Robert Pattinson Tried on Every Batman Cowl and Says "Clooney Smelt the Best"

Batman is a character that never leaves the spotlight, and with The Batman: Part II set for 2027, Robert Pattinson is gearing up to step back into the cape and cowl.

But before he officially became Gotham’s brooding protector, Pattinson had a unique experience as he got to try on all of the cowls of past Batman actors.

We already knew Pattinson got to try on the cowls and costumes from previous actors for his screen tests. But, as it turns out, those cowls still carried a little piece of their former wearers.

When asked about the smell of his own Batsuit, Pattinson shared: "Well, it’s leather. But it’s also a combination – because you’re sealed in a leather mask, but you're also extremely anxious all the time. And leather is porous, so it really takes on an emotional scent.

“When I did the audition for Batman I had to try on all the different cowls [from actors who’d played the role]. Even from 20 years ago, they all still had the scent of each individual actor. It’s kind of strange."

And in case anyone was wondering which Batman had the best scent? Pattinson had a clear winner:

"I think probably Clooney smelt the best."

You know, I’ve never smelled George Clooney, but he looks like he smells fantastic. It must’ve been a pretty wild experience for Pattinson to put on the Batman cowls worn by Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck, absorbing their, uh, essence. It seems like a strange, almost ritualistic passing of the torch.

With Matt Reeves currently developing The Batman: Part II, Pattinson remains tight-lipped but did tease that he knows what’s coming next, saying simply: "It’s very cool."