Batman's 75th Anniversary: Check Out the Actors Who've Played the Dark Knight Through the Years

Ben Affleck follows a series of talented actors cast through the years to bring caped crusader to life

By Rebecca Macatee Jul 23, 2014 4:16 PMTags
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Batman's getting on up there!

Wednesday marks the 75th anniversary of the Dark Knight, making July 23 Batman Day around the world! Many an actor has brought the Caped Crusader to life through the years (George Clooney, we forgive you!), and in 2016, we'll get to see Ben Affleck bring the DC Comics superhero to the big screen in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice

Back in 1942, Lewis Wilson was the first person to ever bring Brue Wayne's alter ego to the (small) screen when he starred in a "serial collection" of 15 black-and-white movies simply called Batman. It wasn't until 1966, though, that an actor by the name of Adam West brought Batman to life on the big screen. 

Later on came Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, Russell Brand (OK, kinda) and Christian Bale—just to name a few. Most recently, the casting choice of Affleck got fanboys and fangirls in a tizzy, but Matt Damon's BFF is committed to the role.

Plus, he's not the strangest Batman choice, either! In honor of 75 years of the superhero, take a look back at all the actors to play Batman!