The Actors Who Have Played Batman

As one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history, the role of Batman has been immortalized through various film and television adaptations, with many different actors having taken on the mantle of the Dark Knight.

The first to do so was the legendary Adam West, who played the title role in the popular 1966–68 television series. West’s Batman was known for his colorful, campy performance, and while it was beloved by many, it wasn’t as faithful to the source material as later adaptations would be.

The most iconic movie version of Batman came with Tim Burton’s 1989 film, which featured Michael Keaton in the lead role. Keaton was initially met with derision from fans, but went on to prove himself in the part. He was praised for the perfect balance he brought between unhinged menace and a reluctant hero.

Val Kilmer and George Clooney would each take a turn in the role for sequels in the 90s, with Kilmer doing much to beef up the character’s appeal in Batman Forever, while Clooney’s portrayal was more faithful to the source material in Batman and Robin.

In 2005, Christian Bale took over the role and while it was his first major live action superhero role, he went on to earn rave reviews for his performances in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises. It was Bale’s Batman that was arguably the most faithful to the original comic book portrayal of the character.

Finally, Ben Affleck took over the role for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, and he has since gone on to reprise his role in two more Justice League films. Affleck’s Batman has had some of the deepest emotional depth of any of the character’s movie portrayals.

From Adam West to Ben Affleck, the various actors who have donned the cape and cowl of Batman have all left their own unique mark on the character, making the role of Gotham’s protector one that has attracted top talent across the decades.