How many times can you make Batman something new in Hollywood? So many actors have played the role, sinking authenticity (Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck) into the role, lacking substance (Val Kilmer), or turning it into a running gag (George Clooney).
What could possibly be done with another actor? That is the true quest of Matt Reeves' new Batman film, which officially cast Robert Pattinson in the pivotal lead role this afternoon. After negotiations carried on for weeks, the news was official today. Just don't tell the critical crowd that already wants him gone.
I like the move, and here are five reasons why:
A young Batman is still an intriguing idea.
Pattinson is just 33 years old, which makes him the second youngest actor to play the titular role behind Bale, who was 31 for Batman Begins. However, I never felt like Nolan's film truly explored the rise of Bruce Wayne into the Bat. It felt like he zipped past it. Right here, the role and movie becomes something unique and explores the unknown. Instead of picking up someone else's story, Reeves is creating his own world.
Pattinson is a good actor AND movie star
Here's an actor who came into the game with a bang in the Twilight series. Big films, lots of press, and a true test for a young actor. Pattinson passed with flying colors, and has used the fame to explore other realms of the cinematic landscape. Films like Cosmopolis, Queen of the Desert, The Lost City of Z, Good Time, Damsel, and this year's inventive High Life have provided Pattinson with several avenues to explore and develop his talent. He didn't jump to another large franchise immediately; Pattinson went back to the basics. A unique blend of acting talent and movie star power.
Pattinson makes for a killer Bruce Wayne
In my opinion, finding an actor to fill out the brooding, tragic persona of Wayne is more important than finding someone to look great in a giant suit. Sure, the skinny Brit will need to pack on some muscle for the role, but you don't have to look like The Kool Aid Man, which is what Affleck's suit resembled, to properly convince during the action. Pattinson has the look, can fill out a suit and can capture the dark bravado of the duality of the role.
The Chin is alive and well!
Pattinson has a strong jawline and chin, much-needed requirements for the role.
Pattinson can handle the PR game that comes with the role
The last thing you need is a young actor being overwhelmed with the role. Due to his debut frenzy with the bonkers press tour of Twilight, Pattinson is seasoned in the field of long productions, even longer post-productions, and extended media tours. He's played the game, knows it well and won't let it affect his performance.
Matt Reeves is attempting to make his own kind of Batman film, and for that he needed an unconventional choice to play the role.
It's okay for people to dislike the idea. They didn't like Daniel Craig for James Bond or Heath Ledger for The Joker, and those turned out just fine ... or became legendary. You shouldn't love the casting of such an iconic role at first. The experience should be an organic journey.
I am confident Pattinson can put his own twist on the role and make the film great. Let's see how the trailer rolls out, and then place our bets.
