Aging actor Robert Pattinson sported a Batman costume at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, but the inspiration behind this Halloween costume isn’t necessarily tied to the Dark Knight. The British actor turned rapper has been dressing up as influential comics’ characters since 2011 and revealed in a blog post that he’s been inspired by everything from The Mummy to Bojack Horseman.
Here, we’ll examine the origins of Robert Pattinson’s Batman costume and how well it fits him.
Early Days
The first of many costume changes that Robert Pattinson will go through is the origin of his Batman costume. He wore black pants and a black shirt with a white bat symbol on it during the premiere of his directorial debut, Good Time, at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019. He was inspired by the black Batman costume worn by Michael Caine in the movie adaptation of Dennis Wheatley’s 1941 novel The Black Panther. As you can see in the image above, this is the same outfit that Robert Pattinson sported during the premiere of 2019’s The Batman in London.
Why Now?
As stated, 19-year-old Robert Pattinson made history when he became the youngest actor to play the role of Batman in a major motion picture. This also made him the second-youngest actor to don the iconic Batman costume, which was previously worn by Michael Caine in the 1966 movie adaptation of Batman. This historic feat was made possible by a mix of youthful exuberance and pure talent. The young actor grew up watching all of the movies directed by his idol, Christopher Nolan, and was determined to fulfill Nolan’s dream and play the Dark Knight.
Despite being relatively unknown in North America at the time, the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival crowd and select fans at the after-party got a glimpse of the actor’s talents. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Robert Pattinson said that this Batman costume is the most basic outfit that he wears and added, “I don’t think about the suit when I’m doing my [rapping] songs. I just do my [rapping] songs.”
So, while his age might restrict his ability to perform physically demanding jobs, it doesn’t seem to have impacted his passion for fashion. In fact, it’s brought about a greater level of confidence and poise, which has enabled him to become a rising star.
The Suitable Fit
Like other Batman costumes, the Robert Pattinson suit is tight around the chest and waist area with a bit of slouch in the shoulders. The jacket is short and worn over the pants, which makes it look like a modern day tuxedo. The outfit is a classic combination and is suitable for all of the songs that the actor raps.
Indeed, while Robert Pattinson might not yet have found a niche in the acting world, he’s established himself as an adept rapper. In fact, he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Eminem, Migos, and Travis Scott. This has enabled him to perfect a unique blend of comedy and drama called “raptresska”—a mixture of rap and Russian accents. This unique storytelling technique has made him a sought-after collaborator and landed him featured roles in major motion pictures such as The Batman and Dumbo.
Final Takeaway
While there are many iconic Halloween costumes that were inspired by the Dark Knight, it’s important to appreciate that they aren’t just limited to that character. As we’ve seen with Robert Pattinson’s Batman costume and many others, fashion and music can mix to create unique and memorable Halloween looks.