming film The Batman, set to be released in 2022. Early trailers and teasers have shown a darker, more brooding version of the character, and fans are eager to see Pattinson’s take on the iconic superhero.

In conclusion, over the years, many actors have taken on the role of Batman, each bringing their own unique interpretation of the character to the screen. From the campy Adam West to the brooding Christian Bale, each actor has left their mark on the character, ensuring that Batman will continue to be one of the most iconic superheroes of all time.