When it comes to reinventing a superhero, the movies never know when to stop – and with the recent reveal of Ben Affleck as the newest, shiniest Batman, we’ve decided it’s time to let the heroes of the past battle it out.
From Christian Bale to George Clooney, dodgy tights to all-singing-and-dancing Batmobiles, there are a lot of serious factors to consider. This is our official countdown of the night vigilantes so far. Let the judging commence.
8. George Clooney
Ah, Clooney. There’s not much surprise that his 1998 performance places you at the bottom of this list, and that’s based on one factor alone: your pseudo-macho, hilariously not-meant-to-be-funny costume. Exhibit A: the most famous armoured nipples in film history. Exhibit B: a reinforced codpiece of the shiniest silver. Case closed.
7. Val Kilmer
Stepping in as the Caped Crusader in 1992, Val Kilmer received mixed reviews for his performance, and reportedly had a touch of the diva while filming; supposedly not returning for another film after disliking how little screen time the hero got. While this isn’t definitively confirmed, at least we saw the first armoured suit – for both Batman and sidekick Robin.
6. Bruce Thomas
Rarely credited as Batman alumni due to his less conventional part in a series of TV commercial spots for General Motors in 2000. Nevertheless, he improved on George Clooney’s costume with a new (nipple-less) Batsuit, and thus deserves his five minutes of caped fame.
5. Lewis G Wilson
The first ever on-screen Batman from the year of 1943. Gains points for bravery by being the youngest ever Batman at only 23, and committing to the superhero in tights concept. Loses points for his stitched-on logo and the fact that his Batmobile was a limousine. It’s just not right.
4. Robert Lowery
Robert Lowery first got a taste for masked vigilantes with a part in The Mask of Zorro, before becoming 1949’s Dark Knight. Still unfortunately sticking with the original dodgy mask-cape combo, but receives credit for unmasking lesser-known villain of the time, The Wizard. That’s showmanship.
3. Adam West
Adam West, known for voicing hilarious cartoon character Adam West in Family Guy, hinted at better things to come for 1966 Batman, upgrading to satin pants and elbow-length gloves. Unfortunately this also came with a humorous faux scowl with quirky, chalked-on eyebrows. However, kudos for comedy value, but also for having a utility belt that features shark repellent and the first proper Batmobile.
2. Michael Keaton
Enter Tim Burton, 1989. His controversial casting of Keaton caused 50,000 fans to send complaint letters to Warner Bros, who feared he would not do justice to Bruce Wayne’s super-side. Standing in the face of adversity, however, we think Michael triumphs in the role, with a brand-new rubber suit (including the first set of built-in abs) and the edgiest persona the world had seen so far.
1. Christian Bale
Finally! He’s bitter. He’s intense. He’s rich enough to get a proper Batsuit made out of 110 separate pieces, including bat-shaped ninja-throwing stars. There’s no questioning that this 2005 reinvention is the one for Ben Affleck to beat – not to mention Bale’s legendary co-stars, the supreme Heath Ledger Joker performance and Joseph Gordon Levitt’s belated appearance as pre-Robin. As truly the darkest of the Dark Knights, Christian Bale is simply bat-ter (yep, we went there) than all the rest.
Watch the evolution of Batman from 1954 to the present day’s incarnation Which Batman is best?
culled from metroco
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