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The Batman universe has seen numerous adaptations over the years, each bringing its own flavor to the Caped Crusader’s storied saga. While Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogy, particularlyBatman Begins, set a new standard for superhero cinema, Matt Reeves’The Batmanalso opened to starkly positive reviews back in 2022.
Robert Pattinson in a still from The Batman | Warner Bros. Pictures
Starring Robert Pattinson, the movie set up a new reboot and starred Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Paul Dano as the Riddler, and Jeffrey Wright as the fan-favorite James Gordon. Now however, in what might be a slightly unnecessary debate, fans began comparing the two origin stories, with quite a few claiming thatBatman Beginsdoes not hold a candle to Pattinson’s 2022 remake.
Of course, there were plenty who think otherwise as well.
Fans have chosen betweenBatman Beginsand Robert Pattinson’sThe Batman
The Batmanintroduced audiences toRobert Pattinsonas the newest face behind the iconic cowl, and offered a fresh take on the vigilante detective with a distinctly darker tone. Pattinson’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne diverges from the billionaire playboy image, depicting him instead as a reclusive, brooding figure plagued by Gotham’s decay.
Supporting him were Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as the terrifying Riddler, and Jeffrey Wright as a pragmatic Commissioner Gordon, with Michael Giacchino’s haunting score amplifying the film’s moody aesthetic. On the other hand,Batman Beginskicked off the epicDark Knighttrilogy and had in Christian Bale one of the most iconic renditions of Batman to date.
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The narrative incorporated the mysterious League of Shadows, led by Ra’s al Ghul, and the iconic Scarecrow, whose fear toxin became a symbol of the darkness Wayne had to overcome. Nolan’s approach was grounded in realism, emphasizing the psychological and physical challenges of becoming Batman, and establishing a more relatable, human side to the superhero.
Regardless, fans have made their pick, with the internet seemingly divided on the matter:
The script for Batman Begins was so much better like it’s not even funnyhttps://t.co/JOMiO96Oif
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH)August 22, 2025
Batman Begins is my favorite movie ever, Matt Reeves Batman doesn’t come close to the Batman in Begins. Reeves Batman let Penguin go after he killed dozens on the freeway & doesn’t know what a rat means.
Bale Batman all the way
— Endymion (@EndymionYT)June 30, 2025
The batman is a fresh new batman who does not know how to batman. Bale’s batman is a few years in and got over the learning curve hump in a more real world setting. Both are equally flawed, but Reeves is a better starting point, because we see him grow out of the rage into…
— zippydsmlee (@zippydsmlee)June 24, 2025
Nolan’s worst quality is his writing. Goyer did most of the heavy lifting on Begins, but it’s still a mid script.
— BurgessBoston (@BurgessBoston)July 20, 2025
Script for a Batman story? Yep. Amazing. I love the trilogy. But The batman was so good at showing batman being a detective truly while maintaining the “batman” thing.
— नalla Kakarot (@animekachoda_)August 25, 2025
Of course, how Pattinson’s Batman saga proceeds in the future, and whether it is able to result in an equally-illustrious trilogy may decide which movie is better, to a great extent.
Robert Pattinson will return as the caped crusader in Batman Part II
The debate between fans ofThe Dark Knighttrilogy andThe Batmanhighlights more than just differences in narrative and style; it also reflects a generational divide in cinematic tastes. Nolan’s trilogy is often seen as the gold standard for superhero movies, praised for its innovative storytelling, philosophical depth, and immersive world-building. On the other hand, Reeves’The Batmanappeals to a generation seeking more complex, emotionally driven narratives, preferring introspection over spectacle.
Pattinson’s Batman, portrayed as an emo-influenced loner, resonates with modern audiences who relate to themes of isolation and alienation, making his portrayal distinct from Bale’s more classically heroic take. Reeves’ commitment to a grounded, detective-driven narrative, with fewer CGI-driven set pieces and more emphasis on character interaction and atmosphere, setsThe Batmanapart from the explosive and often operatic style of Nolan’s films.
Regardless, while Pattinson’s sequel has undergone multiple delays thus far, it is still highly-anticipated and may decide where his portrayal stands in comparison to what Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale brought forth.
The Dark Knight trilogy is available to watch on Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
