While it’s been almost a year since the premiere of HBO’s wildly popular television series, it seems like everyone is still talking about it. The 12-episode limited series based on the Dark Knight series of comics was released less than a month ago but is already considered one of the best series of the year. One of the biggest casting coups of all time saw Robert Pattinson put on the cowl and cape, becoming the first actor to ever play Batman on film. The film opened to rave reviews and has been hailed as one of the biggest-selling films of all time. It’s easy to see why fans were excited about the opportunity to see Batman on the big screen, as he hasn’t always been portrayed that well in recent years. However, the question remains: Is Pattinson a suitable choice for the role? Let’s take a look.
An Actor To Watch
The son of a musician and an artist, Robert Pattinson spent his early years in London exploring performance art and odd jobs, such as delivering pizza and working in a bookstore. He made his acting debut in 2004’s Cold Mountain, garnering good reviews for his acting skill and charisma. Since then, he has mostly played supporting roles in dramas, picking up considerable fame and recognition for his acting career. In 2014, he gained widespread admiration and praise for his performance in Belle and Sebastian, for which he was named Best Actor at the 2014 Venice Film Festival. Most recently, he can be seen in the critically-acclaimed drama, The Lost City of Z, playing a dual role. In January 2019, Variety named Pattinson as one of the most in-demand actors of 2018.
A Dark, Sombre Man
Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen the meme before: the shot of Pattinson, dressed in a black and white polka dots with a caption that simply reads, “I am very depressed.” It’s difficult to look at this picture and not feel a tinge of empathy for the actor. With his intense stare and slight scowl, it’s easy to see how he could be so intimidating. It would be a huge understatement to say that Robert Pattinson is a very, very serious person. He has never been a joke or a laughingstock, and it seems like no matter what he does, he is committed to giving an intense, impassioned performance.
A Poor Fit To Play Bruce
Before we go any further, let’s establish one thing: Robert Pattinson is a phenomenal actor, one of the best in Hollywood. However, Batman is an incredibly complex character, and putting on the cowl and cape doesn’t necessarily mean you will fit the bill. As we’ve established, Robert Pattinson is committed to bringing a serious performance to Batman and has previously said that the part of the character was a struggle for him. While he is a phenomenal actor, he has never played a character as complex or multifaceted as Batman. It’s safe to say that he didn’t exactly have the greatest start when it came the character. Having struggled with addiction and mental health issues for much of his life, Pattinson eventually turned his life around and became a committed vegan, which he continues to be. He has also spoken about how much the role of the Batman changed him, saying, “I realized that the people I was trying to protect, the innocent people, were the ones I was really hurting. That’s when I decided that I needed to change.”
The Dark Knight Is A Symbol Of Hope
While some fans may feel worried that Pattinson won’t be able to embody the complexity of Batman, he has assured them that he is up for the challenge. When questioned about the expectations surrounding his casting, he told Entertainment Tonight, “It’s a chance to play a character I’ve always wanted to play. I think it’s going to be a learning experience for me, and I can’t wait to see what happens.” When discussing his mindset going into the role, he said, “I’ve always been a fan of his work. When I found out that I was playing Batman, I was over the moon. I’ve always wanted to play Batman – it’s the best character in the world. Playing him now, as an adult, is going to be amazing. I’m really looking forward to it.” Pattinson’s enthusiasm for the role isn’t a trait that is commonly associated with actors playing superhero characters, yet he seems to have found a home in this genre. It would be an understatement to say that the 2019 superhero movie season is stacked with promising films, many of which feature Batman prominently. Having previously worked with comic book legends Alan Moore and Brian Bolland on the graphic novel, The Watchmen, it seems like Pattinson is finally taking the opportunity to put his talents to good use and play a character that he feels passionate about.