Is this the best Batman actor?

Everyone has a favourite Batman actor, right? Some favour Adam West’s take on the Caped Crusader from the 1966 Batman television show, while others believe Michael Keaton to be the de facto Dark Knight.

Personally, I have a thing for Kevin Conroy. The actor – who first took on the role for 1992’s Batman: The Animated Series – is my go-to guy when it comes to Batman, and he stands at the front of a very long line of actors who have played the part.

But who is the best Batman? Well, according to Radio Times, there is an answer!

Radio Times recently held a poll asking the question: Who is the best Batman? And the answer from thousands of Radio Times readers is…

*Drum role*

…Christian Bale – the star of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy (2005 – 2012). The actor – who appeared in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, scored 42 percent of the vote to take the top spot.

Adam West took second place with 14 percent, with Michael Keaton coming in third with 13 percent. Ben Affleck came next, followed by Kevin Conroy, Will Arnett, Val Kilmer and George Clooney.

Speaking about the result, RT’s Sci-Fi and Fantasy Editor, Huw Fullerton, said: “The Dark Knight rises! After starring in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed bat-trilogy and reinventing the character for a new generation, it’s no surprise that Christian Bale is still fans’ favourite version of the Caped Crusader eight years after he left the role.

“He might not have shark-repellent bat-spray or a loyal boy sidekick, but after capturing over 40 per cent of the vote it’s clear to see that this particular Batman’s popularity is still not on the (Bruce) wane.”

So, do you agree with the result or do you think the readers of Radio Times are way off?

Personally, this result doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. I would argue that Bale appeared in a hugely successful trilogy, which puts him at the forefront of many peoples’ minds.

I would also suggest that readers of Radio Times tend to be in the older demographic, which is arguably why West performed so well on this poll too (not that he isn’t an EXCELLENT Batman). Had this poll been conducted by a publication with a younger readership, then maybe Ben Affleck would have fared better.

My point is, polls like this are subjective and will forever change depending on the people who cast their votes, the age demographic of the poll, the year they are held etc. Bale is the top Batman actor in 2020 (according to RT readers), but perhaps in 2030 it will be Robert Pattinson.

The important thing to take from all of this is that Batman continues to be celebrated by many, many people and everyone has their favourite Batman actor. I would say the popularity and longevity of the character is the real winner here.

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Thanks for stopping by to read this post on I’ll Get Drive-Thru. For more Batman content, be sure to take a look around this blog or check out the recommended reads below.

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