Batman has been brought to life by a plethora of talented actors over the years, not just in live-action but also in animated films and series. Some of the most recognizable voices in entertainment have taken on the iconic DC role, lending their unique takes on the Dark Knight. From seasoned veterans to surprising newcomers, these portraits highlight Batman’s versatility as a character, with some surprising stars taking on a metaphorical cartoon cape and cowl. Batman projects.
Batman has been an animation powerhouse since the 1990s classic Batman: The Animated Serieswhich produced the first animated film Batman film, Ghost Mask. Dozens of animated series and Batman films soon followed, becoming some of the most celebrated entrants in the DCU timeline. As such, Batman has become as desirable a role in animation as he is in live action, with a number of famous faces voicing the iconic Dark Knight.
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Adam West voiced the classic Batman
The New Adventures of Batman and Batman: Return of the Caped Crusader
Adam West first played Batman in the 1960s live-action television series, but has also returned to voice the character in several animated projects. West voiced Batman in 1976 The New Adventures of Batman. West has become synonymous with the rolelater lending his voice to Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders and its sequel, Batman Vs. Two Faces. These films paid homage to his campy, light-hearted portrayal of the Caped Crusader.
West’s voice work allowed him to revisit his iconic role while also bringing a sense of nostalgia to a new generation of viewers. His distinctive delivery and comedic timing worked perfectly for these projects, mixing humor and heroism in a way that honored his original performance. Adam West remains a cornerstone in Batman’s legacyand his contributions to the animated world solidified his status as the fan-favorite version of the character.
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William Baldwin in Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Directed by Lauren Montgomery and Sam Liu
William Baldwin voiced Batman in Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths. The 2010 animated film explored a multiverse storyline where the Justice League faces off against its villains, the Crime Syndicate. Baldwin Batman stood out as a calculated and determined herocrucial to the team’s success in exceeding the Union’s plans. Although Baldwin wasn’t a traditional choice for Batman, his portrayal was a pleasant surprise.
Baldwin’s voice brought an understated intensity to the character, offering a version of the Dark Knight that was serious but not overbearing. Baldwin’s performance complemented the film’s cast, allowing his Batman to feel like a vital part of the team without overshadowing the other characters. Baldwin’s Cast Crisis in Two Lands is particularly pertinent because Baldwin was on the list to appear in Joel Schumacher’s film Batman Forever in the title role.
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Ben McKenzie voiced Batman in Batman: Year One
Directed by Lauren Montgomery and Sam Liu
Ben McKenzie, best known to DC viewers for his role as Commissioner Jim Gordon on the television series Gotham. However, he also voiced Bruce Wayne/Batman in the 2011 animated adaptation of Batman: Year One. This film focused Bruce Wayne’s Early Days as Batmanreturning to Gotham after years of training. A highlight was his initial partnership with Gordon, voiced by Breaking Bad star, Bryan Cranston.
Ben McKenzie’s performance captured the uncertainty and raw determination of a young Batman still finding his feet as Gotham’s new protector. Although his voice lacked the gravelly depth associated with more experienced Batmans, it worked well for this origin story, reflecting Bruce Wayne’s relative inexperience. Ben McKenzie’s connection to the Batman mythos throughout Gotham adds an interesting layer to his portrayal, as he played two key figures in the world of Batman.
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Peter Weller in The Dark Knight Returns
Directed by Jay Oliva
Peter Weller voices an older, battle-hardened Batman in the two-part animated adaptation of Frank Miller’s celebrated film. The Dark Knight Returns. The story follows Bruce Wayne as he comes out of retirement to face crime in a dystopian Gotham, having hung up the cape and cowl after Jason Todd’s death. Returning to clean up Gotham, he faces enemies like the Mutant Leader, the Joker and Superman.
Peter Weller’s deep, authoritative voice perfectly suited this grizzled version of the Dark Knight. His portrait exuded authority and tiredness, personifying a man pushed to his limits, but unwilling to give up the fight. Known for his titular role in Robo Cop films, Peter Weller’s science fiction background lent a sense of gravitas to his Batmanmaking him one of the most memorable voice actors to tackle the character.
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Will Arnett is Lego Batman
The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie, and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
Will Arnett played Batman in Lego franchise, appearing in The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movieand The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. Will Arnett’s performance became instantly iconic, managing to adequately embody the hero while simultaneously undermining him for comedic purposes. This version of Batman parodied the character’s brooding nature while also highlighting his heroic qualities within the vibrant Lego universe.
Will Arnett’s trademark deep, exaggerated voice was celebrated on shows such as BoJack Knight and matched perfectly with the exaggerated humor of the Lego universe. His Batman was hilariously self-centered but surprisingly vulnerable, making him an endearing, layered version of the character. Arnett’s take on Batman resonated with audiences of all ages, proving that Even a satirical portrait could honor the Dark Knight’s legacy. Arnett later returned to voice the character in Lego video games.
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Jensen Ackles is Tomorrowverse’s Batman
Batman: The Long Halloween, Legion of Super-Heroes, Justice League Warworld, and Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths
Jensen Ackles is best known for his role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural. Ackles also voiced Batman in Tomorrowversethe second era of interconnected DC animated films beginning in 2020. He debuted as Batman in Batman: The Long Halloween (Parts 1 and 2) and returned for three more animated films, including 2024 Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earthwhich concluded the Tomorrowverse in a bombastic three-part adventure.
Jensen Ackles brought a mix of charisma and gravitas to the role of Batman, capturing Batman’s duality as stoic hero and compassionate ally. His long-standing connection to DC characters – having voiced Jason Todd in Batman: Under the Red Hood – made his transition to voicing Batman feel natural and earned. It also gave him greater insight into the emotional turmoil inherent in Batman’s world.
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Ethan Hawke has a smaller role as Batman
Bat Wheels (2022-)
Ethan Hawke voiced Batman in Bat Wheelsa light-hearted animated series aimed at younger audiences that focuses on Batman’s vehicles. Although his version of Batman was not the focus of the show, Hawke brought a calm, approachable energy to the character, making it accessible for children. Instead of, Bat Wheels depicted an anthropomorphized Batmobile, along with other famous vehicles associated with the Bat-Family.
Ethan Hawke’s Batman is primarily a background character in Bat Wheelsbut the star added a level of gravitas with her captivating voice. Although not as prominent as other depictions, Hawke’s involvement demonstrates Batman’s enduring appeal across all demographics. His performance added a touch of star power to the series, further cementing Batman’s status as a character who transcends age and medium. Interestingly, Hawke was also on the shortlist to play Batman in Batman forever.
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David Giuntoli appeared in two animated Batman films
Batman: Soul of the Dragon and Batman: Doom Comes to Gotham
David Giuntoli is best known for his roles in Grimm and A million little things. Giuntoli voiced Batman in two animated films, Batman: Soul of the Dragon and Batman: the disgrace that came to Gotham. These films explored unique interpretations of the Dark Knight, mixing elements of martial arts and cosmic horror in several Batman stories. Dragon’s Soul is set in the 1970s and is inspired by Bruce Lee’s martial arts films.
About that, The misfortune that came to Gotham sees Batman facing supernatural threats in the 1920s. Giuntoli’s voice work captured Batman’s adaptability, allowing him to fit seamlessly into these unconventional narratives. Your performances highlighted Batman’s versatility as a characterproving that the Dark Knight can thrive in a variety of genres. Giuntoli’s Batman is notable for exploring alternative interpretations of the myth, exploring fascinating hypothetical narratives independent of the Tomorrowverse.
2
Anson Mount appeared in injustice
Directed by Matt Peters
Anson Mount is best known as Captain Pike in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and as Black Lightning in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mount voiced Batman in Injusticethe animated adaptation of the popular video game and comic book series, which began with Injustice: Gods Among Us. The film explores a dark alternate timeline where Superman becomes a tyrant after going crazy and killing Lois Lane, forcing Batman to lead a rebellion.
Anson Mount’s commanding voice brought depth to Batman’s role as leader and moral anchor in a world gone wrong in Injustice. His portrayal balanced Batman’s stoicism with the emotional weight of fighting your former alliesbecoming a standout performance in the film. In fact, many of the vocal performances in Injustice were praised despite the film’s more mixed reviews.
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Bruce Greenwood voiced Batman in film and television
Batman: Under the Red Hood, Batman: Gotham By Gaslight, Batman: A Death in the Family and Young Justice
Bruce Greenwood is probably best remembered for films like The Core, Thirteen daysand the title role in Geraldo’s gamean adaptation of the story of the same name by Stephen King. Green Forest first voiced Batman in the animated film Batman: Under the Red Hood and later reprized the role in Batman: Gotham by Gaslight and the adaptation of A death in the family. Meanwhile, Greenwood was playing the Caped Crusader in Young Justicewhich focused on superheroes and teenage sidekicks.
Greenwood’s portrayal emphasized Batman’s intelligence, compassion, and unwavering determination. Greenwood’s distinctive performance made him a fan favorite, especially for his ability to convey Batman’s complex relationships with his allies and enemies. Your work in Young Justice explored his talent for balancing his role as Batman’s mentor with his darker, more isolated tendencies. With a career spanning decades, Greenwood is one of the most notable stars to play the Dark Knight in cartoons. Batman history.
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