• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Robert Pattinson as Batman? The Internet has thoughts

5:37
News headlines today: May 17, 2019
Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images, FILE
Michael Rothman
ByMichael Rothman
May 17, 2019, 9:40 PM

A Variety report Friday claimed that "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson will be play "The Batman" in the upcoming film set for 2021.

Though "it’s not yet a done deal, Pattinson is the top choice and it’s expected to close shortly," the outlet added.

As could be expected, the Internet had thoughts.

Related Articles

(MORE: Vintage Superman, Batman comic lot auction grabs $6.5 million on day 1)

The comments and headlines were clever, but some of the more thoughtful ones were either supportive or very upset that the icon would be played by Pattinson. It's nothing new; when Ben Affleck was cast several years ago, the actor famously said the first comment he saw online was "Noooooooooooooo!"

Before him, Christian Bale and Michael Keaton both faced similar criticism when they were cast to play the Dark Knight. They are now easily considered two of the best to ever put on the cape and cowl.

Here are the funny reactions

Comic book author Daniel Kibblesmith wrote to his wife in a tweet.

One comedian questioned, "what next?"

Related Articles

(MORE: The 1st 'Joker' trailer starring Joaquin Phoenix as Batman villain will give you delicious nightmares)

And then there was this.

And this.

There were supportive ones

Fandango's managing editor wrote, "HOT TAKE: Robert Pattinson will be the best Batman out of all of them."

A Justice League artist was on board.

An editor at IGN added that Pattinson "pulls his weight" in another film.

And then there was more.

Of course, some were very unhappy

No matter what you think, Funny Or Die has it right.

Up Next in Culture—

John Stamos reveals he broke news of Brian Wilson's death to Mike Love

June 13, 2025

Hailee Steinfeld reflects on 'unforgettable' wedding to Josh Allen

June 13, 2025

Donna Kelce joins 'The Traitors' season 4: 'I raised two playmakers, but now it's Mama's turn'

June 13, 2025

'Bachelor' star Grant Ellis, Juliana Pasquarosa part ways, say they still 'love and respect' each other

June 13, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News