CinemaThe curious reason why Robert Pattinson avoided working out while playing BatmanThe actor is not the biggest fan of exercise and did not lift as much weight as his predecessor in the role of the herotoday at 10:33

Superheroes are most often portrayed in cinema as the pinnacle of human physical development. Batman is an example of this: even without powers, the character A.D always shows himself at the height of his capabilities in this regard.

The situation was a little different in the most recent Batman film. When he was cast to play the Dark Knight in The Batman (2022), Robert Pattinson chose a less physical-focused approach — to the point of avoiding working out during his preparation.

In a 2020 interview with GQjust before filming began for The Batman (2022), the actor explained that he was not doing any specific type of exercise. The publication said that a physical education professional sent by the production left only a dumbbell and a Bosu Ball in the artist’s apartment for training. And, even so, the producers had to beg the new Bruce Wayne to use the equipment.

At the time, Pattinson explained his decision with an argument based on… film history. The star justified himself by remembering an icon from the 1950s, a time when physical standards were less restrictive. He stated:

I think if you’re exercising all the time, you’re part of the problem. You’re setting a precedent. Nobody did that in the 1970s. Not even James Dean – he wasn’t exactly defined.”

The actor even joked about his own “shape” when mentioning the period in which he played the vampire Edward Cullen in the franchise’s films. Twilightbetween 2008 and 2012. At the time, he was much younger — and his physical appearance was never a highlight.

“The one time they told me to take my shirt off, I think they told me to put it back on.”

Pattinson also stated at the time that he did “almost nothing” in this regard. Zoë Kravitzdaughter of Lenny Kravitz who played Catwoman in the same work, exercised at least five times a week.

For comparison purposes, Ben Affleckthe last actor to bring Batman to life on the big screen before Robert, faced a tough routine with his trainer Walter Nortonpartner of several feature films, in preparation for Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016).

“Almost anything

Although Robert Pattinson says he has done “almost no” exercise, other statements indicate something a little different. Shortly before the release of the film directed by Matt Reevesalready in 2022, the actor commented on his training routine in an interview alongside Zoë Kravitz on On Demand Entertainment (via The Independent):

Training is a lot more fun when you kind of get good at it. Once you get past the six-week mark, then it’s all good. Then you feel bad about not doing it. That’s what people say.”

In the same interview, Pattinson also joked about his diet, saying he no longer wanted to see white fish with lemon. Despite his initial enthusiasm, he is the type of person who gives up on the gym easily when he doesn’t need to be in shape:

“No matter how many times you realize, ‘If I just stick to this (the routine), it’ll be great and I won’t have to go through the bad part again’… as soon as the workout is over, you think, ‘No, I’m never going to work out again.’”

The Batman – Part 2

Physical issues aside, Robert Pattinson’s Batman brings a distinct approach overall: younger, the hero has a darker emotional aspect than simply imposing force against his enemies.

It worked out: The Batman received three (unwon) Oscar nominations — Best Sound, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Visual Effects. The box office grossed over US$770 million, against an investment of US$200 million.

The first film is intended to be the beginning of a trilogy, the second part of which is due to be filmed in April 2025, with a release date scheduled for October 2026. Furthermore, the idea is to create an exclusive Batman universe without interaction with other DC works.

At least two spin-off TV series are in the works, one focusing on the Gotham City Police Department, while the other features more of the villain Penguin, played by Colin Farrell. Other related projects are expected to come into development in the coming years.

Collaborated: André Luiz Fernandes.