The Flickering Myth writing team share their thoughts on Robert Pattinson’s casting as the Dark Knight in The Batman…
This past weekend it was confirmed that Warner Bros. and director Matt Reeves have selected Robert Pattinson as the man to succeed Ben Affleck and don the cape and cowl for 2021’s The Batman. And, much previous Batmans, the news was met with a mixture of excitement and outrage, with some praising Reeves and company for their choice, and others bemoaning the casting of Edward Cullen as the Caped Crusader. Here’s the thoughts of the team at Flickering Myth…
Shaun Munro: Thrilled with the choice. Pattinson’s a fantastic actor and should ensure we get a very different interpretation of the character from what we’ve ever had before.
EJ Moreno: The casting of Robert Pattinson really brings me joy. I was worried we’d be stuck with an Armie Hammer, but this is an inspired choice. Really excited to see his take on Bruce, more so than his take on The Bat. As much as I like Batfleck, this is a stronger choice and could be someone you build a brand around.
Rafael Motamayor: We’re talking about the guy who rightfully won the Tri-Wizard Tournament, he’s a great choice to be Batman.
Eammon Jacobs: Given his performances in things like Good Time and Cosmopolis – I’m pretty confident that he’ll deliver a great Bruce Wayne. Although I’d rather see other characters get a movie before another Batman trilogy, a Pattinson/Matt Reeves partnership is something to be excited by.
Liam Waddington: This is a great choice. Pattinson is an astonishing actor and has been killing it for years in the indies. I’m looking forward to seeing what he brings to the character and I’m confident he can pull this off with the right script.
Allen Christian: I really haven’t seen him in much, but by all accounts he’s become a very good actor. He’s got a good look for a younger Bruce Wayne. I don’t think I ever would have thought of him for the role, but that’s what makes it interesting casting.
Tom Jolliffe: People question whether Pattinson is good enough for Batman. I’d question the opposite myself. He’s forging a career of interesting choices, excellent performances and really pushing himself. I’ve no doubts he’ll exceed expectations, but will the film give him enough to do? Beyond that, will he find his trajectory going back to blockbusters? Potentially a great Batman, but I question whether the DCEU can live up to his potential. If he gets sidetracked on these big budget films, we may not see as many great indie choices from him. If the franchise was still under Christopher Nolan, I think it would be mouthwatering. Aside from the enjoyable if simple Wonder Woman, the DCEU hasn’t done much for me. If Reeves and Pattinson get freedom, this’ll be great.
SEE ALSO: More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Talents of Robert Pattinson
Helen Murdoch: Interesting choice and I’m curious to see what he does with the role. Wary of another Batman film as it feels we’ve had loads recently but the involvement of Pattinson and Matt Reeves at the helm has peaked my interest.
Eric Bay-Anderson: Both he and director Matt Reeves are talented enough to make the prospect of yet another new Batman story interesting, but it all depends on the script and whether they can find a story, a tone or a side to the character that all the existing Batman films and TV shows haven’t already covered.
Sean Wilson: Excellent news and a brilliant bit of casting. He’s thrown off the shackles of Twilight to become one of the most interesting character actors of recent years. Any doubters just need go and watch his sublime performance in Good Time. That’s probably as clear an indication as any as to the possible intensity of his Batman portrayal.
Gerald James: I’m not familiar enough with his work to make a real judgement on it. And I feel the same can be said for most of the audience. Let’s give him his day in court before lambasting the casting. After all, most people scoffed at the idea of the kid from A Knight’s Tale playing the Joker. If nothing else I’m certain his performance will surpass George Clooney’s.
Tom Beasley: Ever since Twilight, Pattinson has made brave, audacious choices. Some have worked and some haven’t, but I don’t think there’s any denying his talent as an actor. I have never really cared much about Batman as a character or a franchise, but I am very intrigued to see how this pans out.
Villordsutch: I remember over ten years back being absolutely furious with the casting of “pretty boy” Heath Ledger as the Joker. Then when I saw his interpretation of the Clown Prince, in The Dark Knight, I silently apologised for my stupidity in jumping to conclusions. Now here we are again. A pretty boy who I cannot stand, but this time I’m not going to be a idiot and scream blue murder at the casting. No I’m going to believe that Mr. Reeves has seen something in Mr. Pattinson they I obviously can’t (at this moment) and we’re heading for an amazing Batman very soon. My fingers are crossed.
EJ Moreno: And don’t forget that he could use that “pretty boy I can’t stand” quality to his advantage. I always like my Bruce Wayne to be a cocky, showboat in public and a brooding sad boy in the Batcave…I think Pattinson can own that. Throw in some great fight scenes and we could have something here, like animated series-style.
So, there’s plenty of enthusiasm and optimism about Pattinson’s casting from within Team FM, but how about you? What are your thoughts on the casting? Is Pattinson an inspired choice, or would you have rather seen someone else in the role? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us @FlickeringMyth…
Originally published June 7, 2019. Updated September 4, 2019.
