The Definitive List: All 9 Live-Action Actors Who Played Batman, Ranked By Era (Updated 2025)

The legacy of the Caped Crusader is one of the most enduring and complex in cinematic history, defined by the multitude of talented actors who have donned the iconic cowl. As of December 2025, the Batman franchise is in a fascinating state, split between the acclaimed "Elseworlds" universe of Robert Pattinson and the upcoming, yet-to-be-cast Batman for James Gunn's new DC Universe (DCU). This deep dive provides a complete, chronological roster of every live-action actor, tracing the character's evolution from a 1940s serial hero to the brooding, modern vigilante we know today, alongside the very latest updates on the future of Gotham on the big screen. The question of "who played Batman" is a complex one, as the answer spans over eight decades of film and television, featuring performers who brought vastly different tones to Bruce Wayne—from campy to gothic, and from grounded realism to superhero spectacle. Understanding the full lineage requires going back to the character's earliest, often-forgotten appearances.

The Definitive List: Every Live-Action Batman Actor in Chronological Order

The following list focuses on the major live-action portrayals of Bruce Wayne/Batman in feature films and primary television series, providing a comprehensive biography of the character's on-screen evolution.

• Lewis Wilson (1943): The first actor to bring Batman to the screen in the 15-chapter serial, Batman. His portrayal was part of a wartime narrative, featuring a less-muscular, more pulp-style hero.
• Robert Lowery (1949): Took over the role for the second serial, Batman and Robin. Lowery’s version continued the detective-focused, low-budget adventure style.
• Adam West (1966–1968): The most iconic early portrayal, starring in the Batman television series and the 1966 feature film. West defined the "camp" era, known for his deadpan delivery and colorful, tongue-in-cheek style.
• Michael Keaton (1989 & 1992): Brought a dark, gothic sensibility to the character in Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns. Keaton’s Bruce Wayne was eccentric and introverted, setting a new standard for the superhero film genre. He later reprised the role in The Flash (2023).
• Val Kilmer (1995): Stepped into the cowl for Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever. Kilmer's portrayal was a brief but more psychologically complex take, though often overshadowed by the film's vibrant aesthetics.
• George Clooney (1997): Played the role in Batman & Robin. Clooney's time as the Dark Knight is widely considered the franchise's low point, often criticized for its campiness and the infamous "Bat-Nipples" suit.
• Christian Bale (2005–2012): Defined the modern, grounded superhero film in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy. Bale's performance emphasized the intense physical and psychological toll of being Batman, though his "Bat-voice" remains a subject of debate.
• Ben Affleck (2016–2023): Introduced as a battle-weary, older, and more brutal Batman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), beginning with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Affleck’s take was physically imposing and disillusioned.
• Robert Pattinson (2022–Present): The current live-action star, portraying a younger, more detective-focused Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves' "Elseworlds" film, The Batman. His version is noted for its gothic, grunge aesthetic and focus on the detective side of the character.

The Current State of Gotham: Robert Pattinson and the 'Elseworlds' Future

Robert Pattinson’s interpretation of the Dark Knight has successfully launched a new, critically acclaimed cinematic universe separate from the main DC continuity, often referred to as "Elseworlds." His 2022 film, The Batman, presented a Bruce Wayne who is only in his second year of crime-fighting, still struggling with his trauma and identity. The film leaned heavily into the noir and detective elements of the comics, a refreshing change from the blockbuster spectacle of previous versions. The future of this iteration is confirmed, but with a significant delay. The sequel, The Batman – Part II (stylized with a dash in the title), was originally scheduled for a 2025 release. However, the film has been officially delayed, with the new, confirmed release date now set for October 1, 2027. This three-year gap between films is a long wait for fans, but it ensures that director Matt Reeves and Pattinson can continue to craft their unique vision of Gotham. The film is expected to further explore the relationship between Batman and key villains, including the return of Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb/The Penguin.

DC's New Dark Knight: Who Will Play Batman in James Gunn's DCU?

One of the most pressing questions in the current superhero landscape is: Who will play Batman in the new, unified DC Universe (DCU) helmed by James Gunn and Peter Safran? The answer, as of late 2025, is that the actor has not yet been officially cast or announced. This new Batman will be introduced in the film The Brave and the Bold, which will be directed by Andy Muschietti (known for IT and The Flash). This film is particularly exciting because it will introduce Bruce Wayne's biological son, Damian Wayne, as the new Robin—a dynamic that requires a specific kind of older, more established Batman. The DCU Batman will be a completely separate character from Robert Pattinson’s version. While David Corenswet has been cast as the DCU's Superman in the upcoming film Superman, the search for his "World's Finest" partner continues. Rumors and fan-casting are rampant, with actors like Jonathan Bailey (of Bridgerton fame) being a popular choice, though he has publicly addressed the rumors without confirming any involvement. The casting process is expected to be lengthy, as the actor chosen will define the Dark Knight for the next decade of DC films.

The Caped Crusaders Who Almost Were: Famous Near-Misses and Voice Legends

The mantle of Batman is one of the most sought-after roles in Hollywood, and for every actor who succeeded, there were several major stars who came close. This list of near-misses and legendary voice actors adds significant topical authority to the character's history.

Hollywood's Near-Misses: Actors Who Almost Played Batman

The history of Batman casting is littered with fascinating "what-ifs." For Tim Burton's 1989 film, actors like Bill Murray and Mel Gibson were considered. During the casting for Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy, before Christian Bale was chosen, Jake Gyllenhaal and Cillian Murphy (who was later cast as Scarecrow) were strong contenders. Other notable actors who were seriously considered for the role at various points in the franchise's history include:

• Josh Brolin: Was reportedly a top choice for Ben Affleck's role in the DCEU.
• Armie Hammer: Was cast as Batman in George Miller's canceled Justice League: Mortal film.
• Ethan Hawke: Was offered the role for *Batman Forever* before Val Kilmer was cast.
• Willem Dafoe: Was famously suggested by Batman co-creator Bob Kane to play the Joker in the 1989 film, but Dafoe has also been a popular fan-cast for various roles, including a potential older Batman.

The Voice of the Knight: Kevin Conroy and the Animated Legacy

While the focus is often on live-action, no discussion of Batman is complete without acknowledging the definitive voice actor: Kevin Conroy. Conroy voiced the character for three decades, starting with Batman: The Animated Series (1992) and continuing through countless video games, animated films, and even a live-action cameo in the Arrowverse's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover. His deep, dual-voice performance—a light, playboy Bruce Wayne and a gravelly, intense Batman—is considered the gold standard by an entire generation of fans. More recently, the animated tradition continues to evolve. For instance, Shai Matheson was recently announced to voice the character in the upcoming *LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight* video game, proving that the search for new, unique interpretations never stops. In summary, the role of Batman is a cinematic torch that has been passed through the hands of nine major live-action actors, each leaving an indelible mark on the character. With Robert Pattinson solidifying the "Elseworlds" timeline until 2027 and the DCU actively searching for their new Dark Knight for *The Brave and the Bold*, the question of "who played Batman" will continue to evolve well into the next decade.