Adaptations of Batman in other media
Batman actors since 1943. Top to bottom, left to right:Lewis Wilson,Adam West,Michael Keaton,Val Kilmer,George Clooney,Christian Bale,Ben Affleck,Robert Pattinson.
Created by	Bob Kane Bill Finger
Original source	Comics published byDC Comics
First appearance	Detective Comics #27 (1939)
Films and television
Film(s)	Batman (1943) Batman and Robin (1949) Batman (1966) Batman (1989) Batman Returns (1992) Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) Batman Forever (1995) Batman & Robin (1997) Catwoman (2004) Batman Begins (2005) The Dark Knight (2008) The Dark Knight Rises (2012) Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Suicide Squad (2016) The Lego Batman Movie (2017) Justice League (2017) Joker (2019) Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) The Batman (2022) DC League of Super-Pets (2022) The Flash (2023)[a] Batgirl (unreleased) Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) The Batman – Part II (2027) The Brave and the Bold (TBA)

TheBatman franchise, based on the fictional superheroBatman who appears inAmerican comic books published byDC Comics, has seen the release of various films. Created byBob Kane andBill Finger,^[1] the character first starred in two serial films in the 1940s,Batman andBatman and Robin. The character also appeared in the 1966 filmBatman, which was a feature film adaptation of the1960s television series starringAdam West andBurt Ward, who also starred in the film. Toward the end of the 1980s, theWarner Bros. studio began producing a series of feature films starring Batman, beginning with 1989'sBatman, directed byTim Burton and starringMichael Keaton. Burton and Keaton returned for the 1992 sequelBatman Returns, and in 1995,Joel Schumacher directedBatman Forever, withVal Kilmer as Batman. Schumacher also directed the 1997 sequelBatman & Robin, which starredGeorge Clooney.Batman & Robin was poorly received by both critics and fans, leading to the cancellation of a sequel titledBatman Unchained.^[2]

Following the cancellation of two further film proposals, the franchise wasrebooted in 2005 withBatman Begins, directed byChristopher Nolan and starringChristian Bale. Nolan returned to direct two further installments through the release ofThe Dark Knight in 2008 andThe Dark Knight Rises in 2012, with Bale reprising his role in both films. Both sequels earned over $1 billion worldwide, makingBatman the second film franchise to have two of its films earn more than $1 billion worldwide.^[3] Referred to as "the Dark Knight trilogy",^[4] the critical acclaim and commercial success of Nolan's films have been credited with restoring widespread popularity to the superhero, with the second installment considered one of thebest superhero films of all time.

After Warner Bros. launched their ownshared cinematic universe known as theDC Extended Universe in 2013,Ben Affleck was cast to portray Batman in the new expansive franchise, first appearing in 2016 with theZack Snyder-directed filmBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The film would begin a sequence of further DC Comics adaptations, including thecrossover filmJustice League in 2017 (and its2021 director's cut) featuring other DC Comics characters, and the 2022 rebootThe Batman, directed byMatt Reeves and starringRobert Pattinson.^[5] The 2019 filmJoker, starringJoaquin Phoenix, featured a young version of Bruce Wayne. Affleck and Keaton both reprised the role of Batman in the DCEU filmThe Flash (2023).^[6] Keaton was also due to reprise his role in the shelvedHBO Max filmBatgirl.^[7]

The series has grossed over $6.8 billion at the global box office, making it thetenth highest-grossing film franchise of all time. Batman has also appeared in multiple animated films, both as a starring character and as an ensemble character. While most animated films were releaseddirect-to-video, 1993'sBatman: Mask of the Phantasm (based onBatman: The Animated Series) and 2017'sThe Lego Batman Movie (a spin-off of 2014'sThe Lego Movie) were released theatrically. Having earned an unadjusted total of U.S. $2,783,118,504, theBatman series is the fourth-highest-grossing film series in North America.^[8]

Batman was a 15-chapterserial film released in 1943 byColumbia Pictures and was the first appearance of the comic book character on film. The serial starredLewis Wilson^[9] as Batman andDouglas Croft as Robin. Being aWorld War II era production, the movie serial like many of this period was used as war-time propaganda and had an anti-Japanese bent withJ. Carrol Naish playing the Japanese villain, an original character named Dr. Daka. Rounding out the cast wereShirley Patterson as Linda Page (Bruce Wayne's love interest), andWilliam Austin asAlfred. The plot is based on Batman, a US government agent, attempting to defeat the Japanese agent Dr. Daka, at the height ofWorld War II.^{[citation needed]}

The film is notable for being the first filmed appearance of Batman and for providing two core elements of the Batman mythos.^[10] The film introduced "The Bat's Cave" and theGrandfather clock entrance.^[10] The name was altered to theBatcave for the comic. William Austin, who played Alfred, had a trim physique and sported a thin mustache, while the contemporary comic book version of Alfred was overweight and clean-shaven prior to the serial's release. The comics version of Alfred was altered to match that of Austin's, and has stayed that way.^[10]

Batman and Robin was another 15-chapter serial film released in 1949 byColumbia Pictures.Robert Lowery played Batman, whileJohnny Duncan played Robin. Supporting players includedJane Adams asVicki Vale and veteran character actorLyle Talbot asCommissioner Gordon.^[11] The plot dealt with the Dynamic Duo facing off against the Wizard, a hooded villain whose identity remains a mystery throughout the serial until the end.

Batman (also known asBatman: The Movie) is a 1966 film adaptation of the popularBatman television series, and was the first full-length theatrical adaptation of theDC Comics character. The20th Century Fox release starredAdam West asBatman andBurt Ward asRobin, as well asLee Meriwether asCatwoman,Cesar Romero asthe Joker,Burgess Meredith asthe Penguin andFrank Gorshin asthe Riddler.^[12]

The film was directed byLeslie H. Martinson, who also directed for the series a pair of season one episodes: "The Penguin Goes Straight" and "Not Yet, He Ain't".^[13]

In the late 1970s, Batman's popularity was waning.^[14]CBS was interested in producing aBatman in Outer Space film. ProducersMichael Uslan andBenjamin Melniker purchased thefilm rights of Batman fromDC Comics on October 3, 1979. It was Uslan's wish "to make the definitive, dark, serious version of Batman, the wayBob Kane andBill Finger had envisioned him in 1939. A creature of the night; stalking criminals in the shadows."^[14]Richard Maibaum was approached to write a script withGuy Hamilton to direct, but the two turned down the offer. Uslan was unsuccessful withpitchingBatman to various movie studios because they wanted the film to be similar to thecampy1960s TV series.Columbia Pictures andUnited Artists were among those to turn down the film.^[15]

A disappointed Uslan then wrote a script titledReturn of the Batman to give the film industry a better idea of his vision for the film. Uslan later compared its dark tone to that ofThe Dark Knight Returns, which his script pre-dated by six years.^[14] In November 1979, producerJon Peters andCasablanca FilmWorks, headed byPeter Guber, joined the project.^[16] The four producers felt it was best to pattern the film's development after that ofSuperman (1978).^[17] Uslan, Melniker and Guber pitchedBatman toUniversal Pictures, but the studio turned it down.^[18] The project was publicly announced with a budget of $15 million in July 1980 at theComic Art Convention in New York. Casablanca FilmWorks was absorbed intoPolyGram Pictures in 1980. Guber and Peters left PolyGram Pictures in 1982 and took theBatman film rights with them, although PolyGram would retain at least 7.5% of the profits of said rights due to a contractual agreement.^[16] Guber and Peters immediately set up shop atWarner Bros., which finally decided to acceptBatman.^[19]

Tom Mankiewicz completed a script titledThe Batman in June 1983, focusing on Batman andDick Grayson's origins, with the Joker andRupert Thorne as villains, andSilver St. Cloud as the romantic interest.^[20] Mankiewicz took inspiration fromSteve Englehart's andMarshall Rogers's 1970s run in Detective Comics (later reprinted in thetrade paperbackBatman: Strange Apparitions), (ISBN 1-56389-500-5),^[21] with Rogers himself being hired to provideconcept art.^[18]The Batman was then announced in late 1983 for a mid-1985 release date on a budget of $20 million. Originally, Mankiewicz had wanted an unknown actor for Batman,William Holden forJames Gordon,David Niven asAlfred Pennyworth andPeter O'Toole asthe Penguin, who Mankiewicz wanted to portray as a mobster with low body temperature.^[19] Holden died in 1981 and Niven in 1983, so this would never come to pass. A number of filmmakers were attached to Mankiewicz' script, includingRichard Rush,Ivan Reitman andJoe Dante.^[22] Reitman wanted to castBill Murray as Batman.Eddie Murphy andMichael J. Fox were candidates for the role of Robin.^[23] Nine rewrites were performed by nine separate writers. Most of them were based onStrange Apparitions. However, Mankiewicz's script was still being used to guide the project.^[24]

Tim Burton took over as director of the first Batman film in 1986.Steve Englehart andJulie Hickson wrotefilm treatments beforeSam Hamm wrote the first screenplay.^[23][25] NumerousA-list actors were considered for the role of Batman beforeMichael Keaton was cast. Keaton was a controversial choice for the role since, by 1988, he had becometypecast as a comedic actor and many observers doubted he could portray a serious role.^[23]Jack Nicholson accepted the role of theJoker under strict conditions that dictated a high salary, a portion of the box office profits and hisshooting schedule. Nicholson's final salary is reported to be as high as $50 million.^{[19][26][27][28]}Principal photography took place atPinewood Studios from October 1988 to January 1989.^[29] The budget escalated from $30 million to $48 million,^[26] while the1988 Writers Guild of America strike forced Hamm to drop out. Rewrites were performed byWarren Skaaren,Charles McKeown^[19] andJonathan Gems.^[30]Batman received positive reviews, broke numerous box office records, and won theAcademy Award for Best Art Direction. The film grossed over $400 million,^[23] and left a legacy over the modern perception of thesuperhero film genre.^[31]

Burton originally did not want to direct a sequel because of his mixed emotions over the previous film.^[17]Sam Hamm's first script had thePenguin andCatwoman searching for hidden treasure.^[32]Daniel Waters delivered a script that satisfied Burton, which convinced him to direct the film.Wesley Strick went uncredited for writing the shooting draft, deleting theRobin character, reworking the Penguin's characterization and "normalizing" all dialogue. Strick remained as the on-set writer throughout the production process and received top-billing screenplay credit the early trailers, while Waters had sole story credit.^[33][34] VariousA-list actresses lobbied hard for the role ofCatwoman beforeMichelle Pfeiffer was cast, whileDanny DeVito signed on to portray the Penguin.^[35] Filming started at Warner Bros. inBurbank, California in June 1991.Batman Returns was released with financial success, but Warner Bros. was disappointed with the film's box office run because it earned less than its predecessor.^[36] However,Batman Returns was released to generally positive reviews,^[37] with praise for its action sequences, performances,Danny Elfman's score, effects and villains, although its dark tone and high level of violence for a PG-13 film was criticized.^[36]McDonald's shut down itsHappy Mealtie-in forBatman Returns.^[38]

AlthoughBatman Returns was a financial success, Warner Bros. felt the film should have made more money. The studio decided to change the direction of theBatman film series to be more mainstream.Joel Schumacher replacedTim Burton as director, while Burton decided to stay on as producer.^[39] However,Michael Keaton did not like the new direction the film series was heading in,^[40] and was replaced byVal Kilmer as Batman.Chris O'Donnell was introduced asRobin,Jim Carrey starred asThe Riddler, whileTommy Lee Jones starred asTwo-Face. Filming started in September 1994,^[39] and Schumacher found Kilmer and Jones difficult to work with.^[41]Batman Forever was released on June 16, 1995, with financial success, earning over $350 million worldwide and three Academy Award nominations.^[42] The film received mixed reviews from critics, with criticism directed towards the CGI, Kilmer's performance, costume designs and tonal departure from previous films, but praising the visuals, action sequences and performances of Carrey and Jones.^[43]

After the release ofBatman Forever, Warner Bros. started development onBatman & Robin, commissioning it on fast track for an adamant June 1997 release.^[44] Val Kilmer did not return, because of scheduling conflicts withThe Saint,^[45] and was replaced byGeorge Clooney.Arnold Schwarzenegger starred asMr. Freeze, whileUma Thurman playedPoison Ivy,Alicia Silverstone playedBatgirl, andRobert Swenson playedBane.Chris O'Donnell reprised his role asRobin.Michael Gough andPat Hingle are the only cast members to appear in all four films asAlfred Pennyworth andCommissioner Gordon respectively.Principal photography began in September 1996^[46] and finished in January 1997,^[47] two weeks ahead of theshooting schedule.^[48]

Batman & Robin was released on June 20, 1997, and received primarily negative reviews.^[49] Observers criticized the film for itstoyetic andcampy approach, and for homosexualinnuendos added by Schumacher.^{[45][failed verification]} The film was a financial success,^[50] but remains the least commercially successful live-actionBatman film.Batman & Robin received numerous nominations at theRazzie Awards^[51] and ranks among the worst ratedsuperhero films of all time.^[52][53]

During the filming ofBatman & Robin, Warner Bros. was impressed with thedailies, prompting them to immediately hire Joel Schumacher to reprise his directing duties for a third film. WriterAkiva Goldsman, who worked onBatman Forever andBatman & Robin, turned down the chance to write the script.^[48] In late 1996, Warner Bros. and Schumacher hiredMark Protosevich to write the script for a fifthBatman film. A projected mid-1999 release date was announced.^[54]Los Angeles Times described their film as "continuing in the same vein with multiple villains and more silliness".^[55] Schumacher, however, later claimed that the film would have been darker and closer in tone to the first two films in the series.^[56] TitledBatman Unchained but often incorrectly referred to asBatman Triumphant,^[2] Protosevich's script hadthe Scarecrow as the main villain andthe Joker would return as a hallucination in Batman's mind caused by the Scarecrow's feartoxin.Harley Quinn would appear as a supporting character, written as the Joker's daughter trying to kill Batman to avenge her father's death.^[57] The film would have depicted the Scarecrow and Harley Quinn teaming up to drive Batman insane and have him committed to Arkham Asylum. After their defeat, the film would have ended with Bruce Wayne traveling toBali and entering a cave, where he allows himself to be swarmed by bats to symbolize that he has conquered fear.^[56] Clooney, O'Donnell, and Silverstone were set to reprise the roles of Batman, Robin, and Batgirl.^[58] Schumacher had also approachedNicolas Cage for the role of Scarecrow inBatman & Robin as acameo appearance to set up an appearance inBatman Unchained,^[59] before ultimately castingCoolio.^[60]

A fifth film would likely have been released 18 months to two years after the fourth. WhenBatman & Robin received negative reviews and failed to outgross any of its predecessors, anda $150 million Superman film was canceled three months before shooting began, Warner Bros. became unsure of its plans for the fifth film.^{[citation needed]}

Despite Warner Bros. and Schumacher's interest withYear One, Lee Shapiro, a comic book fan, and Stephen Wisepitched the studio with a script titledBatman: DarKnight in mid-1998.DarKnight, which was largely inspired byThe Dark Knight Returns, had Bruce Wayne giving up his crime fighting career after becoming disillusioned with his alias's inability to inspire fear and mystique in his enemies, and Dick Grayson attendingGotham University.^[61]Dr. Jonathan Crane uses his position as professor of psychology at Gotham University and as head psychiatrist atArkham Asylum to conduct his fear experiments (this element would later appear inBatman Begins). During a vengeful confrontation with a colleague,Dr. Kirk Langstrom, Crane unknowingly initiates Kirk's transformation into the creature known asMan-Bat. Citizens of Gotham believe Man-Bat's nightly activities to be Batman's "bloodthirsty" return. Bruce once again becomes Batman "to clear his name," and solve the mystery of Man-Bat.^[61] Kirk struggles with his "man-vs.-monster" syndrome, as he longs to both reunite with his wife and get revenge on Crane, while Crane exacts revenge on those responsible for his dismissal from both Arkham and the university while encountering truths about his past. As with Schumacher's idea forBatman Unchained, the film would have had a darker tone.^[56] Warner Bros. Pictures formally decided not to move forward with the project in 2001, and passed onBatman: DarKnight in favor of other projects.^[56][61] In 2015, the screenplay was released onAmazon.^[62]

Chris O'Donnell revealed in a 2012 interview withAccess Hollywood that a Robin spin-off had been considered; the project was canceled afterBatman & Robin.^[63]

In December 2021, Keaton was revealed to be appearing in the DC Extended Universe filmBatgirl, reprising his role fromBatman andBatman Returns.^[64] Keaton had been expected to first reprise the role for the DCEU inThe Flash prior to that film's delay to 2023.Batgirl was ultimately canceled in post-production.^{[citation needed]}

TheBatman OnStar commercials were a series of six television commercials featuring Batman, created by ad-agency Campbell-Ewald and aired from 2000 to the beginning of 2002.^[65]

The ads were based on the Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher films of the 1980s and 1990s, and used aesthetics, props, and settings from the series, in addition to the Elfman theme from the Tim Burton films. ActorBruce Thomas portrayed Batman in these ads, whileMichael Gough reprised his role ofAlfred Pennyworth in one of the ads.Baywatch actressBrooke Burns playedVicki Vale in an ad as well. ActorBrian Stepanek played the Riddler in one ad andCurtis Armstrong played theJoker in another.^[66]

In 1999, new Warner studio headAlan Horn promised fivetent-poles a year. He wanted to revive the Batman and Superman franchises as tentpoles.^[55]Wolfgang Petersen was to directSuperman: Flyby,^[67][68] butAndrew Kevin Walker pitched Warner Bros. an idea titledBatman vs Superman with Peterson as director.Superman: Flyby was put on hold,^[67] andAkiva Goldsman was hired to rewrite Walker'sBatman vs. Superman.^[69][55]

Goldsman's draft, dated June 21, 2002, had Bruce Wayne going through amental breakdown after his five-year retirement from crime fighting.Dick Grayson,Alfred Pennyworth, andCommissioner Gordon are all dead, but Bruce finds some solace in his fiancée, Elizabeth Miller. Meanwhile,Clark Kent is struggling because of a recent divorce fromLois Lane. Clark and Bruce are close friends, and Clark is Bruce'sbest man. After the Joker kills Elizabeth on their honeymoon, Bruce swears revenge, while Clark tries to hold him back. Bruce blames Clark for her death, and the two go against one another. Ultimately,Lex Luthor is revealed to have masterminded the entire plot to get Batman and Superman to destroy each other. The two decide to team up and stop Luthor.^[70] Bale was approached to portray Batman,^[71] whileJosh Hartnett was offered the role of Superman.^[72]

Filming was to start in early 2003, with plans for a five- to six-month shoot. The release date was set for the summer of 2004.^[55][73] However, Warner Bros. canceled development to focus on individual Superman and Batman projects afterJ. J. Abrams submitted another draft forSuperman: Flyby.^[74] According to Petersen "[Warner Bros.' chief] Alan Horn was so torn, because it's such a fascinating concept to do a Batman versus Superman film".^[75] Horn reportedly preferred Abrams' optimistic Superman script to the darkerBatman vs. Superman script; studio executives voted 11-1 for the former.David S. Goyer said, "'Batman Vs. Superman' is where you go when you admit to yourself that you've exhausted all possibilities ... somewhat of an admission that this franchise is on its last gasp". Since the decision left the studio without a Batman film for 2004, Warner quickly madeCatwoman, which performed poorly at the box office and is considered amongthe worst films ever made.^[55]

The studio decided it was best to consider a live-actionBatman Beyond film^[55] and an adaptation ofFrank Miller'sBatman: Year One. Warner Bros. would thengreenlight whichever idea suited them the most.^[69] By September 2000, Warner Bros. was developing a live action screen adaptation ofBatman Beyond, written byPaul Dini,Neal Stephenson andBoaz Yakin, with the possibility of Yakin directing.^[76]

Despite interest from Schumacher, the studio pleased fans by hiringDarren Aronofsky to direct and co-write with Miller,^[77][76][55] whom he previously collaborated with on an unproduced script forRonin.^[78] Yakin developed one draft of theBatman Beyond screenplay with the writers but soon lost interest.^[79]

Warner Bros. abandonedBatman Beyond almost instantly in favor of an adaptation ofFrank Miller's 1987 comic book story arcBatman: Year One.^[69] AfterBatman and Robin, Schumacher felt he "owe[d] the Batman culture a realBatman movie. I would go back to the basics and make a dark portrayal of the Dark Knight."^[77] He had approached Warner Bros. to adaptBatman: Year One in mid-1998.^[77] Aronofsky and Miller intended toreboot theBatman franchise, "it'ssomewhat based on the comic book," Aronofsky said. "Toss out everything you can imagine about Batman! Everything! We're starting completely anew."^[80] Regular Aronofsky collaborator,Matthew Libatique, was set ascinematographer.^[81] At the same time, Warner Bros. was moving forward on aCatwoman spin-off.^[82]

Christian Bale, who would later be cast as Batman forBatman Begins, had been approached for the role.^[83] Aronofsky pursuedJoaquin Phoenix for the lead role while Warner Bros. favoredFreddie Prinze, Jr. The Aronofsky-Miller script had a brooding Batman and realistic violence, and would also have been R-rated.^[84]

The studio decided to abandon the film due to creative differences between Aronofsky and Miller.^[85]

In February 2007, during pre-production forThe Dark Knight, Warner Bros. hired husband and wife screenwriting duo Michelle andKieran Mulroney to script aJustice League film^[86] featuring a younger Batman in a franchise separate from Nolan's films.^[87]George Miller was hired to direct the following September,^[88] withArmie Hammer cast as Batman a month later^[89][90] andTeresa Palmer as Talia al Ghul.^[91] Filming had nearly commenced atFox Studios Australia in Sydney, but was pushed back over theWriters Guild of America strike, and once more when theAustralian Film Commission denied Warner Bros. a 45 percent tax rebate over lack of Australian actors in the film.^[92] Production offices were moved toVancouver Film Studios in Canada for an expected July 2008 start and a planned summer 2009 theatrical release date,^[93][94] but Warner Bros. ultimately canceledJustice League following the success ofThe Dark Knight. Hammer's option on his contract lapsed and the studio was more willing to proceed with Christopher Nolan to finish his trilogy separately withThe Dark Knight Rises.^[95]

TheDark Knight trilogy consists ofBatman Begins (2005),The Dark Knight (2008), andThe Dark Knight Rises (2012), all directed byChristopher Nolan. Collectively grossing over $2.4 billion at the worldwide box office, the trilogy has been ranked among the greatest ever made.^[96][97][98]

Following a rejectedBatman origin story rebootJoss Whedon pitched in December 2002,^[100][101] Warner Bros. hired Christopher Nolan andDavid S. Goyer to write the script forBatman Begins.^[102] The duo aimed for a darker and more realistic tone, with humanity and realism being the basis of the film.^[103] The film was primarily shot in the United Kingdom and Chicago,^[104][105] and relied on traditional stunts andscale models with minimal use ofcomputer-generated imagery.Christian Bale starred as Batman,Liam Neeson asRa's al Ghul, andCillian Murphy asJonathan Crane/The Scarecrow.Katie Holmes appears in the movie as Wayne's love interest,Rachel Dawes, a role created for the film. Alfred Pennyworth was played byMichael Caine, Jim Gordon was portrayed byGary Oldman andLucius Fox byMorgan Freeman. A newBatmobile (calledthe Tumbler) and a more mobileBatsuit were both created specifically for the film.^[106][107]

The film begins with the death of Bruce's parents and then explores his decision to leave Gotham and his training under theLeague of Shadows, with Ra's al Ghul, before he rebels against the League and adopts the guise of Batman, recognising that he cannot condone their use of lethal force. The League attempt to attack Gotham using Jonathan Crane's weaponised fear toxin, but Batman is able to defeat them.

Batman Begins was both critically and commercially successful. The film opened on June 15, 2005, in the United States and Canada in 3,858 theaters. It grossed $48 million in its opening weekend, eventually grossing over $372 million worldwide. The film received an 85% overall approval rating fromRotten Tomatoes. Critics noted that fear was a common motif throughout the film, and remarked that it had a darker tone compared with previousBatman films. The film was listed at No. 81 onEmpire's "500 Greatest Movies of All Time".^[108]

Christopher Nolan reprised his duties as director, and brought his brother,Jonathan, to co-write the script for the second installment.The Dark Knight featured Christian Bale reprising his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne,Heath Ledger asThe Joker, andAaron Eckhart asHarvey Dent / Two-Face.Katie Holmes turned down her role as Rachel, andMaggie Gyllenhaal was cast instead.Principal photography began in April 2007 in Chicago and concluded in November. Other locations includedPinewood Studios,Ministry of Sound in London and Hong Kong.^{[citation needed]}

On January 22, 2008, after he had completed filmingThe Dark Knight, Ledger died from an accidental overdose of prescription medication.Warner Bros. had created aviral marketing campaign forThe Dark Knight, developing promotional websites and trailers highlighting screen shots of Ledger as the Joker, but after Ledger's death, the studio refocused its promotional campaign.^[109][110]

The film depicts Batman fightingThe Joker, aided by the prosecution of charismatic District Attorney Harvey Dent. The Joker tests Batman's resolve when he causes Rachel's death and Dent's transformation into the disfigured criminalTwo-Face. Although Batman is able to stop the Joker from forcing two ferries - one loaded with civilians and the other with prisoners - to destroy each other, he is forced to take the blame for the murders committed by Dent to ensure that Gotham's citizens do not lose hope for the future.

The Dark Knight received universal acclaim,^{[111][112][113]} and set numerous records during its theatrical run.^[114] With just over $1 billion in revenue worldwide, it became the4th-highest-grossing film of all time, unadjusted for inflation.^[115] The film received eightAcademy Award nominations; it won the award forBest Sound Editing and Ledger was posthumously awardedBest Supporting Actor. Critics and film writers often citeThe Dark Knight as one of the best films of the 2000s and all time, with it frequently being hailed as one of the greatest superhero films ever.^[b]

Nolan wanted the story for the third and final installment to keep him emotionally invested. "On a more superficial level, I have to ask the question," he reasoned, "how many good third movies in a franchise can people name?"^[127] He returned out of finding a necessary way to continue the story, but feared midway through filming he would find a sequel redundant.^[128]The Dark Knight Rises is intended to complete Nolan'sBatman trilogy.^[129] By December 2008, Nolan completed a rough story outline, before he committed himself toInception.^[130] In February 2010, work on the screenplay was commencing withDavid S. Goyer andJonathan Nolan.^[131] When Goyer left to work on theSuperman reboot, Jonathan was writing the script based on the story by his brother and Goyer.^[132]Tom Hardy was cast asBane andAnne Hathaway playsSelina Kyle.^[133]Joseph Gordon-Levitt was cast asRobin John Blake,^[134][135] andMarion Cotillard was cast asMiranda Tate. Filming began in May 2011 and concluded in November.^[136] Nolan chose not to film in3-D but, by focusing on improving image quality and scale using theIMAX format, hoped to push technological boundaries while nevertheless making the style of the film consistent with the previous two.^[137] Nolan had several meetings with IMAX Vice-President David Keighley to work on the logistics of projecting films in digital IMAX venues.^[138]The Dark Knight Rises featured more scenes shot in IMAX thanThe Dark Knight.^[138] CinematographerWally Pfister expressed interest in shooting the film entirely in IMAX.^[139][140]

During the film, set eight years afterTheDark Knight, the arrival of new foe Bane forces Bruce to return to his old role as Batman, only to find himself overpowered and captured by Bane as Gotham is cut off from the rest of the world with a stolen Wayne Enterprises fusion generator prototype set to go off in a few months. With the aid of thief Selina Kyle, Bruce is able to return to Gotham and defeat Bane while redeeming his image as Batman. The film concludes with Bruce having 'retired' as Batman after faking his death to live with Selina Kyle, evidence suggesting that he has passed on the Batcave to Blake while Gotham rebuilds in memory of the Dark Knight's heroism.

Upon release,The Dark Knight Rises received positive reviews and was successful at the box office, going on to outgross its predecessor and become the24th-highest-grossing film of all time grossing over $1.08 billion. It was named one of the best films of 2012 by numerous film critics, including theAmerican Film Institute.^[141]

On June 13, 2013, a source from Warner Bros. toldThe Wrap that they were discussing moreMan of Steel films, as well as a Superman/Batman film, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman.^[142] Warner Bros. announced that Superman and Batman would unite in a new film, a follow-up toMan of Steel (2013), taking its inspiration from the comicThe Dark Knight Returns and set for release in 2015.^{[143][144][145]} Goyer stated at the Superman 75th Anniversary Panel at Comic-Con, that Batman and Superman would face off, and titles under consideration wereSuperman vs Batman orBatman vs Superman.^[146] On August 22, 2013,The Hollywood Reporter announced the casting ofBen Affleck asBruce Wayne/Batman.^[147][148] On January 17, 2014, it was announced that the film had been delayed from its original July 17, 2015, release date to May 6, 2016, in order to give the filmmakers "time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story".^[149] The film's release was moved again to March 25, 2016, "avoiding a high-profile showdown withCaptain America: Civil War on May 6, 2016".^[150]

At some point prior to the events of the film,Wayne Manor has decayed, and Bruce and Alfred relocated to a smaller glass house above the Batcave. During the film,Lex Luthor manipulates Batman into perceiving Superman as an enemy, and at the same time kidnapsMartha Kent and demands Superman to kill Batman in exchange of Martha's life. Batman fights and nearly kills Superman withkryptonite weapons, but when a weak Superman pleads to Batman that he's "letting him kill Martha", a confused Batman remembers the death ofhis own mother, who shares the name. This confuses Batman enough time soLois Lane arrives and explains the situation. Seeing how hard he has fallen, Batman saves Martha Kent from Luthor's minions, and then fights alongside Superman andWonder Woman to contain theKryptonian deformity Luthor created to kill Superman. Taking Luthor's metahuman files, Bruce states that he intends to gather the metahumans to prepare for an implied future threat.

Shortly after filming had finished forMan of Steel, Warner Bros hiredWill Beall to script a newJustice League film in June 2012.^[151] With the release ofMan of Steel in June 2013, Goyer was hired to write a newJustice League script, with the Beall draft being scrapped.^[152] In April 2014, it was announced thatZack Snyder would also be directing Goyer'sJustice League script.^[153] Warner Bros. was reportedly courtingChris Terrio to rewriteJustice League the following July, after having been impressed with his rewrite ofBatman v Superman.^[154] During post-production of the film, Zack Snyder left the film due to the death of his daughter.^[155]Joss Whedontook over the project and wrote and directed reshoots.^[155]

As part of the ensemble cast, Bruce Wayne serves as something of a leader to the Justice League. Additionally, he spearheads efforts to revive Superman in preparation for the upcoming assault fromSteppenwolf, and brings Lois Lane to help calm down the enraged reanimated Superman.

The divisive reaction toward the final cut ofJustice League, with Zack Snyder leaving directorial duties and the final cut of the film in the hands of Joss Whedon, has led to an argument comparing the situation to the one experienced by the filmSuperman II. BothJustice League andSuperman II feature a director that was replaced, for different reasons, before the completion of a film, which led to a second director coming in and making substantial changes to the tone of each film. Although the reasoning behind each director's departure differs,Richard Donner was able to complete his cut ofSuperman II in 2005.^[156] In the belief that Snyder had shot enough material for a finished film, a campaign for a "Snyder Cut" was started to allow Snyder to receive a similar treatment to Donner. Arguments are made that Snyder's vision would be more cohesive to the previous films than the actual theatrical cut, which Snyder has refused to see. Warner Bros. initially remained silent regarding any intention of making a "Snyder Cut".^[157] In March 2019, Snyder confirmed his original cut does exist, and stated that it is up to Warner Bros. to release it.^[158] Despite this, in November,Variety reported that Warner Bros. was unlikely to release Snyder's version ofJustice League in theaters or onHBO Max, calling it a "pipe dream".^[159] In December, however, Snyder posted a photo in hisVero account, which showed boxes with tapes labeled "Z.S. J.L Director's cut", and with the caption "Is it real? Does it exist? Of course it does."^[160] On May 20, 2020, Snyder officially announced thatHBO Max will be releasing his cut ofJustice League on their service in 2021.^[161] The cut would cost $70+ million to complete the special effects, musical score, editing, and additional shooting. While initially planned to be a four partminiseries, it was later clarified the cut would be released as a four hour long movie.^{[162][163][164][165][166]} Snyder stated this version will be non-canonical to DC Extended Universe continuity, but it would exist in a slightly alternate universe.^[167] Affleck, Miller, Fisher, Heard, and Manganiello returned to their respective roles for additional photography, in order to finish the project, withJared Leto also reprising his role asThe Joker fromSuicide Squad.^[168][169]

In June 2020, Michael Keaton entered talks to reprise his role from the Tim BurtonBatman films in the DCEU filmThe Flash, released in 2023. According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. hoped for Keaton to return for multiple DCEU films in a way "akin to the role played bySamuel L. Jackson asNick Fury in theMarvel Cinematic Universe, something of a mentor or guide or even string-puller."^[170] In August 2020, Keaton officially signed on, with Ben Affleck also announced to be reprising his version of the character for the film. Affleck stated that his scenes in the film were his favorite as the character.^[171][172] Along with Keaton and Affleck playing Batman in differenttimelines, George Clooney makes a cameo as Bruce Wayne in the closing scene.Adam West makes a posthumous appearance as Batman through the use of CGI and archive footage.^{[citation needed]}

In addition to major roles, Batman has made variouscameo appearances in other DCEU films.

• InSuicide Squad (2016), Batman appears in brief flashbacks depicting the arrests ofFloyd Lawton / Deadshot and Harley Quinn. He rescues Harley from a submerged car after pursuing her and the Joker, and apprehends Deadshot while he is shopping with his daughter. Batman's history withKiller Croc is also referenced. At the film's conclusion,Amanda Waller—who appears to know that Bruce Wayne is Batman—provides Bruce with files on various metahumans in exchange for his protection from future fallout from theEnchantress' recent attack. Bruce tells Waller to shut down Task Force X, as his "friends" will handle future problems.^{[citation needed]}
• Although he does not appear, Bruce Wayne is mentioned inWonder Woman (2017). After the events ofBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce successfully retrieves the photo from Luthor's archives which he used to threaten Diana Prince, along with a watch that belonged to the father of CaptainSteve Trevor. He transports them through an armored car to Diana, with a letter wishing to know her story someday. Diana recalls the events of the film as a flashback, after which she sends an e-mail to Bruce that reads "Thanks for bringing him back to me".^[173]
• Bill Dean voices a toy version of Batman inShazam! (2019).^[174] During the film's animated end credits sequence, Batman was shown chasing the Batmobile after it was stolen by Shazam.

Joker, directed byTodd Phillips,^[175] is set during the 1980s, where a failed stand-up comedian namedArthur Fleck turns to a life of crime and chaos inGotham City and calls himself Joker.^[176] Bruce Wayne, a child portrayed byDante Pereira-Olson, encounters Fleck when the latter attempts and fails to gain entry into Wayne Manor. Fleck later sees Bruce in a darkened alley with the bodies of his parents, who had been fatally shot by an assailant who wears a clown mask.

The sequel,Joker: Folie à Deux, introduced Harley Quinn, played byLady Gaga. Unlike the previous film, Bruce Wayne does not appear inFolie à Deux.

In February 2017,Matt Reeves was hired to directThe Batman (2022), replacingBen Affleck who wrote the original script until it was replaced by Reeves andPeter Craig. Reeves initially had plans to keepThe Batman in the DCEU; however, due to creative differences, the film would focus on a younger Batman, ultimately serving as a reboot from the one seen in the DCEU. In May 2019,Robert Pattinson was cast as Bruce Wayne / Batman. In 2020,DC Films presidentWalter Hamada stated that there would be two Batmen existing simultaneously in a multiverse.^{[citation needed]}

Development of a second film,The Batman – Part II, had begun by April 2022.^[177][178] The film was originally scheduled to be released on October 3, 2025,^[179] but was originally delayed to October 2, 2026, due to the 2023Writers Guild of America andSAG-AFTRA strikes, before being delayed again to October 1, 2027.^[180][181]

After filmmakerJames Gunn and producerPeter Safran were appointed in October 2022 to serve as the co-chairmen and co-CEOs of the then-newly formedDC Studios to develop plans for a new DC shared universe slate, Gunn stated in December that Batman would be "a big part of the DC Universe (DCU)".^[182] A film featuring Bruce Wayne / Batman andDamian Wayne / Robin titledThe Brave and the Bold was revealed to be in development at DC Studios in January 2023, as the third installment of the upcoming DCU film slate. It will exist separately from future projects in Matt Reeves'The Batman franchise. It is also based onGrant Morrison's run of Batman from 2006 to 2013.^[183] In June 2023,Andy Muschietti was confirmed as the director of the film ahead of the release ofThe Flash later that month, with his sisterBarbara set to produce through their production company Double Dream alongside Gunn and Safran.^[184]The Flash writerChristina Hodson, who is a member of the DCU's writer's room, was being eyed to write the film but chose to work on aFast & Furious film instead.^[185]

• 2018:Ready Player One includes a scene set in the OASIS virtual world which has an animated Batman climbing Mount Everest. In another scene, the 1966 TV series' Batmobile participates in a car race inside the OASIS.
• 2021:Space Jam: A New Legacy features a live action scene where Batman appears as a spectator for a basketball match.

Actors that have voiced Batman in animated films includeKevin Conroy,Adam West,Will Friedle,Bruce Greenwood,Ben McKenzie,Peter Weller,Troy Baker,Jason O'Mara,Roger Craig Smith, andWill Arnett.

Theatrical

• 1993:Mask of the Phantasm, set in the continuity ofBatman: The Animated Series withKevin Conroy voicing Batman^[186]
• 2016:Batman: The Killing Joke, an adaptation ofBatman: The Killing Joke withKevin Conroy voicing Batman^[187]
• 2016:Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, based on theBatman television series withAdam West voicing Batman^[188]

Direct-to-video

• 1998:Subzero, set in the continuity ofBatman: The Animated Series with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman^[186]
• 2000:Return of the Joker, set in the continuity ofBatman Beyond withWill Friedle voicing Batman and Kevin Conroy voicing Bruce Wayne.^[189]
• 2003:Mystery of the Batwoman, set in the continuity ofThe New Batman Adventures with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman^[186]
• 2005:The Batman vs. Dracula, set in the continuity ofThe Batman withRino Romano voicing Batman^[190]
• 2010:Under the Red Hood, an adaptation ofBatman: Under the Hood withBruce Greenwood voicing Batman^[191]
• 2011:Year One, an adaptation ofBatman: Year One withBenjamin McKenzie voicing Batman^[192]
• 2012:The Dark Knight Returns – Part 1, an adaptation of the first half ofThe Dark Knight Returns withPeter Weller voicing Batman^[193]
• 2013:The Dark Knight Returns – Part 2, an adaptation of the second half ofThe Dark Knight Returns with Peter Weller voicing Batman^[193]
• 2013:DC Super Heroes Unite, an adaptation ofLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes withTroy Baker voicing Batman^[194]
• 2014:Son of Batman, a loose adaptation ofBatman and Son withJason O'Mara voicing Batman^[195]
• 2014:Assault on Arkham, set in the continuity ofBatman: Arkham with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman^[196]
• 2015:Batman vs. Robin an animated film with Jason O'Mara voicing Batman^[197]
• 2015:Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts, an animated film withRoger Craig Smith voicing Batman^[198]
• 2015:Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem, an animated film with Roger Craig Smith voicing Batman^[199]
• 2016:Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs. Mutants, an animated film with Roger Craig Smith voicing Batman^[200]
• 2016:Batman: Bad Blood, an animated film also featuringBatwoman andBatwing with Jason O'Mara voicing Batman^[201]
• 2017:Batman and Harley Quinn, an animated film with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman^[202]
• 2017:Batman vs. Two-Face, based on theBatman television series withAdam West voicing Batman for final time before his death^[203]
• 2018:Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, an animated film based on theone-shot graphic novel of the same name with Bruce Greenwood voicing Batman^[204]
• 2018:Batman Ninja, an animated film withKōichi Yamadera and Roger Craig Smith voicing Batman in Japanese and English respectively.^{[205][206][207]}
• 2019:Batman: Hush, based on the 2002comic book story arc of the same name with Jason O'Mara voicing Batman.^[208]
• 2021:Batman: Soul of the Dragon, an animated film withDavid Giuntoli voicing Batman^[209]
• 2021:Batman: The Long Halloween Part 1and Part 2, a two part animated film based onBatman: The Long Halloween withJensen Ackles voicing Batman.^[210][211]
• TBA:Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League, an animated film withKōichi Yamadera voicing Batman in Japanese.^[212]

• 2017:DC Super Heroes vs. Eagle Talon, withTakayuki Yamada voicing Batman^[213]
• 2018:Teen Titans Go! To the Movies withJimmy Kimmel voicing Batman.^[214]
• 2022:DC League of Super-Pets, withKeanu Reeves voicing Batman.^[215]

• 2008:Justice League: The New Frontier, based on thecomic of the same name withJeremy Sisto voicing Batman^[216]
• 2009:Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, based on the comic of the same name with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman^[217]
• 2010:Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, a loose adaptation of various DC comics withWilliam Baldwin voicing Batman^[218]
• 2010:Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, based onSuperman/Batman: The Supergirl from Krypton with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman^[219]
• 2010:DC Super Friends: The Joker's Playhouse, based on theFisher-Price toyline withDaran Norris voicing Batman^[220]
• 2012:Justice League: Doom, based onJLA: Tower of Babel with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman^[221]
• 2013:Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, based onFlashpoint withKevin McKidd voicing Batman^[220]
• 2014:JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time, an original story withDiedrich Bader voicing Batman^[220]
• 2014:Justice League: War, based onJustice League: Origin with Jason O'Mara voicing Batman^[220]
• 2014:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Batman Be-Leaguered animated television special, withTroy Baker reprising his role as Batman from the Lego video games.^[222]
• 2015:Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, based onThrone of Atlantis with Jason O'Mara voicing Batman^[220]
• 2015:Justice League: Gods and Monsters withMichael C. Hall voicing aKirk Langstrom version of Batman^[223]
• 2015:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League, with Troy Baker reprising his role^[224]
• 2016:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Cosmic Clash, with Troy Baker reprising his role^[225]
• 2017:Justice League Dark, with Jason O'Mara voicing Batman^[220]
• 2018:Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold, withDiedrich Bader voicing Batman
• 2018:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash, with Troy Baker voicing Batman
• 2018:Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman – Rage of Atlantis, with Troy Baker voicing Batman
• 2018:The Death of Superman andReign of the Supermen, based onThe Death of Superman with Jason O'Mara voicing Batman^[220]
• 2019:Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with Troy Baker voicing Batman^[226]
• 2020:Lego DC: Shazam!: Magic and Monsters, with Troy Baker voicing Batman
• 2020:Superman: Red Son, with Roger Craig Smith voicing Batman.
• 2020:Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, with Jason O'Mara voicing Batman^[220]
• 2021:Injustice, an animated film based on the 2013 video gameInjustice: Gods Among Us, featuring a parallel universe in theDC Multiverse, withAnson Mount voicing Batman.^[227]

• 2014: ALego-themed version of Batman appears inThe Lego Movie, voiced byWill Arnett.^[228]
• 2017: The character receives his own spin-off film,The Lego Batman Movie, voiced again by Arnett. This film takes place in a universe where all of the previous live-action films, as well as some animated series, the preceding film, andthe 1966 TV series (which the film mocks in multiple instances) have somehow happened.^[229] Despite this, the film works as anorigin story for bothRobin andBatgirl, and is established inLego Dimensions to be set in the Lego DC universe, distinct fromThe Lego Movie universe.
• 2019: Arnett reprised his role as Lego Batman inThe Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.^[230]

• 2008:Batman: Gotham Knight, a collection of original shorts with Kevin Conroy voicing Batman^[231]
• 2020:Batman: Death in the Family, aninteractive short film based on thestory arc from the comics that allows the viewer to choose different outcomes of the story; featuring Bruce Greenwood voicing Batman^[232]

•  ^L indicates the actor or actress lent only their likeness for the film.

Additionally,President pro tempore of the United States SenatePatrick Leahy has a brief role as himself inBatman Forever andBatman & Robin, an unnamed Wayne Enterprise board member inThe Dark Knight andThe Dark Knight Rises, and as Senator Purrington inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.^[233]

With a total gross of over $6.83 billion at the global box office, the series isninth highest-grossing film franchise of all time. Domestically,Batman films have grossed U.S. $3,158,097,126, making the franchise the fourth-highest-grossing film series in North America.^[234] Critical reception of the modern films has varied throughout its different eras.The Dark Knight, fromChristopher Nolan's trilogy, is consideredone of the best superhero movies ever, whileBatman and Robin is consideredone of the worst.The Dark Knight Rises is the highest-grossingBatman movie, grossing $1,081,041,287 worldwide, whileBatman and Robin is the lowest-grossing film to feature Batman, at $238,207,122 worldwide.^{[citation needed]}

Of the 1980s and 1990s, Tim Burton's films received positive critical reviews for their return of the character to a more serious portrayal, though some felt thatBatman Returns was too dark. Joel Schumacher's two films received mixed reviews, particularlyBatman and Robin, which has the lowest aggregate scores out of any film in the series. Conversely, the films in Christopher Nolan's trilogy of the 2000s and 2010s have the highest scores on review aggregation websites of the live-action feature films withThe Dark Knight receiving a 94% fromRotten Tomatoes and an 84 fromMetacritic. Batman's newer iterations in the 2010s DCEU received mixed reviews from critics.^{[citation needed]}

The series' theatrically released animated movies have a large critical disparity, withMask of the Phantasm andThe Lego Batman Movie being well-received whileBatman: The Killing Joke received mixed reviews.^{[citation needed]}

The films in the series have received numerous accolades, including having been nominated for a total of 29Academy Awards, of which they won five; 36British Academy Film Awards, of which they won four; and 58Saturn Awards, of which they won 13.

• Batman franchise media
• Category:Fan films based on Batman
• Superman in film
• Catwoman (film)