This year marks the 85th anniversary of Batman’s first appearance in comic book history, back in March 1939 on the pages of Detective Comics issue #27. As one of the most financially successful and reliable characters in superhero cinema history turns 85, let’s delve into the Caped Crusader’s cinematic journey.
Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz star in 'The Batman.' Writer-director Matt Reeves is currently working on a screenplay for The Batman Part II, a sequel to his 2022 blockbuster revival of the character’s solo franchise. The release date of the sequel was recently pushed from 2025 to 2026 to maintain focus on the upcoming DCU cinematic reboot film 'Superman' by James Gunn.
The rebooted DCU will feature a slate of superhero movies set in a shared universe, including Superman. It will also introduce its own version of Batman living in that shared world, along with a Robin sidekick and other bat-family superheroes. Reeves’ 'The Batman' series will remain a separate franchise with no ties to the DCU.
Prior to feature films, Batman made his big-screen debut in a 1943 15-chapter serial directed by Lambert Hillyer. This World War II-focused serial starred Lewis Wilson as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Douglas Croft as Dick Grayson/Robin. Despite its shortcomings, this serial laid the foundation for the Bat-Cave and Alfred’s portrayal.
The live-action Batman television show that aired from 1966 to 1968 on ABC drew inspiration from these early serials. Starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, the show became a pop culture sensation known as “Batmania.”
In 1989, Tim Burton’s 'Batman' film, starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker, shattered box office records and redefined the superhero genre. The success of 'Batman' led to sequels, with varying degrees of critical and commercial success.
After a brief hiatus, Batman returned to the big screen in 2005 with 'Batman Begins,' directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Christian Bale. This reboot focused on a more grounded and realistic portrayal of Batman, setting the stage for the blockbuster success of 'The Dark Knight' in 2008.
Marvel Studios’ launch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008 with 'Iron Man' marked a turning point in comic book adaptations, dominating the box office for over a decade. Warner Bros. continued the Batman franchise with Nolan’s sequels, cementing Batman’s status as a box office powerhouse.
