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04th Sep 2019

Robert Pattinson expected a bigger backlash after being cast as Batman

Dave Hanratty

Robert Pattinson Batman

“It’s much more fun when you’re an underdog,” says the actor.

There was much consternation and some celebration when the news arrived that Robert Pattinson is set to be the next Batman.

As you might imagine, some corners of the Internet were outraged that the Twilight man will now step into the Caped Crusader outfit, while others hailed his smart choices and excellent acting in independent films since shaking off the vampire franchise.

Love it or hate it, it’s happening. Pattinson, for his part, hasn’t said all that much about it. Until now.

In conversation with Variety, the 33-year-old noted that he’s had Batman on the brain for some time.

“I’d had Batman in my mind for a while,” he said.

“It’s such an absurd thing to say. I sort of had an idea to do it, and I’d been prodding Matt [Reeves, director of The Batman]. He didn’t accept any prods. I kept asking to meet him.”

Persistence paid off for Pattinson as he was eventually invited to the audition. It was during this process that the news leaked, and he figured his chance was gone for good as a result.

“When that thing leaked, I was fucking furious,” Pattinson admitted.

“Everyone was so upset. Everyone was panicking from my team. I sort of thought that had blown up the whole thing.”

As it turned out, he was offered the part just five days after the audition. Cue the Internet exploding. Though some people will likely never be on board with his portrayal, even when it arrives, Pattinson says that the reaction hasn’t affected him too badly.

“To be honest, it was less vitriolic than I was expecting,” he said.

“It’s much more fun when you’re an underdog. There’s no expectation of you.”

We’ll reserve judgement until The Batman swoops in on 25 June, 2021.

You can read the full interview in the meantime here.

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