Batman: Actors Through the Decades

 

One of the most anticipated movies of the summer has to be The Dark Knight Rises, which will be the final installment in the Batman franchise for director Christopher Nolan. The Dark Knight Rises will pick up where The Dark Knight (2008) left off. Batman, played by Christian Bale, has been branded a criminal, and will rise to protect Gotham City from public enemy number one, Bane.
 
I can’t wait to see this film, as I expect nothing less than greatness. For even though these are “super hero” movies, they have been really well made with good, intriguing stories, rather than just being an extravaganza of explosions and special effects. Not only are the stories good, but the actors in the latest Batman franchise have delivered some pretty great performances. Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker earned him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor posthumously in 2009.
 
Which brings me around to another topic. Having grown up watching Adam West and Burt Ward in Batman (1966) after school with my brother, I realized there have been some pretty famous actors who have played the caped crusader. Can you name them all?

(Answers: Top row left to right; Val Kilmer, Robert Lowrey, Christian Bale, Adam West. Bottom row left to right: Lewis Wilson, Michael Keaton, George Clooney.)

While you're comparing Batman to Batman, check out this infographic by Ben Moore on the history of bat-suits from comic books, television and feature films.

Now, let's all go to the movies! -- Jim

Comments

[James]

My website is a place for talking about geek events and news and in no way am I an expert on such topics, but I was for sure that there were only five actors and not seven that have played Batman. Thanks for the education and this will get shared with all of my readers! BUT who are the others in the top graphic?

[Mark]

You missed Kevin Conroy, but I don't know who that person in the bottom middle is supposed to be. Flashing too quickly!