Who played Batman first? This question often sparks curiosity among fans of the iconic superhero. The character of Batman has been portrayed by numerous actors over the years, but the very first person to don the cape and cowl was none other than Lewis Wilson.
Batman, created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, first appeared in Detective Comics 27 in 1939. The character quickly gained popularity and became a staple in the comic book world. However, it wasn’t until 1943 that the first live-action adaptation of Batman was brought to life on the screen.
Lewis Wilson, a young actor with a background in theater, was cast as the Dark Knight in the 15-part serial titled “Batman.” The serial, produced by Vitaphone, was released in 1943 and was one of the earliest portrayals of the character in a film format. Wilson’s portrayal of Batman was a blend of athleticism and a slightly less grim tone compared to the modern interpretations of the character.
Despite his memorable performance, Lewis Wilson’s time as Batman was short-lived. Due to contractual obligations, he was unable to reprise his role in any subsequent Batman-related projects. This left the door open for other actors to take on the iconic role.
In 1949, a new Batman serial was produced, this time with Robert Lowery taking on the role. The serial, titled “Batman and Robin,” featured Lowery as Batman and John Duncan as Robin. Although the tone was darker than Wilson’s portrayal, the character of Batman was still relatively light-hearted.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that Batman experienced a resurgence in popularity, largely thanks to the campy television series starring Adam West. West’s portrayal of the character became synonymous with the 1960s and set the stage for the darker, more serious interpretations that would follow in the decades to come.
Today, Batman is portrayed by various actors in different film adaptations, with the most recent and critically acclaimed portrayal by Ben Affleck in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Justice League.” However, it’s important to remember that Lewis Wilson was the first to step into the role of the Dark Knight, setting the stage for the countless actors who have followed in his footsteps.
