Everything you need to know about the cast of The Batman: Actors, roles and anecdotes
A bold casting for a new vision of Batman
Released in 2022, Matt Reeves's The Batman shook up the Dark Knight universe. Opting for a darker, grittier, and more grounded approach, the film relied on an original cast. Each actor brought unprecedented depth to their roles, redefining the very image of Gotham City. In this first part, we take a closer look at Robert Pattinson's choice to play the bat.
Robert Pattinson: From Twilight to Gotham
The announcement of Robert Pattinson in the lead role came as a bombshell. Far from his first cinematic loves, the British actor surprised audiences with the power of his performance. Director Matt Reeves was looking for a young, tortured Batman, marked by loss and anger. Pattinson, who had already made a name for himself in Good Time and The Lighthouse , ticked all the boxes.
Intense preparation for a tormented hero
- Physical transformation : The actor underwent rigorous training to adopt a credible silhouette of a nighttime vigilante.
- Voice and gestures : His deep, thoughtful voice contrasts with those of previous Batmans. A silent, yet imposing presence.
- Psychological approach : Pattinson delved into dark comics like Batman: Year One to understand the character's complexity.
His portrayal of a more introverted, fragile yet justice-obsessed Bruce Wayne restored a raw humanity to the masked hero. An obvious choice for many today, even among the most skeptical fans.
Want to show your support for this version of the Dark Knight? Check out our collection of Batman t-shirts inspired by Matt Reeves' film, or explore our comparison article between The Batman (2022) and The Dark Knight trilogy for a complete breakdown of the film's universe.
Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle / Catwoman: A charismatic feline
Zoë Kravitz embodies a subtle, modern, and independent Catwoman. Much more than a simple burglar, her Selina Kyle is a nuanced character, whose personal motivations intersect with those of Batman. Through her eyes, we explore Gotham's social fault lines, its injustices, and the complex links between justice and revenge.
A role made for her
The choice of Zoë Kravitz is no coincidence. She had already lent her voice to Catwoman in The Lego Batman Movie (2017), but here, for the first time, she embodies the live-action version of the character with rare intensity.
To prepare for the role, the actress underwent intense physical training, including Krav Maga and kickboxing, to make the fight scenes believable and impactful. Her version of Catwoman is directly inspired by Frank Miller's Batman: Year One run, where Selina Kyle is much more than a love interest: she's a hero in her own right, with her injuries, her values, and her strong sense of justice.
🦇 Continue your exploration of Gotham 🦇
Dive even deeper into the secrets of the film with our full article on Who is Batgirl? , or discover all the series on Batman , which promises to extend the dark and raw universe of Matt Reeves.Paul Dano as the Riddler: A terrifying and realistic villain
Paul Dano delivers a chilling interpretation of the Riddler, radically different from the eccentric versions seen before. Here, Edward Nashton is a methodical serial killer, inspired by the Zodiac Killer and other sinister figures from real-life criminal science. Gone is the green suit with question marks: we delve into the psyche of a masked fanatic, obsessed with Gotham's corruption and determined to expose it.
A chilling performance
Paul Dano approached the role like a true psychological thriller character. He drew on research on serial killers, worked on his gestures and diction, and even improvised some scenes to maintain the character's unpredictability. Unlike Jim Carrey's flamboyant Riddler in Batman Forever , this version is deeply disturbing, almost realistic.
His puzzles, cryptic social media videos, and deadly traps echo films like Seven and Zodiac . The character becomes a dark mirror of Batman: a self-proclaimed vigilante who has descended into madness and extremism. Dano manages to capture this tension with remarkable finesse.
🧠 Gotham's other formidable enemies 🧠
If The Riddler captivated you, you'll love our full analysis of the complex relationship between Batman and the Scarecrow , or our article on Ra's al Ghul , another adversary who has become a cult classic in the Dark Knight mythology.Why does this distribution work so well?
What makes The Batman cast so compelling is the realistic and consistent approach of each actor. Matt Reeves wanted to anchor Gotham in a dark and believable universe, relying on actors capable of bringing this vision to the screen with intensity. The result: a gallery of nuanced, believable, and sometimes terrifyingly human characters.
Realism above all
Each member of the cast brings a unique touch:
- Robert Pattinson plays a tortured Batman, a far cry from the overly smooth versions.
- Zoë Kravitz creates a Catwoman who is both sensual and combative.
- Paul Dano reinvents the Riddler as a chilling figure, far from the clichés of the past.
- Colin Farrell delivers an unforgettable performance as the grotesque, mafia-like Penguin.
- Jeffrey Wright (James Gordon), Andy Serkis (Alfred Pennyworth) and John Turturro (Calmine Falcone) each add a realistic stone to the Gotham edifice.
This cast brings to life a corrupt, violent, yet compelling city. And this is perhaps the film's greatest achievement: creating a vibrant, believable, and immersive Gotham through powerful and accurate performances.
Conclusion: A cast that redefines the Batman universe
Thanks to its exacting artistic direction and bold casting choices, The Batman modernizes the legend while respecting its fundamentals. Each character embodies their character with remarkable care, and the ensemble creates a cohesive, dark, and captivating epic. Whether you're a longtime fan or simply curious, this new iteration of the Dark Knight is a must-see.