Batman, a character with a rich history in comics, has been portrayed by numerous actors across various mediums, from live-action films to animated projects. Some actors have had brief appearances as the Caped Crusader, while others have portrayed him for years.
Now, DC fans have taken it upon themselves to rank these actors, setting aside box office and critical success. This fan-made list, compiled on Ranker, is for fans by fans.
24. Anthony Ruivivar
Anthony Ruivivar voiced Batman in the animated series “Beware the Batman” for 26 episodes, although he never portrayed the Dark Knight in live-action.
23. Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel provided the voice of Batman in ‘Teen Titans Go!’. He reportedly took on roles in movies primarily because his children were fans of the source material.
22. Robert Lowery
Robert Lowery played Batman/Bruce Wayne in the 1949 film serial ‘Batman and Robin.’ As a result, his portrayal featured a more modest costume...
Now, DC fans have taken it upon themselves to rank these actors, setting aside box office and critical success. This fan-made list, compiled on Ranker, is for fans by fans.
24. Anthony Ruivivar
Anthony Ruivivar voiced Batman in the animated series “Beware the Batman” for 26 episodes, although he never portrayed the Dark Knight in live-action.
23. Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel provided the voice of Batman in ‘Teen Titans Go!’. He reportedly took on roles in movies primarily because his children were fans of the source material.
22. Robert Lowery
Robert Lowery played Batman/Bruce Wayne in the 1949 film serial ‘Batman and Robin.’ As a result, his portrayal featured a more modest costume...
- 5/6/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Batman is one of the most adapted characters in the history of the comics. From various live-action movies to animated projects, there are quite a few names that have been attached to the role.
Some actors showed up only briefly, while some have been embodying the character for years, and DC fans, finally got around to ranking them all. Forget about box office and critical success, this list was made by fans for fans on Ranker.
24. Anthony Ruivivar
Anthony Ruivivar never played the Dark Knight in live-action but he did voice him in ‘Beware the Batman’ for 26 episodes.
23. Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel voiced Batman in ‘Teen Titans Go!,’ he apparently took roles in movies only because his children were fans of the source material.
22. Robert Lowery
Robert Lowery portrayed Batman/Bruce Wayne in the 1949 film serial ‘Batman and Robin.’ This is why his costume and fighting skills are a lot...
Some actors showed up only briefly, while some have been embodying the character for years, and DC fans, finally got around to ranking them all. Forget about box office and critical success, this list was made by fans for fans on Ranker.
24. Anthony Ruivivar
Anthony Ruivivar never played the Dark Knight in live-action but he did voice him in ‘Beware the Batman’ for 26 episodes.
23. Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel voiced Batman in ‘Teen Titans Go!,’ he apparently took roles in movies only because his children were fans of the source material.
22. Robert Lowery
Robert Lowery portrayed Batman/Bruce Wayne in the 1949 film serial ‘Batman and Robin.’ This is why his costume and fighting skills are a lot...
- 5/6/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
With The Flash releasing this weekend bringing back Michael Keaton in his iconic role as The Caped Crusader, we wanted to know what actor who has taken on the legendary role has been your favorite? We picked only some of the more recognizable names, but if you happen to be fans of the original 1940’s serials featuring Lewis G. Wilson or Robert Lowery or some of the people who have provided voices over the years such as Jensen Ackles, Bruce Greenwood, Diedrich Bader, Will Arnett, Keanu Reeves or even Jimmy Kimmel, then hit the “Other” button and let us know who your favorite is and why.
Who Was Your Favorite Batman Actor?Adam West (Batman '66)Michael Keaton (Batman/ Batman Returns)Val Kilmer (Batman Forever)George Clooney (Batman & Robin)Kevin Conroy (Batman: Mask of the Phantasm/ The Animated Series)Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy)Ben Affleck (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice...
Who Was Your Favorite Batman Actor?Adam West (Batman '66)Michael Keaton (Batman/ Batman Returns)Val Kilmer (Batman Forever)George Clooney (Batman & Robin)Kevin Conroy (Batman: Mask of the Phantasm/ The Animated Series)Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy)Ben Affleck (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice...
- 6/18/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
This article contains major spoilers for The Flash.
Holy revolving door, Batman! The Caped Crusader has been portrayed by more actors on the big screen than any other superhero in history. Most of them have lasted for just one film. After The Dark Knight Rises, Christian Bale became the first man to have played Bruce Wayne and his alter-ego more than twice on the silver screen. He didn’t have much competition – Michael Keaton was the only other actor to reprise the role at the time.
But Ben Affleck has now beat Bale for appearances as Batman on the big screen due to his return in The Flash movie, making that fourth time Affleck has donned the cape and cowl. Sure, these aren’t movies starring the Caped Crusader but they still count! Meanwhile, Keaton ties Bale for three appearances, with a much heftier role in The Flash than Affleck.
Holy revolving door, Batman! The Caped Crusader has been portrayed by more actors on the big screen than any other superhero in history. Most of them have lasted for just one film. After The Dark Knight Rises, Christian Bale became the first man to have played Bruce Wayne and his alter-ego more than twice on the silver screen. He didn’t have much competition – Michael Keaton was the only other actor to reprise the role at the time.
But Ben Affleck has now beat Bale for appearances as Batman on the big screen due to his return in The Flash movie, making that fourth time Affleck has donned the cape and cowl. Sure, these aren’t movies starring the Caped Crusader but they still count! Meanwhile, Keaton ties Bale for three appearances, with a much heftier role in The Flash than Affleck.
- 6/17/2023
- by Jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
In theory, producing a television series based on an existing comic or a comic strip should be easy. The storyboards are all done for you, right? That's until you realize that what took an artist a day to draw might be impossible to commit to the screen without a budget matching a small country's gross domestic product.
That said, there is certainly no shortage of attempts, and with the increasing availability and affordability of CGI, it's easier to convey an artist's ambitious and mind-blowing visuals than ever before. From barrel-chested George Reeves' first portrayal of the Man of Steel in 1952's "The Adventures of Superman" to Lewis Wilson donning the familiar (yet excessively pointy-eared) cowl of Batman in the 1943 serial "The Batman," many familiar characters have made the leap from page to screen.
In an excessively crowded market, the list of such shows is in constant flux, but this is...
That said, there is certainly no shortage of attempts, and with the increasing availability and affordability of CGI, it's easier to convey an artist's ambitious and mind-blowing visuals than ever before. From barrel-chested George Reeves' first portrayal of the Man of Steel in 1952's "The Adventures of Superman" to Lewis Wilson donning the familiar (yet excessively pointy-eared) cowl of Batman in the 1943 serial "The Batman," many familiar characters have made the leap from page to screen.
In an excessively crowded market, the list of such shows is in constant flux, but this is...
- 9/1/2022
- by David Court
- Slash Film
Few modern characters have captivated audiences and storytellers alike quite like Batman. Ever since writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane debuted the character in a 1939 issue of Detective Comics, the Dark Knight has demanded interest, first in comics, but soon also in TV, games and of course, movies. Because, goodness, there sure are a lot of Batman movies.
It didn’t take long for The Caped Crusader to arrive on film, making his theatrical debut all the way back in 1943 with a pair of Columbia Pictures serial films, and since then, the character’s cultural imprint has grown exponentially, with more than nine actors taking on the role in film – in fact, we’re about to have three live-action Batmen at the same time with the arrival of “The Flash.”
If that sounds like the Batman timeline is a confusing one, it can be, especially once the DC Multiverse opens up.
It didn’t take long for The Caped Crusader to arrive on film, making his theatrical debut all the way back in 1943 with a pair of Columbia Pictures serial films, and since then, the character’s cultural imprint has grown exponentially, with more than nine actors taking on the role in film – in fact, we’re about to have three live-action Batmen at the same time with the arrival of “The Flash.”
If that sounds like the Batman timeline is a confusing one, it can be, especially once the DC Multiverse opens up.
- 3/12/2022
- by Haleigh Foutch
- The Wrap
Over 80 years of stories have made Batman one of the most enduring characters in pop culture history. In that time, the Dark Knight has also been the subject of more big-screen adaptations than any other superhero to date, starring in 11 live-action movies and counting. The Batman is the latest take on the character, with 2023’s The Flash set to bring back two other Caped Crusaders for a time-shattering adventure through the multiverse that will then lead into HBO Max’s Batgirl, where the Dark Knight will play a supporting role.
As much as we love seeing Batman in theaters, not all of these movies have been entirely successful. The same goes for the actors who’ve starred in these films. Every Batman fan has a favorite big-screen Dark Knight, one performer who they feel perfectly encapsulates all of the qualities that make the World’s Greatest Detective such a great character.
As much as we love seeing Batman in theaters, not all of these movies have been entirely successful. The same goes for the actors who’ve starred in these films. Every Batman fan has a favorite big-screen Dark Knight, one performer who they feel perfectly encapsulates all of the qualities that make the World’s Greatest Detective such a great character.
- 3/10/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Several well-known faces have hidden behind Batman’s mask. From the initial 1960s TV show to rebooted trilogies to the latest take on Gotham City’s vigilante detective, the batsuit has had its fair share of owners. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the first voices for the animated Batman series “Batman” (1943) and “Batman and Robin” (1949) were Lewis Wilson and Robert Lowery, respectively, but since that time a number of live-action takes on the character have graced the screen.
With the March 4 release of “The Batman” debuting Robert Pattinson’s take on the role, now seems as good a time as any to look back on the history of Batman onscreen and the actors who have put their stamp on the character.
Below we’ve assembled a list of every live-action Batman actor and some of the most notable voice performers.
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With the March 4 release of “The Batman” debuting Robert Pattinson’s take on the role, now seems as good a time as any to look back on the history of Batman onscreen and the actors who have put their stamp on the character.
Below we’ve assembled a list of every live-action Batman actor and some of the most notable voice performers.
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- 3/4/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Daniel Webber is set to star opposite Tom Blyth in Billy the Kid, Epix’s hourlong drama series written by Vikings and The Tudors creator Michael Hirst.
The series is described as an epic romantic adventure based on the life of Billy the Kid (Blyth). Also known as William H. Bonney, it tracks his humble Irish roots and early days as a cowboy and gunslinger in the American frontier to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War and beyond.
Webber will play Jesse Evans. If Billy the Kid hadn’t been there, Evans would have been the most famous outlaw taking part in the Lincoln County Wars. The leader of the Seven Rivers Gang, Jesse meets Billy when both of them are teenagers. Unlike Billy, Jesse has already embraced a life of crime: robbing stores and cattle rustling. Billy is attracted to his...
The series is described as an epic romantic adventure based on the life of Billy the Kid (Blyth). Also known as William H. Bonney, it tracks his humble Irish roots and early days as a cowboy and gunslinger in the American frontier to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War and beyond.
Webber will play Jesse Evans. If Billy the Kid hadn’t been there, Evans would have been the most famous outlaw taking part in the Lincoln County Wars. The leader of the Seven Rivers Gang, Jesse meets Billy when both of them are teenagers. Unlike Billy, Jesse has already embraced a life of crime: robbing stores and cattle rustling. Billy is attracted to his...
- 8/27/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
When it comes to superhero costumes, I think it’s safe to say that fans are just as passionate about the way those look as they are the actors who are cast as the characters themselves. Hey, you have to admit that putting nipples on a Batman suit can incite just as much outrage as, say, hiring a guy who once starred in some Twilight movies.
Since 1943, Hollywood has put a variety of spins on the Caped Crusader’s attire. Whether it be Lewis Wilson’s floppy ears in those original serials, Michael Keaton introducing us to fully black body armor, Ben Affleck’s desert attire, or “pure 100% Grade-a West,” we all have our preferences. Personally, my favorite costume was the standard one worn by Affleck in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, though those found in Batman Returns and Batman Begins aren’t far behind.
Strange as it may seem,...
Since 1943, Hollywood has put a variety of spins on the Caped Crusader’s attire. Whether it be Lewis Wilson’s floppy ears in those original serials, Michael Keaton introducing us to fully black body armor, Ben Affleck’s desert attire, or “pure 100% Grade-a West,” we all have our preferences. Personally, my favorite costume was the standard one worn by Affleck in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, though those found in Batman Returns and Batman Begins aren’t far behind.
Strange as it may seem,...
- 6/4/2019
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Michael E. Uslan is, among many other things, an executive producer of the Batman films. This post is reprinted with his permission.
–ComicMix Staff
I’ve always believed that the star of a Batman movie is… Batman. For me, it is not about hiring a big box office draw like making Tom Cruise The Batman for a generation. It is all rather about making Bruce Wayne come to life. Because of that conceptually, the most important aspect of casting is not necessarily the actor, but rather the filmmaker. Does the filmmaker have a love for and understanding of the character? Does he or she have a passion for the character? Does the filmmaker have a vision for the character and do you believe he or she can execute that vision? Ultimately, more than track record, it comes down to trust.
Christopher Nolan is a genius in my book. Part of his genius is,...
–ComicMix Staff
I’ve always believed that the star of a Batman movie is… Batman. For me, it is not about hiring a big box office draw like making Tom Cruise The Batman for a generation. It is all rather about making Bruce Wayne come to life. Because of that conceptually, the most important aspect of casting is not necessarily the actor, but rather the filmmaker. Does the filmmaker have a love for and understanding of the character? Does he or she have a passion for the character? Does the filmmaker have a vision for the character and do you believe he or she can execute that vision? Ultimately, more than track record, it comes down to trust.
Christopher Nolan is a genius in my book. Part of his genius is,...
- 5/18/2019
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
What’s the one thing that Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowrey, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck all have in common? Aside from that they’re all actors, of course.
You guessed it: they’ve each given live-action performances as The Batman, dating all the way back to 1943 when Wilson became the youngest (and least successful) interpretation of Gotham’s Dark Knight in film. Each has their own apologists, of course, but when beloved voice actor Kevin Conroy was asked to choose the best of the bunch, the industry legend who’s a bona fide veteran when it comes to Gotham’s watchful protector thanks to his time on the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, decided not to play favorites.
Speaking in a red carpet interview during San Diego Comic-Con last week, Conroy said the following when asked the all-important question:
“I’m always...
You guessed it: they’ve each given live-action performances as The Batman, dating all the way back to 1943 when Wilson became the youngest (and least successful) interpretation of Gotham’s Dark Knight in film. Each has their own apologists, of course, but when beloved voice actor Kevin Conroy was asked to choose the best of the bunch, the industry legend who’s a bona fide veteran when it comes to Gotham’s watchful protector thanks to his time on the acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, decided not to play favorites.
Speaking in a red carpet interview during San Diego Comic-Con last week, Conroy said the following when asked the all-important question:
“I’m always...
- 7/24/2018
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Although the Batman film franchise has brought joy to millions of people since 1943, it’s certainly had its ups and downs. After all, they each can’t be The Dark Knight Trilogy.
No matter which movies are to your liking, most of you will probably agree that Batman & Robin was a failure on pretty much every level. Although, I do experience much amusement whenever seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s take on Mr. Freeze.
What you may or may not know, though, was that Warner Bros. were confident in the film prior to its release and thought it would be a grand slam with moviegoers, so much that they were ready to move forward with a sequel titled Batman Triumphant or Batman Unchained, depending on whom you ask on what day of the week. But when Batman & Robin bombed, plans for that and a Nightwing spinoff were canned.
Of course, two of...
No matter which movies are to your liking, most of you will probably agree that Batman & Robin was a failure on pretty much every level. Although, I do experience much amusement whenever seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s take on Mr. Freeze.
What you may or may not know, though, was that Warner Bros. were confident in the film prior to its release and thought it would be a grand slam with moviegoers, so much that they were ready to move forward with a sequel titled Batman Triumphant or Batman Unchained, depending on whom you ask on what day of the week. But when Batman & Robin bombed, plans for that and a Nightwing spinoff were canned.
Of course, two of...
- 6/6/2018
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
What’s the one thing that Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowrey, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck all have in common? Aside from the fact that they’re all actors, of course.
You guessed it: they’ve each delivered live-action performances as the Caped Crusader, spanning all the way back to 1943 when Wilson became the youngest (and least successful) interpretation of Batman on film. Each individual has their own apologists, of course, but when renown voice actor Kevin Conroy was asked to name his personal favorite from the bunch, the industry veteran once again sung the praises of Ben Affleck.
Speaking at McM London this past weekend, the fan favorite said the following:
“Well, the one thing I will say about that, and I’m not going to get into commenting on actor’s performances. I don’t know if you’re aware, you probably are,...
You guessed it: they’ve each delivered live-action performances as the Caped Crusader, spanning all the way back to 1943 when Wilson became the youngest (and least successful) interpretation of Batman on film. Each individual has their own apologists, of course, but when renown voice actor Kevin Conroy was asked to name his personal favorite from the bunch, the industry veteran once again sung the praises of Ben Affleck.
Speaking at McM London this past weekend, the fan favorite said the following:
“Well, the one thing I will say about that, and I’m not going to get into commenting on actor’s performances. I don’t know if you’re aware, you probably are,...
- 5/27/2018
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
"Batman" is a 1943 black-and-white 15-chapter theatrical serial from Columbia Pictures, directed by Lambert Hillyer, starring Lewis Wilson as 'Batman' and 'Douglas Croft' as 'Robin', based on the DC Comics character, with J. Carrol Naish as 'Dr. Daka', Shirley Patterson as 'Linda Page' and William Austin as 'Alfred':
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Batman"...
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Batman"...
- 1/12/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
The Marvel/Netflix series have always been grittier and more mature than the McU movies, but The Punisher pushes the boundaries more than the previous five shows released on the streaming service. The other Defenders were even forbidden from taking part in it in order to keep its ultra-violent tone distinct and unique. All that said, it is still connected to the wider Marvel universe and even featured a few welcome easter eggs for fans to pick up on.
For instance, in episode 9 – “Front Towards Enemy” – Karen Page receives a threatening letter from terrorist Lewis Wilson while in her office at the New York Bulletin. If you draw your attention slightly to the left, you’ll see a couple of interesting framed front pages of the paper.
Check them out in the image below:
The first one’s headline reads “Harlem Terror” and features a blurry image of the Hulk.
For instance, in episode 9 – “Front Towards Enemy” – Karen Page receives a threatening letter from terrorist Lewis Wilson while in her office at the New York Bulletin. If you draw your attention slightly to the left, you’ll see a couple of interesting framed front pages of the paper.
Check them out in the image below:
The first one’s headline reads “Harlem Terror” and features a blurry image of the Hulk.
- 11/22/2017
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Spoilers to follow…
All of the Marvel/Netflix shows are only tangentially-related to the movies of the McU, but The Punisher is even more removed than most. For obvious reasons, it would take the viewer out of the story if we were reminded that aliens and gods and whatnot existed in the same world as a gritty, gun-toting vigilante. However, it is a Marvel product and so, The Punisher does feature a very sneaky easter egg that name-checks one of the Avengers.
In episode 6, “The Judas Goat,” Lewis Wilson (Daniel Webber) murders O’Connor – who lied about being a veteran – in a fit of rage. As he’s attacking the guy, we can briefly see a stack of old VHS tapes and DVDs atop O’Connor’s TV, and one of them is titled Black Widow.
See for yourself in the screenshot below:
No, this isn’t suggesting that there...
All of the Marvel/Netflix shows are only tangentially-related to the movies of the McU, but The Punisher is even more removed than most. For obvious reasons, it would take the viewer out of the story if we were reminded that aliens and gods and whatnot existed in the same world as a gritty, gun-toting vigilante. However, it is a Marvel product and so, The Punisher does feature a very sneaky easter egg that name-checks one of the Avengers.
In episode 6, “The Judas Goat,” Lewis Wilson (Daniel Webber) murders O’Connor – who lied about being a veteran – in a fit of rage. As he’s attacking the guy, we can briefly see a stack of old VHS tapes and DVDs atop O’Connor’s TV, and one of them is titled Black Widow.
See for yourself in the screenshot below:
No, this isn’t suggesting that there...
- 11/21/2017
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Since the first movie serials hit theaters all the way back in 1943, there have been no shortage of cinematic takes on the Caped Crusader. Whether it be Lewis Wilson’s floppy-eared crimefighter seen in that episodic series, Adam West’s “Bright Knight,” Michael Keaton’s game-changer that came along in 1989 or Christian Bale’s realistic portrayal offered up by The Dark Knight Trilogy, there’s been a version of Batman that’s resonated with pretty much everybody.
That being said, I still can’t help but find myself saying I’m waiting for a live action flick that truly captures the character in the way that I see him in the comics. To be honest, I think Ben Affleck has come closest to doing so, but we’ve seen him in only team-ups to this point. So, as you can imagine, I’m very much looking forward to his first solo outing,...
That being said, I still can’t help but find myself saying I’m waiting for a live action flick that truly captures the character in the way that I see him in the comics. To be honest, I think Ben Affleck has come closest to doing so, but we’ve seen him in only team-ups to this point. So, as you can imagine, I’m very much looking forward to his first solo outing,...
- 8/23/2017
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Although the Batman film franchise has brought joy to millions of people since 1943 (oh yes, we’re counting the serials starring Lewis Wilson), it has certainly had its ups and downs. After all, they can’t all be The Dark Knight Trilogy.
No matter which movies are to your liking, most of you will probably agree that Batman & Robin was a failure on pretty much every level (although I do experience much amusement whenever seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s take on Mr. Freeze). What you may or may not know though was that Warner Bros. were confident in the film prior to its release and thought it would be a grand slam with moviegoers, so much that they were ready to move forward with a sequel titled Batman Triumphant or Batman Unchained, depending on whom you ask on what day of the week. But when Batman & Robin bombed, plans for that...
No matter which movies are to your liking, most of you will probably agree that Batman & Robin was a failure on pretty much every level (although I do experience much amusement whenever seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s take on Mr. Freeze). What you may or may not know though was that Warner Bros. were confident in the film prior to its release and thought it would be a grand slam with moviegoers, so much that they were ready to move forward with a sequel titled Batman Triumphant or Batman Unchained, depending on whom you ask on what day of the week. But when Batman & Robin bombed, plans for that...
- 2/9/2017
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Here’s Lewis Wilson in the Batsuit created for the first Batman serial, which was released by Columbia Pictures four years after Bob Kane unveiled him in Detective Comics #27. Like many serials made during WWII, the story had an anti-Axis bent to it as Batman ventured into Gotham’s Little Tokyo to fight a Japanese crime lord. Six years later, Batman returned to the screen in another serial whose super low budget can clearly be seen in Batman’s awful cowl. The wannabe Batmans in “The Dark Knight” had better masks than this. Batman and Robin’s outfits became joke fodder for Rifftrax.
- 9/14/2016
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
We might have seen a few different versions of the likes of Spider-Man and Superman on the big screen, but Batman still holds the record for being the most portrayed superhero in cinema. From when Lewis Wilson donned a high-waisted pair of underpants in 1943’s Batman serial to Ben Affleck wearing a high-tech metal suit in this year’s Batman V Superman, ten different actors have played the Dark Knight on the silver screen to date.
But things could have been very different at each of these junctures if another actor took on the role. For instance, The Joker himself, Heath Ledger, originally auditioned for Batman in Batman Begins (he was also offered Spider-Man). Imagine if he got the part – would Christian Bale have then played the Clown Prince of Crime in The Dark Knight?
Ledger is far from the only one who missed out on donning the Caped Crusader’s tights,...
But things could have been very different at each of these junctures if another actor took on the role. For instance, The Joker himself, Heath Ledger, originally auditioned for Batman in Batman Begins (he was also offered Spider-Man). Imagine if he got the part – would Christian Bale have then played the Clown Prince of Crime in The Dark Knight?
Ledger is far from the only one who missed out on donning the Caped Crusader’s tights,...
- 6/30/2016
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
From SneakPeekTV.Com, take a look @ the first film appearance of 'Batman', from "Batman" (1943) directed by Lambert Hillyer, starring Lewis Wilson as 'Batman', Douglas Croft as 'Robin', J. Carrol Naish as 'Dr. Daka', Shirley Patterson as 'Linda Page' and William Austin as 'Alfred":
"...'Batman', a secret U S government agent, attempts to defeat the sabotage schemes of enemy agent 'Dr. Daka'...
"...operating in 'Gotham City' at the height of World War II..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Batman"...
"...'Batman', a secret U S government agent, attempts to defeat the sabotage schemes of enemy agent 'Dr. Daka'...
"...operating in 'Gotham City' at the height of World War II..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Batman"...
- 5/23/2016
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Photos Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/ Tm & © DC Comics
Warner Bros. Pictures’ screen pairing of the world’s most iconic super heroes has at last answered the question “Who Will Win?” by winning over movie audiences and setting box office records around the world this weekend with an estimated worldwide box office total of $424.1 million.
Batman and Superman. Gotham and Metropolis. Lex Luthor, Doomsday and—for the first time ever on the big screen—Wonder Woman. With its stellar lineup of heroes and villains and bigger and better battles with even more at stake than the destruction of the Earth, Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice is an epic Super Hero journey like no other.
Pit the two greatest heroes in the world against each other and the unthinkable becomes inevitable in the form of a truly seismic clash: Batman, the underground vigilante, a knight in the darkness,...
Warner Bros. Pictures’ screen pairing of the world’s most iconic super heroes has at last answered the question “Who Will Win?” by winning over movie audiences and setting box office records around the world this weekend with an estimated worldwide box office total of $424.1 million.
Batman and Superman. Gotham and Metropolis. Lex Luthor, Doomsday and—for the first time ever on the big screen—Wonder Woman. With its stellar lineup of heroes and villains and bigger and better battles with even more at stake than the destruction of the Earth, Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice is an epic Super Hero journey like no other.
Pit the two greatest heroes in the world against each other and the unthinkable becomes inevitable in the form of a truly seismic clash: Batman, the underground vigilante, a knight in the darkness,...
- 3/28/2016
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Both Batman and Superman are comic book characters who have been around since the late 1930.s. When you really think about it, it.s somewhat amazing that we.ve never seen the two of them on screen together. That problem has be fixed retroactively, as our favorite internet pastime, the mashup, has been used to show us something quite spectacular. Presented below, a Batman v. Superman team-up, as a 1940.s serial. The guys over at New York Magazine.s Vulture have taken clips from the very first time Superman and Batman were ever seen as live actors on the screen, and combined them together to make their own Batman v. Superman trailer - circa 1949. That.s Kirk Alyn as Superman in 1948, and Lewis Wilson as Batman from 1943, together for the first time! As is the case with most of these mashup trailers, we never really see the two of them...
- 10/19/2015
- cinemablend.com
Today is the day fans the word over show their appreciation for DC's Dark Knight, and with yet another live-action take on the character set to grace the big screen next year when Ben Affleck inhabits the cape 'n cowl, we though it would be a good opportunity to look back over the previous 7 actors who've brought life to the Caped Crusader over the years and see if we can decide who did the best job. The first actor to suit up as Batman was Lewis G. Wilson, who donned the cowl in the 15-part 1943 Columbia serial before being replaced by the much better received Robert Lowrey in 1949. Then we had Adam West's famously campy, but fondly remembered portrayal in the '60s Batman TV show. Things got a lot more serious when the Dark Knight finally made it to the big screen in Tim Burton's 1989 blockbuster, with...
- 9/26/2015
- ComicBookMovie.com
Happy Batman Day, everyone! Around the world, May 1st may mark a spring holiday, but here, it marks the first appearance of the Dark Knight, in Detective Comics No. 27, in 1939.
For the past 76 years, the Caped Crusader has been fighting Gotham City evildoers in comic books, movies, TV shows, and pretty much anywhere else you can shine a Bat-signal. Throughout the years, Bruce Wayne's alter ego has gone through many incarnations, not just in actors (from Adam West to Michael Keaton to Christian Bale to Ben Affleck, among the many), but also in character, from haunted avenger to squeaky-clean do-gooder to campy clown to kinky prowler to world-weary fighter. He's due for yet another change this week, with the releases of DC's Batman No. 40 -- in which Bruce Wayne and the Joker finally kill each other (or do they?) and a special issue of DC's Divergence, where an undisclosed character...
For the past 76 years, the Caped Crusader has been fighting Gotham City evildoers in comic books, movies, TV shows, and pretty much anywhere else you can shine a Bat-signal. Throughout the years, Bruce Wayne's alter ego has gone through many incarnations, not just in actors (from Adam West to Michael Keaton to Christian Bale to Ben Affleck, among the many), but also in character, from haunted avenger to squeaky-clean do-gooder to campy clown to kinky prowler to world-weary fighter. He's due for yet another change this week, with the releases of DC's Batman No. 40 -- in which Bruce Wayne and the Joker finally kill each other (or do they?) and a special issue of DC's Divergence, where an undisclosed character...
- 5/1/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
When it comes to the world of heroic fantasy, there have been a hell of a lot of really great butlers. We’ve got such luminaries as Ram Singh (The Spider), Bernardo (Zorro), Cadbury (Richie Rich), Ianto Jones (Torchwood), Lurch (The Addams Family), Max von Mayerling (Sunset Boulevard), two different Smitherses (Veronica Lodge and the Simpsons), Fritz Brenner (Nero Wolfe), Birmingham Brown (Charlie Chan) and of course Edwin Jarvis (The Avengers or Agent Carter – take your pick). There were the Green Hornet’s Kato, but that dude was more of a partner/sidekick than a butler, and Jack Benny’s pal Rochester was only technically a butler. He was actually Benny’s arch-enemy.
But head and shoulders above all other butlers, the king of the mountain of butlers is Bruce Wayne’s own Alfred Pennyworth. You can tell from the actors who played him on film and television – Michael Caine,...
But head and shoulders above all other butlers, the king of the mountain of butlers is Bruce Wayne’s own Alfred Pennyworth. You can tell from the actors who played him on film and television – Michael Caine,...
- 4/8/2015
- by Mike Gold
- Comicmix.com
“What are you?’ That question has been on many a criminal’s mind for numerous decades. Out of absolute fear, these evildoers stare into the face of darkness personified, a creature of the night that is a true symbol of justice. I’m talking of course about Batman, the Dark Knight, a crimefighter who strikes fear into the hearts of those deserve it. He is a highly complex character and throughout his 75-year history, many talented (and some not so talented) actors have brought him to life on the silver screen.
Lewis Wilson Batman (1943) The first film appearance of the Caped Crusader occurred at the height of World War II in 1943, four years after the character’s creation. Lewis Wilson portrayed Batman in a 15-chapter film serial released by Columbia Pictures, in which he and trusty sidekick Robin go head to head with Dr. Daka, a demented Japanese scientist who...
Lewis Wilson Batman (1943) The first film appearance of the Caped Crusader occurred at the height of World War II in 1943, four years after the character’s creation. Lewis Wilson portrayed Batman in a 15-chapter film serial released by Columbia Pictures, in which he and trusty sidekick Robin go head to head with Dr. Daka, a demented Japanese scientist who...
- 8/17/2014
- by Randall Unger
- SoundOnSight
Batman's getting on up there! Wednesday marks the 75th anniversary of the Dark Knight, making July 23 Batman Day around the world! Many an actor has brought the Caped Crusader to life through the years (George Clooney, we forgive you!), and in 2016, we'll get to see Ben Affleck bring the DC Comics superhero to the big screen in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Back in 1942, Lewis Wilson was the first person to ever bring Brue Wayne's alter ego to the (small) screen when he starred in a "serial collection" of 15 black-and-white movies simply called Batman. It wasn't until 1966, though, that an actor by the name of Adam West brought Batman to life on the big...
- 7/23/2014
- E! Online
When you think about it, the furore that surrounded Ben Affleck’s casting as Batman not so long ago can probably be pinned down to the fact that some of his earlier film work didn’t match up to the catastrophically lofty expectations that fans of Batman movies will inevitably place on the star of their favourite property.
He might be on a high now, but Bat-fans will never forget his the bad moments – the Giglis and the Paychecks – that gave him an unwanted, and often unwarranted bad name. For Affleck, occasionally, he will only be as good as his worst films, and Batman needs to be a paragon of virtue, and an island of cool. Gigli does not fit that image.
But this won’t be the first time that Batman actors have been associated with awfully bad movies that should have been beneath someone of the calibre needed to play the Dark Knight.
He might be on a high now, but Bat-fans will never forget his the bad moments – the Giglis and the Paychecks – that gave him an unwanted, and often unwarranted bad name. For Affleck, occasionally, he will only be as good as his worst films, and Batman needs to be a paragon of virtue, and an island of cool. Gigli does not fit that image.
But this won’t be the first time that Batman actors have been associated with awfully bad movies that should have been beneath someone of the calibre needed to play the Dark Knight.
- 11/24/2013
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Lewis G. Wilson. Robert Lowery. Adam West. Michael Keaton. Val Kilmer. George Clooney. Christian Bale. To the list of men who have physically portrayed Batman on the big screen, we can now add Ben Affleck, who assumes the mantle of the Dark Knight for the still formally untitled Batman Vs. Superman film that Zack Snyder will direct for Warner Bros.The superhero mash-up, announced by Snyder at this year’s Comic-Con, pointed to an older actor to take on the cowl as a counterpoint to Henry Cavill’s more youthful Superman. Several contenders including Josh Brolin were mooted, but Warners has gone for someone the studio has a strong connection with, both in front of and, more successfully following the likes of Argo and Gone Baby, Gone, behind the camera.Affleck will only be on acting duty for the new film, but Snyder is clearly happy with his choice. “Ben...
- 8/23/2013
- EmpireOnline
Now here’s something we’ve all debated with our friends at some point or another: just who was it that played the best Batman? Who encompassed everything we love and expect from the character? Who was the worst? Who was so mediocre that they barely made an impact at all?
All are questions that fanboys and conventional audiences alike still throw Batarangs at each other over to this day, but there’s a lot to consider before just labeling the best representation of the Dark Knight on the big (and small) screen. For example, what an actor’s track record and past work was like before they donned the cape n’ cowl. Whether or not they had free reign to give their own interpretation of the character and gave us something unexpected. And of course, whether they were able to convince us that they were a believably tortured soul.
All are questions that fanboys and conventional audiences alike still throw Batarangs at each other over to this day, but there’s a lot to consider before just labeling the best representation of the Dark Knight on the big (and small) screen. For example, what an actor’s track record and past work was like before they donned the cape n’ cowl. Whether or not they had free reign to give their own interpretation of the character and gave us something unexpected. And of course, whether they were able to convince us that they were a believably tortured soul.
- 2/3/2013
- by KC Mobley
- Obsessed with Film
Christian Bale might be Batman now, but he's hardly the first to have donned Bruce Wayne's infamous cowl and cape. Like all good superheroes worth their box office haul, the Caped Crusader has a legacy of A-Listers and other actors who have given him life on the big screen, small screen and everything in between. Just ask at Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire then Andrew Garfield) or Superman (Brandon Routh and Henry Cavill). So which actors have responded to Gotham's handy bat signal before Bale? Plenty! Big names like George Clooney and Val Kilmer have taken the bat mobile for a spin while actors like Adam West and Lewis Wilson played the superhero on screens of various...
- 7/11/2012
- E! Online
Superman's tights. Spiderman's mask. Batman's nipples.
When making a movie based on a superhero comic, there’s probably no aspect of production that will invite greater scrutiny than that pinnacle of all things superhero: the costume. And not to stereotype, but let's face it, gay and bisexual guys probably have a special interest in superhero costumes. We certainly have a definite appreciation for the often, um, revealing outfits sported by the male superheroes, while many of us can also appreciate the aesthetic styles worn by the women.
Which means that costume designers have to create a look that will somehow both be true to the source material, but is updated while also looking good on flesh-and-blood actors who have to actually move around in the real world.
One thing that designers have learned over the years is that while many comic book heroes look like their costumes were simply sprayed onto their bodybuilder physiques,...
When making a movie based on a superhero comic, there’s probably no aspect of production that will invite greater scrutiny than that pinnacle of all things superhero: the costume. And not to stereotype, but let's face it, gay and bisexual guys probably have a special interest in superhero costumes. We certainly have a definite appreciation for the often, um, revealing outfits sported by the male superheroes, while many of us can also appreciate the aesthetic styles worn by the women.
Which means that costume designers have to create a look that will somehow both be true to the source material, but is updated while also looking good on flesh-and-blood actors who have to actually move around in the real world.
One thing that designers have learned over the years is that while many comic book heroes look like their costumes were simply sprayed onto their bodybuilder physiques,...
- 8/10/2011
- by Tim OLeary
- The Backlot
Batman is an icon, synonymous with the superhero genre and with comic books in general. However, unlike many comic heroes Batman has evolved, constantly changing to keep up with the times. With Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises coming to our screens in a mere 12 months WhatCulture! is looking back at the changing face of the beloved Dark Knight.
Detective Comics Issue 27 (1938)
The Case of the Chemical Syndicate, issue 27 of Detective Comics saw the début of a new character for DC, the Bat-Man. Following the tradition of pulp detective comics, the Bat-Man was a crime fighting detective who had no qualms in killing his adversaries.
Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the original basis for Batman was a combination of pulp and detective heroes The Shadow and Sherlock Holmes. Visually Kane was influenced by Leonardo De Vinci’s designs for a flying machine that was based on the wings of a bat.
Detective Comics Issue 27 (1938)
The Case of the Chemical Syndicate, issue 27 of Detective Comics saw the début of a new character for DC, the Bat-Man. Following the tradition of pulp detective comics, the Bat-Man was a crime fighting detective who had no qualms in killing his adversaries.
Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, the original basis for Batman was a combination of pulp and detective heroes The Shadow and Sherlock Holmes. Visually Kane was influenced by Leonardo De Vinci’s designs for a flying machine that was based on the wings of a bat.
- 8/3/2011
- by Ed Moorhouse
- Obsessed with Film
Nobody likes recasting roles. It confuses continuity, befuddles audiences and sometimes upsets the original actors. But there are times when such a shake-up in performers is both necessary... and even an improvement.
Take, for example, today's news that Bryce Dallas Howard will take over for Rachelle Lefevre in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," the third installment in the bloodsucking 'tween-friendly franchise. While it's still too early to call the casting an upgrade over Lefevre, it's certainly not as bad of a replacement as it could be. If nothing else, Howard is in good company -- plenty of Hollywood-folk have been in her shoes before, and many of them proved successful in their reinterpreted roles.
Don't believe me? This stroll down memory lane of five re-cast roles should be proof enough that Howard's upcoming gig might work out for the best.
Albus Dumbledore ("Harry Potter" Series): When actor Richard Harris tragically...
Take, for example, today's news that Bryce Dallas Howard will take over for Rachelle Lefevre in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," the third installment in the bloodsucking 'tween-friendly franchise. While it's still too early to call the casting an upgrade over Lefevre, it's certainly not as bad of a replacement as it could be. If nothing else, Howard is in good company -- plenty of Hollywood-folk have been in her shoes before, and many of them proved successful in their reinterpreted roles.
Don't believe me? This stroll down memory lane of five re-cast roles should be proof enough that Howard's upcoming gig might work out for the best.
Albus Dumbledore ("Harry Potter" Series): When actor Richard Harris tragically...
- 7/29/2009
- by Josh Wigler
- MTV Movies Blog
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