Rumors are swirling that 25-year-old British actor Robert Pattinson will be changing course and moving to the big screen with a role in the upcoming Batman movie. If true, it would be a career-defining move for the young thespian. While his star is definitely on the rise, it’s important to explore the outer limits of Pattinson’s Hollywood ‘stardom’. We’ve compiled a definitive list of when and where you can spot the popular Englishman. Don’t forget: this information is rumour-filled, so treat it as such. But it’s still fun to speculate.
Television
As part of the London 2012 Olympics celebrations, the BBC broadcast a special on the 25th anniversary of Bruce Wayne’s (aka Batman’s) birth. The episode was an homage to the Dark Knight and featured appearances from famous English comedians and actors, as well as a special performance by Pattinson. While he did not play Batman, he did portray the character’s butler, Alfred, and he wore a very memorable outfit, which consisted of a grey pinstriped suit with a yellow shirt, striped tie and pocket square. If you missed the show when it first aired in 2012, you can still catch it on the BBC iPlayer.
Although Alfred’s outfit is what everyone will remember, it was Robert Pattinson’s performance that really stood out. He imbued the character with a sense of wisdom and warmth that made Alfred one of the most endearing characters of the original Batman trilogy. Since then, fans of the Dark Knight have been excited to see what Pattinson would look like as Batman, with many comparing the actor to Christian Bale, who portrayed the role in the last two movies. While we may never know what kind of involvement, if any, Pattinson had in the making of the 2013 movie, he will certainly be at the center of attention as it opens in theaters across the country.
Movies
Pattinson has shown up at Hollywood parties and premieres in the past, so it’s no surprise that rumors of a big screen outing have surfaced. The actor has been relatively quiet since his supporting role in the 2013 movie, Midnight Sun. The film was a commercial and critical failure, taking in just $3.8 million at the box office and garnering a 22% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the movie’s poor performance, it was a turning point for Pattinson. He began working on a new project, titled Good Time, with filmmaker Danny Boyle. It’s set in modern-day London and revolves around a gang of reckless friends who get into trouble and must team up to protect a pretty girl and her younger brother from a street gang. Boyle teamed up with Stephen King to pen the screenplay and Richard MacLeish to produce. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015, the movie went on to screen at a number of other festivals, including the Venice and SXSW film festivals. Most importantly, it played to generally positive reviews, garnering a 71/100 on Metacritic.com, indicating “generally favorable reviews”. The site’s consensus reads, “Good Time is a promising debut for writer-director Danny Boyle and an effective introduction to the fascinating world of Robert Pattinson.” Sounds like a good time to us!
Since then, Boyle has been busy working on the upcoming installment of the Harry Potter franchise, titled Pottermore. Set for a 2021 release, this will be the fifth collaboration between Boyle and director J.K. Rowling. The pair previously worked together on 2003’s The Beach and 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Aside from his work with Pottermore, Boyle and Pattinson have been developing a number of projects together. Most recently, they finished filming on a documentary about the birth of rock and roll, titled How to Talk to Girls at Parties. Directed by Boyle and published by Faber & Faber, How to Talk to Girls at Parties explores the history of rock music and the ‘power of the pulpit’ in the process. The film is due for release later this year.
Comic-Con And Other Conferences
If you’re an aspiring Hollywood producer, writer or director, chances are you’ve attended one of the industry’s biggest annual events: Comic-Con. The San Diego Convention Center plays host to one of the biggest gatherings of fans around every corner. It’s the perfect place to be if you want to network with other filmmakers and get some juicy gossip. As well as being the headquarters of the industry, Comic-Con also serves as the platform for professional discussion panels, Q&As and screenings of upcoming films. Perhaps the most exciting part of Comic-Con is the celebrity meet and greet. Fans can meet their favorite actors and actresses, get a photo op and maybe even get an autograph or two. It’s a place where dreams come true!
While Comic-Con is a gold mine for movie fans, it can also be a source of frustration. It’s a common phenomenon for aspiring filmmakers to show up hours before the con gates open only to find themselves blocked by a wall of people. The lines for autographs and photo ops can be extreme, leading some fans to do their best to get an early peek at the celebrity guests.
Shopping Malls And Other Public Places
Another place where you can catch a glimpse of Robert Pattinson is through one of the numerous shopping malls that pop up across the United Kingdom and Ireland every year. The country enjoys a reputation for handsome, well-dressed men and beautiful women, and it’s not hard to see why. Since the turn of the century, sales of clothing and accessories have increased by 13%. According to The UK Government, as of 2016, London is home to 250 million pounds worth of art galleries, making it one of the world’s most important cultural cities.
The most famous shopping mall in the United Kingdom is undoubtedly King’s Mall, located in the capital city of London. The mall, which opened in 1905, is named after King George V. It’s not just a mall though, it’s a lifestyle center, featuring restaurants and bars, a gym and over 100 shops, including major brands like Burberry, Ralph Lauren and Versace. It recently underwent a major renovation where all of the mall’s fixtures, fittings and security arrangements were improved. If you’re in London, make sure you check out King’s Mall. It’s worth visiting even if you don’t plan to buy anything, just to take in the old atmosphere. Unfortunately, King’s Mall is one of the most expensive shopping centers to visit. A single entrance fee is often around 300 pounds. That’s a lot of money for some people, but it’s a small price to pay for such an historic building. The mall’s website promotes a ‘premium experience’ that aims to provide “an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world”, promising that visitors “will feel right at home”.
Outer Suburbs
If you want to grab a peek at Robert Pattinson without the crowds, the best place to do so is in the suburbs outside of London. The British capital is home to some of the most beautiful women in the world and it’s no wonder that men flock there. Films such as Sex & Marriage and The Lost City of Z showcase the city’s gorgeous residents in all their glory. Even if you’re not a fan of the British capital, it’s still pretty cool to see how some of its wealthiest residents enjoy life there. If you’re lucky enough to live in an outer suburb of London, you’re in for a real treat. You’ll get to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city while still being able to see the stars!
The main road linking London and its outskirts is the M23. It’s a scenic route that takes in some of the most stunning countryside and picturesque towns. Some of the most famous sights along the way include Epsom Race Course, where the annual Derby takes place, and Eton College, where young royals are educated.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the best place to do so is the picturesque town of Windsor. To get there, take the M4 westbound and exit at the second exit, heading toward Charing Cross. Turn left at the roundabout and follow the signs for Windsor. Once you’re there, you’ll realize what all the commotion is about. Windsor Castle is one of the most recognizable buildings in England, so make sure you get a peek inside. You can do so for free, as the castle’s exhibitionist tendencies don’t give tours regularly and only sporadically. Nevertheless, the structure, which was originally built in the 12th century, still provides a glimpse into the royal family’s incredible history. Some of its fixtures and fittings have been altered over the years, but it’s still one of the most prestigious residences in Europe. Now if only they’d let us in without paying!