Culture | Shape shifter

50 years of Batman on film: how has his physique changed?

Over the years, the figure of the Dark Knight has been rising.

By R.L.

BRUCE WAYNE appears to have installed a weight-bench in the Batcave. In a promotional poster for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, you might be surprised by the imposing brawn of Ben Affleck (the latest to interpret the role of orphan-billionaire-turned-nocturnal-vigilante), who sends a steely glare across to Henry Cavill’s Superman. Superman has always been bulky—but in their first Hollywood appearance together, Batman looks the physically superior of the two. A recent red-carpet interview with Mr Affleck revealed why: “This isn’t the Adam West days. You can’t just roll out of bed and put the suit on. Audiences expect you to look like a superhero.”

A still from 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North' with Jacob Elordi as Dorrigo Evans (1940s), Simon Baker as Keith Mulvaney.

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