Rob Pattinson as Batman? Why the former vampire is perfect for the role
It’s official: Robert Pattinson is the newest face of the Batman franchise.
Deadline reported today that the 33-year-old movie star was approved by Warner Bros as the star of The Batman, the trilogy of films that Matt Reeves will direct later this year.
The move makes Pattinson the 9th actor to play the Caped Crusader — more than any other superhero in movie history.
However, given Batman v Superman‘s poor reception and the box office failure of Justice League, Pattinson, and the DC Universe team has a lot to prove. But that’s why he’s the perfect man for the gig — the Batman franchise needs an obvious shakeup.
For obvious reasons, it’s probably safe to say that Rob Pattinson isn’t on the average fan’s shortlist of actors to play the role of Batman. Being that he’s heavily associated with Twilight and Harry Potter, it’s easy to second-guess a badass billionaire vigilante who’s once indulged in magic and fairytales.
Yet, that’s exactly what’s working to his advantage.
Not only is Pattinson accustomed to sci-fi, having played a vampire and a wizard, but the movie’s expected focus on a younger Batman earlier in his career will also play to his look. Then when you factor in his massive fanbase, you start to see the puzzle that Warner Brothers is putting together.
When you look at the success Marvel is having, most recently with Avengers: Endgame, creeping up on $3 billion at the box office, maybe a lighter less cynical route is the way to go when picturing the man of the night.
Additionally, Pattinson has acting chops. Many people get caught up in the more “fluff” roles he’s had earlier in his career but in totality, the UK-native has one of the most impressive filmographies of any actor of his generation.
He’s worked with brilliant directors such as David Cronenberg, Werner Herzog, and Claire Denis. He’s embraced challenging work and impressed critics role after role. again.
He can give you somber tension, like in James Gray’s The Lost City of Z, or crazed energy, like in the Safdie brothers’ unconventional crime drama Good Time. Pattinson has shown his range.
At a time where an Aquaman movie can make a little over $1 billion at the box office, giving Batman another go wasn’t a matter of if, but when.
Although more than a year away from any sort of trailer, no photos of Pattinson in costume and no idea of a co-star, his casting alone sheds new light on the storied role and casts away any preconceived expectations.
The Batman will arrive in theaters on June 25, 2021. Until then, peep the full DC movie release date calendar!