Several actors perform Batman over time, and needless to say, some did a great job in portraying the dark superhero and others not so much. Batman is one of the most famous DC Comics characters and has a vast fan-base all over the world. There have been few television shows and a lot of movies based on the superhero.
We have compiled a well-thought list of the most well-known actors, including live-action and voice actors.
10. George Clooney
George Clooney played the role of Batman in Batman & Robin, which was released back in 1997. Joel Schumacher directed the movie, and while the film was widely popular and loved, Clooney’s portrayal of the character did not so much. After the movie’s success, ‘ER’ Clooney was still trying to find his place and was jumping forth between romantic comedies and action movies.
He failed at doing justice to the character’s dark and moody persona and played the role rather too funny. Even Clooney agreed to the critics as much later in 2013, and he said that he keeps a photo of himself as Batman to remind him how wrong of a decision he made.
9. Lewis G. Wilson
Wilson was the first-ever actor to play Batman on screen in 1943 television series. As he was the first-ever actor to play the role of The Batman, he only had comics as his reference. He did not act memorably but still held his own, considering the circumstances.
8. Robert Lowery
Lowrey was the second to play the role of Batman after Wilson and did a much better job than his predecessor. His muscular and fit physique made the scene of the action much more enjoyable in front of the camera. He played Batman in The New Adventures of Batman & Robin.
The recent release of the movie from RiffTrax has brought Lowrey’s performance back into the light, but he does not permeate as strongly as the actors who played a role in subsequent decades.
7. Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer followed Michael Keaton’s portrayal of the character and was responsible for doing justice to the growing Batman’s fan base. Although he did a decent job playing the role of the egocentric millionaire Bruce Wayne but failed to outdo his predecessor as Batman. The movie was a flop and did not do well in the box office.
6. Olan Soule
Olan Soule is not a well- known name, but his voice immediately reminds you of Batman. Before Kevin Conroy became the most liked voice for the character, Soule did several spin-offs of the television comics, including Dark Knight Detective in Super Friends.
He even did a cameo in Scooby-Doo and Batman animated series becoming the defining voice for Batman for most of the early 70s and 80s.
5. Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck’s performance first faced a huge expected online backlash before being marked as one of the best portrayals of the character. Batman v Superman became one of the high points for the DC Superhero.
Affleck channelled the performance of the disaffected, jaded Batman by Frank Miller. Affleck was able to show a human, heroic side of the superhero but failed to get a solo after being replaced by Robert Pattinson.
4. Michael Keaton
Keaton was primarily known for his comic work, but Tim Burton saw something in him while shooting for Beetlejuice. Fans were disappointed in the news of Keaton playing Batman but came around when he owned both Bruce Wayne and Batman’s roles. He set the standard to play the role of all the actors that came after him.
3. Christian Bale
Christian Bale is still loved for the role he played in The Dark Knight Trilogy while not being a major star when he landed the role. He outdid his predecessors George Clooney and Val Kilmer’s portrayal of the superhero with his gritty performance.
Many fans consider him to be the best portrayal of the modern comic book Batman yet.
2. Adam West
The late Adam West’s performance is considered to be somewhat controversial. There have been mixed reactions for his production as a live-action hero. Although his subtle, self-aware humour is still considered to be one of the most influential roles.
1. Kevin Conroy
The reason why the only voice actor is at the top of our list is because of his powerful performances in several comics. You can’t hear Conroy’s voice without picturing him in Batman’s role.
Last year he took his role to another level with his performance as retired Bruce Wayne in CW’s crossover.
Read More : Tony Stark Quotes That Prove He’s Always The Coolest Guy
