Robert Pattinson as The Batman (2025). Pattinson's work in the Twilight franchise led some to see him as just a "sparkly vampire" with little substance. This take promptly disintegrated after his stellar brooding portrayal of Bruce Wayne in The Batman.
Similarly, Michael Keaton's casting in Batman (1989) was questioned by comic book fans due to Keaton's primarily comedic background - people feared he would simply rehash the campy Adam West-y vibes of the Batman TV show. However, Tim Burton's signature dark take on the character coupled with Keaton's rockstar performance created the highest-grossing movie of the year.
Heath Ledger, much like Robert Pattinson, was known for "pretty boy" roles in teen dramas. Many people doubted he could put on a competent Joker performance, much less one that could outdo Nicholson's. However, The Dark Knight (2008) was overwhelmingly praised for a version of the Joker that's now a widespread cultural icon.
