Batman in film

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Batman in film refers to the various cinematic adaptations of the DC Comics character Batman. Since his creation by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in 1939, Batman has been featured in numerous films, ranging from serials to animated features to live-action blockbusters.

Early Serials

The first appearance of Batman in film was in the 1943 serial titled Batman, starring Lewis Wilson as Batman and Douglas Croft as Robin. This was followed by a second serial in 1949, Batman and Robin, with Robert Lowery as Batman and Johnny Duncan as Robin.

1960s: Batman: The Movie

In 1966, following the success of the television series, a feature film titled Batman: The Movie was released. Adam West and Burt Ward reprised their roles as Batman and Robin, respectively. The film is known for its campy style and humorous tone, which was reflective of the TV series.

1980s and 1990s: Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher

In 1989, Tim Burton directed Batman, starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. The film was a critical and commercial success, leading to a sequel, Batman Returns (1992), also directed by Burton and starring Keaton.

Joel Schumacher took over the franchise with Batman Forever (1995), featuring Val Kilmer as Batman, and Batman & Robin (1997), with George Clooney as Batman. These films were known for their lighter tone and vibrant visuals but received mixed to negative reviews.

2000s: The Dark Knight Trilogy

In 2005, Christopher Nolan rebooted the franchise with Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale as Batman. The film was praised for its darker, more realistic tone. Nolan followed this with The Dark Knight (2008), which featured Heath Ledger's iconic performance as the Joker, and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), concluding the trilogy.

DC Extended Universe

Batman was reintroduced in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), directed by Zack Snyder and starring Ben Affleck as Batman. Affleck reprised his role in Suicide Squad (2016) and Justice League (2017).

The Batman (2022)

In 2022, a new standalone film titled The Batman was released, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson as Batman. The film explores a younger Batman in his second year of crime-fighting.

Animated Films

Batman has also been featured in numerous animated films, including Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993), Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000), and the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series.

Related Pages

• Batman
• DC Comics
• Joker (character)
• Robin (character)
• Gotham City
• Batmobile
• Batman (TV series)
• The Dark Knight Trilogy
• DC Extended Universe