Robert Pattinson, who took on the iconic role of Batman in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman, has hinted that he may retire from acting after completing the trilogy. Despite initial fan scepticism about his casting, Pattinson’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader was widely praised, and the film’s success has set the stage for a sequel, expected to be released in 2026.
In an interview with The New York Times magazine, Pattinson revealed that he may retire once the trilogy wraps up. He said, “I could genuinely be retiring by the end of them. Not in a million years did I think I’d still be doing this when I got my first job. I can’t believe this is still going.” His comments reflect a sense of disbelief at his long-standing career in Hollywood, which has spanned over a decade.
Pattinson, who started his acting career at the age of 17 in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), noted the importance of discipline in his profession. He explained, “The main thing is constantly remembering what your job is. It’s a discipline to not use your energy on anything other than that.”
Though Pattinson became a household name with his role as Edward Cullen in the Twilight series, he has consistently sought diverse and challenging roles, appearing in films such as Good Time, High Life, The Lighthouse, and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. His choice of projects has helped reshape his public image, shifting away from his Twilight days and cementing him as a versatile actor.
Next, Pattinson will star in Bong Joon-ho’s much-anticipated sci-fi film Mickey 17, set to hit theatres in January 2025. The film, which was initially scheduled for a March 2024 release, features Pattinson as an “expendable” – a disposable crew member on a human expedition to colonize an ice planet. His character refuses to let his clone replacement take over his role, setting the stage for a thrilling, high-concept narrative. Mickey 17 marks Bong’s first film since his groundbreaking 2019 hit Parasite, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
As Pattinson looks ahead to new and exciting projects, his comments about retirement leave fans wondering if his time as Batman will be his final major role before stepping away from the spotlight.