Batman: Christian Bale shares advice for Robert Pattinson amid criticism over casting

Christian Bale has given Robert Pattinson his best Batman advice ahead of the actor's role in Matt Reeves's new standalone DC film

Bale played Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy from 2005 to 2012, and when he was asked what words of wisdom he'd offer Pattinson, he told ExtraTV: "Don't listen to the naysayers."

Following the news that Pattinson had been cast as the next Batman, some Twitter users criticised the decision. Bale urged the actor, who most recently starred in High Life, to "make [the role] his own" in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) interview that's doing the rounds online.

"Think about it," Bale continued. "Everybody protested when Heath was cast as the Joker. Look what an absolutely brilliant performance he gave. Don't listen to those guys, do his own thing. He's a fascinating actor and a great choice."

Pattinson isn't the first actor to play Batman since Bale. In 2016, Ben Affleck played the character in both Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad before stepping down.

It was recently revealed Pattinson was “furious” with the early reports he’d been cast in the role, because he was worried it would scupper his chances.

The actor is currently filming Nolan's new espionage thriller, Tenet, which will be released in summer 2020.

Reeves's untitled Batman film will be released in 2021.