Following the release of The Batman this week, people are now defiant that Robert Pattinson is the best actor to have ever played the Caped Crusader.
It is only natural that when multiple actors play the same role, fans are going to debate over who is the best version of that character. Last year, for example, the best example of this surrounded the release of No Way Home, as fans questioned: "Who is the best Spider-Man?"
And, of course, the answer is Tobey Maguire - all other answers are wrong.
Now, after Matt Reeves' The Batman has finally hit movie theaters, people can finally decide whether or not Twilight star Robert Pattinson is a worthy Dark Knight. And the response has been overwhelmingly positive...
In terms of live-action performances, Pattinson joins an elite list of actors to have donned the cape and cowl; Adam West, George Clooney, Val Kilmer, Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck.
I believe it is safe to say that most internet ranking lists have always considered Bale's performances in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy to be the best version of Batman - but it looks like Bale better start getting used to that number 2 spot... at least, if fan responses on Twitter are anything to go by.
As one person writes: "#TheBatman is a f***ing masterclass in filmmaking from start-to-finish, featuring some of the strongest storytelling the superhero genre has *ever* seen. Robert Pattinson is our best Batman. Zoë Kravitz, kickass. Paul Dano, demented. Greig Fraser and Michael Giacchino are GODS."
A second adds: "#TheBatman is a triumphant Masterpiece. The perfect Batman film in every way. Pattinson is the greatest live-action Batman, Zoe Kravitz the greatest live-action #Catwoman, the entire cast is amazing. It’s gritty and dark but heroic. It’s the best we’ve ever seen Batman on film."
"Robert Pattinson is absolutely the BEST Batman put to screen. and maybe Bruce Wayne. Batman is challenged in a way I’ve been wanting to see in a while Pattinson crushed it. It is a DETECTIVE story for the ages," a third wrote.
In fact, for those still struggling to comprehend that vampire Edward Cullen may now hold the title for 'The Best Batman' - the reviews just kept coming:
And - just a reminder - over 6,900 people signed this online petition to have Pattinson removed from the role, with the page reading: "Don't do it. For the love of all that is holy, stop trashing the DC Universe."
Directed by Matt Reeves, the movie also stars Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as Edward Nashton/Riddler, Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin, and Andy Serkis as Bruce Wayne's trusty butler, Alfred Pennyworth.
The Batman is in movie theaters now!
