‘The Dark Knight’: A 10th Anniversary Look At All The Batmans That Came Before (And After)

By Ethan Cohen. 18 Jul 2018 8:00 AM

It’s the 10-year anniversary of “The Dark Knight”, the second instalment in Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy. To celebrate here are all of the actors who have assumed the role of Batman on screen.

Photo: Warner Bros.

Photo: Getty

Photo: Colombia Pictures

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Ben Affleck
Photo: Warner Bros.
The most recent Batman, Ben Affleck, has starred in two films as the masked vigilante to mixed reviews. He is unlikely to play the character ever again. The first is “Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice”(2016) alongside Henry Cavill as Superman. 2017's “Justice League” was next, in which he lined up with a slew of stars, including Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Jason Momoa, and once again, Henry Cavill.
Will Arnett
Photo: Getty
Canadian actor Will Arnett brought humour to the role of Batman in the "Lego Batman" franchise, which includes “The Lego Batman Movie” (2017). This film also stars Zach Galifianakis as the Joker and another Canadian actor -- Michael Cera -- as Batman’s sidekick Robin. This rendition brought Batman back to a kid-friendly level.
Christian Bale
Photo: Getty
Christian Bale starred as Batman in Christopher Nolan’s "Batman" trilogy, which struck big at the box office with two of the movies landing in the top spot. This trilogy of films comprises “Batman Begins” (2005), “The Dark Knight” (2008) and “The Dark Night Rises” (2012). Nolan’s rendition of the comic book hero hit home how dark the Batman universe has become. The second instalment was the most popular and is best remembered for Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, a role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He died shortly before the release of the film.
George Clooney
Photo: Getty
When most fans hear “Batman and Robin”(1997) they try and forget the movie was made. Despite a star-studded cast that included George Clooney as Batman, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, and Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, the movie is still considered one of the worst of all time. Some say it was doomed to fail when they added nipples to the Batsuit.
Val Kilmer
Photo: Getty
Val Kilmer took on the third instalment, after Michael Keaton, in “Batman Forever” (1995). This film did not do well with critics or audiences despite the help of big-name villains Two-Face (played by Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey). Nicole Kidman starred as Dr. Chase Meridian -- the love interest in the film -- but even she couldn’t save this one.
Michael Keaton
Photo: Getty
Batman finally has armor! Michael Keaton was the star of the two Tim Burton movies “Batman”(1989) and “Batman Returns”(1992). These films had big stars as the villains: Jack Nicholson as the Joker, Danny DeVito as the Penguin, and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. This "new" Batman focused more on action and Batman as the hero born from tragedy rather than classic comic-book banter.
Adam West
Photo: Getty
Adam West was the iconic Batman in ABC’s hit TV show “Batman” (1968). The show ran for three seasons; its theme song can be sung by fans and non-fans alike, such was its popularity. West also starred in “Batman: The Movie”, which was released at the end of the first season.
Robert Lowery
Photo: Colombia Pictures
Robert Lowery was next to adopt the role of Batman in the 1944 “Batman and Robin" -- a 15- chapter series that sees the Caped Crusader and his trusty ward face off against the Wizard, a villain who controls cars to create chaos.
Lewis Wilson
Photo: Colombia Pictures
Lewis Wilson was the first actor to become Batman. He appeared in 1943's “Batman" (also called “The Batman”). In the 15-part series Batman fights Prince Daka, a Japanese villain who turns American scientists into zombies. Oh, did we mention he had a bedazzled belt!

‘The Dark Knight’: A 10th Anniversary Look At All The Batmans That Came Before (And After)

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