He is the ultimate romantic leading man. From breaking up with your usual brooding Hollywood actor in The Twilight Saga to going all-out action in the DC Comics version of Batman, we examine the fascinating life of Robert Pattinson.
Early Career
Although he has been acting for over a decade, Robert Pattinson’s career really took off following the phenomenal success of The Twilight Saga. After appearing in supporting roles in various films, he rose to fame after playing the reluctant vampire Edward Cullen in Michael Dougherty’s adaptation of Twilight, for which he received critical acclaim and a coveted Academy Award nomination.
The following year, he played a dual role as journalist Stephen Parker and civil rights lawyer Alex Woods in the dark comedy-drama Burlesque, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. He also received rave reviews for his performance as an obsessive-compulsive bookseller in Woody Allen’s Amazon Prime Video series Somewhere, and was nominated for a BAFTA for his role in Steven Spielberg’s biopic The Post.
Breakthrough Role
In 2018, Pattinson made his big-budget Hollywood debut as Cedric Diggory in the highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. He also landed a coveted role in the upcoming Joachim Carda-penned Black 47, an adaption of a Dashiell Hammett novel about a private detective trying to take down a corrupt oil baron. He’s currently filming the next chapter of The Twilight Saga, set for release in 2021.
The actor has shown versatility in the past, appearing in The King’s Speech, which marked his first speaking role, and The Lost City of Z, one of the earliest films to use 3D animation. Additionally, he appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, namely as the infamous Peter Quill/Gambit in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. He has also lent his voice to a number of animated films, including How to Train Your Dragon, Buddy Hero, and Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation.
Rise to Marvel Cinematic Universe
In the comics universe, Daredevil was created in 1964, and since then, the hero has appeared in 17 different Marvel films, with several more on the horizon (namely, Black Widow and The Punisher). The character made his big-screen debut in 2015’s Deadpool, which was named one of the greatest comic book-to-film adaptations of all time. Daredevil is one of the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe and a fan-favorite among DC Comics fans.
But it wasn’t just comic book fans who loved Pattinson’s take on the blind hero; he won over the hearts of moviegoers with his charismatic portrayal of the titular superhero.
The Dark Knight Returns
Pattinson’s performance in The Dark Knight earned him both critical acclaim and commercial triumph. The actor landed a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as Harvey Dent, the Two-Face counterpart in the film. Variety’s Stephanie Zacharek wrote that Pattinson “hold[s] his own against [Robert] Downey Jr.’s physically commanding Joker,” and Empire magazine’s Chris Baker complimented Pattinson on his “tough-as-nails” performance, adding that his “ability to evoke complex emotions in quick succession makes [him] a joy to watch.”
The film also made over $1 billion worldwide, and became one of the highest-grossing comic book adaptations of all time. At the 87th Academy Awards, the film received seven nominations, tying it with The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King for the most Oscar nominations. It went on to win three Oscars, including Best Actor for Pattinson, which he shared with Mark Rylance for Bridge of Spies and Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody.
Pattinson continues to impress
While The Dark Knight cemented Pattinson’s place in the movie pantheon, his performance as Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves’ The Batman also drew rave reviews. The Wall Street Journal’s Joe Morgenstern wrote that it’s “Pattinson’s best work [that] gives us at least one more reason to celebrate his career.” In fact, Reeves’ film is one of the highest-grossing superhero movies of all time, earning over $1 billion worldwide.
Pattinson reprised his role as Batman in 2019’s Aquaman, which is set to be the culmination of several years of rumors and speculation. Aside from lending his voice to animated films, the English actor has taken a backseat in many of the major motion pictures he’s been in, letting his co-stars steal the limelight. However, he has delivered memorable performances in a number of prestige projects, ranging from the aforementioned The Batman to Pride and Prejudice, where he plays the unlikeable Darcy. He also starred in Xavier Dolan’s beautifully-crafted period drama It’s Only the beginning of the Movie, playing a novelist who writes a best-selling book about a teenage girl’s affair, which sets off a sexual awakening. In the film, he is best seen in a long brown coat and yellow scarf, reminiscent of the classic Batman outfit.
On the Set
While on the surface, Pattinson’s career might seem secluded to the point of invisibility, he has continued to find ways to entertain himself on set. In particular, he has shown a keen interest in martial arts and stuntwork, utilizing some of the skills he learned from being an elite rider and horseback-riding instructor. This past year, he has starred in a number of high-profile films, sharing screen space with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. But the actor has maintained a low profile, only appearing in small roles or as part of the stunt crew, which he says he enjoys more than anything else about the film industry.
Horseback Riding And More
In addition to martial arts and stuntwork, Robert Pattinson has shown an interest in photography, which he practiced while on The Bourne Superscener. He also took time out of his busy schedule to appear in a PSA for the World Wildlife Fund, speaking about the need to protect animals and the environment. The actor also has a strong connection to equestrianism, having owned and trained a number of thoroughbreds, including several racehorses. Aside from his work with animals, the English actor is dedicated to preserving the environment through his foundation, the Children’s Medical Center in Seattle. This year has seen him support a number of important environmental causes, including the World Wildlife Fund and the Prevent Cancer Association. On the topic of cancer, he said in a statement, “There are many causes that I support through my work, but the most significant is cancer prevention. I believe that every individual has a role to play in preventing cancer, and education is key. Finding the causes of cancer is crucial to defeating the disease. As a cancer survivor, I know the power of a healthy lifestyle and the importance of staying informed.”
With a prolific career spanning over a decade and a half, it is safe to say that Robert Pattinson is definitely not your usual Hollywood leading man. As the most recognizable member of the Twilight generation, it is only natural that fans would want to know as much as possible about his fascinating life, from his origins to what is next for him. If you’re a big fan of the star, then this is an exciting time to be apart of his fan club. Not only is he currently filming the next chapter of The Twilight Saga, but he has several other major projects in development, including Wattpad’s The Lost City of Z and the highly anticipated Daredevil spinoff The Matt Murdock Show.