Americans Prefer Robert Pattinson And Christian Bale As Batman, Polls Show

A recent poll conducted by the Hollywood Reporter and Morning Consult asked Americans about their opinions regarding all things “Batman” on film, new and old. The results paint a picture of audiences’ tastes that are both surprising and unsurprising.

On the topic of the newest Bruce Wayne, voters overall gave a narrow edge to Robert Pattinson (666 votes), who was recently cast in director Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” arriving in 2021, versus Nicholas Hoult (658 votes), who was Pattinson’s closest competition. The youngest demographic (18-29), however, voiced overwhelming support of Pattinson against Hoult, with 42 percent versus 30 percent support, respectively. All other age demos, except ages 65 and up, gave the edge to Hoult.

Respondents were also asked about their favorites out of the other actors who have played the Caped Crusader over the years, and the results were mostly unsurprising given the general perception of the quality of past “Batman” films.

On top with a narrow lead was Christian Bale (39 percent), who played the character in Christopher Nolan’s revered “Dark Knight” trilogy from 2005-2012. In second was Michael Keaton (38 percent), who appeared in Tim Burton’s “Batman” in 1989 and “Batman Returns” in 1992. George Clooney notched a surprising third-place finish (19 percent) for his one appearance in Joel Schumacher’s reviled “Batman & Robin” from 1997, oft considered the very worst “Batman” ever. In fourth (18 percent) was Ben Affleck, the most recent Bruce Wayne who appeared in three DC Extended Universe films from 2016-2017. Finally, in last place (17 percent) was Val Kilmer for his one performance in Schumacher’s first entry, 1995’s “Batman Forever.”

Some online have taken issue with this poll for its omission of Adam West, who played Batman on the TV series, “Batman” from 1966-1968 and in “Batman: The Movie” from 1966. While once considered too fanciful and camp, West’s appearances as the character are now generally beloved by fans.