From comic-book panels to billion-dollar blockbusters, Batman has been brought to life by a diverse range of talent over the last 80+ years. Searching for Batman actors or wondering who played Batman over time? You’re in the right place. This article gives you a chronological guide to every major live-action and animated Batman player, tracing the evolution of the character from campy capes to gritty noir—and spotlighting who is the newest Batman in the Batman Part II.

1. Lewis G. Wilson (1943)

Lewis G. Wilson holds the title as the first person to portray Batman in a live-action project. Starring in the 15-part black-and-white serial simply titled Batman, Wilson gave audiences their first taste of the Caped Crusader on screen. Though the series was rudimentary by modern standards, it was foundational—cementing the template that future Batman actors would build upon. His performance introduced the world to Bruce Wayne’s dual life and began what would become one of the most iconic roles in Hollywood.

• First-ever live-action Batman in 1943
  
  
• Origin of the long legacy of Batman players in cinema
  

2. Robert Lowery (1949)

Following Wilson’s footsteps, Robert Lowery stepped into the cape and cowl in Batman and Robin (1949). The serial maintained the tone of its predecessor while refining the role for a post-war audience. Lowery’s Batman was more physically imposing and confident, and while still lacking the polish of modern adaptations, his version contributed significantly to the early development of the character on screen. His place among early Batman cast often goes unrecognized, but it's pivotal for those tracking the full history of who played Batman.

• Played Batman in the 1949 serial Batman and Robin
  
  
• Set the stage for future Batman actors with a more heroic tone
  

3. Adam West (1966–1968)

One of the most iconic Batman actors, Adam West starred in the Batman TV series and 1966 theatrical film. His colorful, campy portrayal defined the character for an entire generation. West’s Batman wasn’t brooding or tortured—instead, he was clever, witty, and totally self-aware. This version of Batman introduced the character to millions of children and adults alike and helped catapult Batman into mainstream culture. West’s legacy endures as one of the most beloved and recognizable Batman players of all time.

• Adam West brought Batman to living rooms and pop culture icons
  
  
• Among the most enduring and nostalgic of all Batman actors

4. Michael Keaton (1989, 1992, 2023)

Michael Keaton changed everything when he took the lead in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). Initially criticized for being miscast, Keaton won over fans with a dark, introspective take on Bruce Wayne and a Batman that was quietly dangerous. His performance influenced every Batman actor who came after him, blending comic-book roots with psychological realism. Keaton reprised his role over 30 years later in The Flash (2023), reinforcing his impact on the franchise and showing new fans who played Batman before the modern age.

• Defined the modern Batman archetype: intense, quiet, brooding
  
  
• Returned to the role in 2023, reminding fans of the classic Batman actor

5. Val Kilmer (1995)

Val Kilmer wore the cape for Batman Forever (1995), taking over after Keaton stepped away. His version of Batman was more stylized and emotionally open, grappling with identity and trauma in a slightly lighter tone. Though the film leaned more into comic book flash than grit, Kilmer’s performance is still remembered for bringing a human side to Bruce Wayne. Among all Batman actors, Kilmer’s take is one of the most underrated.

• Explored Batman’s emotional layers during a transitional film era
  
  
• Still considered a solid entry in the list of Batman actors
  

6. George Clooney (1997)

George Clooney took on the role in Batman & Robin, perhaps the most controversial Batman film to date. Known for its campy tone and infamous “bat-nipples,” the movie was critically panned—but Clooney’s charm and presence gave Bruce Wayne a suave edge. Though he himself jokes about his turn in the cape, Clooney’s inclusion in the timeline of Batman actors adds another layer to the franchise’s evolution and demonstrates how experimental the character has been.

• Clooney’s Batman may be divisive, but still part of the canon
  
  
• A bold pivot in the history of Batman players

7. Christian Bale (2005–2012)

Often ranked as the best of all Batman actors, Christian Bale starred in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. His portrayal was grounded in realism, turning Bruce Wayne into a conflicted antihero battling both inner demons and external threats. With films like The Dark Knight (2008) becoming modern classics, Bale’s Batman raised the bar for what fans expect. His use of voice, physical transformation, and emotional intensity cemented his place at the top of many lists of who played Batman best.

• Played Batman across three critically acclaimed Nolan films
  
  
• Considered the benchmark for modern Batman actors

8. Ben Affleck (2016–2023)

Ben Affleck debuted as Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), portraying a hardened, older version of the character. Drawing from Frank Miller’s graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns, Affleck’s Batman was brutal and cynical, shaped by years of loss. Though the DCEU faced criticism, Affleck’s physicality and presence made him a memorable and formidable addition to the lineup of Batman actors. He later appeared in Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), and The Flash (2023).

• Offered a darker, more battle-worn version of Batman
  
  
• Played Batman across five different films within the DCEU
  

9. Robert Pattinson (2022 toThe Batman Part II)

When Robert Pattinson was announced as the new Batman, it sparked debate. But when The Batman (2022) hit theaters, he silenced critics with a performance rooted in noir, vulnerability, and psychological complexity. This younger, still-evolving Batman brought detective work and raw emotional depth back into the spotlight. Pattinson will reprise the role in The Batman Part II (2027), confirming that he is, as of now, the newest Batman in live-action cinema. Among newer Batman players, Pattinson has quickly gained fan acclaim.

• Introduced a darker, more cerebral Batman for a new generation
  
  
• Pattinson is currently the newest Batman actor confirmed for sequels
  

Legendary Batman Voice Actors

While the big screen gets the spotlight, animated Batman actors have also shaped the legacy:

• Kevin Conroy (1992–2022): The most iconic Batman voice, starring in Batman: The Animated Series and countless other projects.
  
  
• Will Arnett: Hilariously voiced Batman in The Lego Batman Movie (2017), delivering a fan-favorite comedic take.
  
  
• Jason Spisak: Most recently voiced Batman in Batman: The Long Halloween (2021), carrying the mantle for a new generation.
  
  

These voice talents remind fans that Batman players aren’t limited to live action—the animated world is just as impactful.

FAQ: Batman Actors

Who played Batman first?

The first live-action Batman was Lewis G. Wilson in 1943’s serial Batman.

Who is the newest Batman?

Robert Pattinson is currently the newest Batman actor in live-action. He’ll reprise the role in The Batman Part II in 2027.

Who are the most popular Batman actors?‍

Generally: Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, and Kevin Conroy rank as fan-favorites across Batman film and animation.

How many actors have played Batman in movies?‍

Nine major live-action Batman actors have worn the cowl: Wilson, Lowery, West, Keaton, Kilmer, Clooney, Bale, Affleck, and Pattinson.

Are there different Batman players in TV and animation?‍

Yes—many. Most famously, Kevin Conroy voiced Batman for 30+ years in animated series and games.