Men who played Batman: Then and now
As "The Dark Knight Rises" opens in theaters, take a look back at some of the other men who've played the masked super hero.
Adam West played Batman in the TV series from 1966-1968. He also appeared in the movie "Batman" in 1966.
Adam West played Batman in the TV series from 1966-1968. He also appeared in the movie "Batman" in 1966.
West playing Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne, in the TV series.
After his role as Batman ended, West went on to star and co-star in popular films such as "Drop Dead Gorgeous," "Monster Island" and "An American Vampire Story." He also provided animated voices to well-known cartoon series, such as: "Family Guy," "The Simpsons," "Johnny Bravo" and "Rugrats."
West makes an appearance at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2011.
Michael Keaton took on the role of Batman in the Tim Burton-directed "Batman" in 1989 and "Batman Returns" in 1992.
Keaton as Bruce Wayne in "Batman"
In 1968, Keaton made his television debut on the popular children's series "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." After starring in two popular "Batman" movies, Keaton continued to make appearances in movies such as "Out of Sight" and "Herbie: Fully Loaded."
Val Kilmer played Batman in the 1995 film "Batman Forever."
Kilmer as Bruce Wayne in "Batman Forever"
When asked to return as Batman in the 1997 film "Batman and Robin," Kilmer openly refused to take the role. Since then he has starred in other films such as "The Missing" (2003), "Wonderland" (2003) and "Bloodworth" (2010).
George Clooney starred in the movie "Batman and Robin" (1997) playing the well-known superhero.
Clooney appears as Bruce Wayne in a scene with Uma Thurman, who played villain Poison Ivy, in "Batman and Robin."
After his role as Batman came to an end, Clooney continued his acting career. He starred in "O Brother where Art Thou" in 2000 and "Oceans' 11" in 2001. Later, he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the 2005 movie "Syriana."
In order to play the role of Batman, English actor Christian Bale had to bulk up. With the assistance of a personal trainer, Bale gained nearly 100 pounds in muscle in just over six months. Bale starred in "Batman Begins" in 2005, "The Dark Knight" in 2008 and "The Dark Knight Rises" in 2012.
Bale as Batman along with Tom Hardy as the villain Bane in "The Dark Knight Rises"
Christian Bale is not only famous for his role in Batman. In the past, Bale has starred in countless films such as "Empire of the Sun" (1987), "American Psycho" (2000) and "The Fighter" (2010).
