Robert Pattinson became a worldwide name when he played swoon-worthy vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight series.
However, since the series wrapped up in 2012, it’s become clear that Pattinson has been keeping a lower profile – although his acting credits have still very much been rolling.
It’s lead many online to comment that he wanted to leave the tween romance series behind him.
Summit Entertainment)
The actor, who played Batman in recent years, opened up about a funny exchange he had when someone asked him why he’d quit acting.
Pattinson, 38, was visiting St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean when the question was posed to him.
Not by an average fan on the street, mind you, but by an immigration officer of all people.
I suppose it makes a nice change from ‘What’s the reason for your visit?’ and you worrying you’ve already broken a law just by being there.
The officer asked him: “Hey, you’re the guy from Twilight. Why’d you stop acting?”
Given that Pattinson hasn’t left Hollywood behind, he was left in a bit of a pickle.
As reported by The New York Times, he said: “I just said ‘I’m Batman.'”
Apparently, this got a laugh out of the officer.
This two worded response works on a few levels.
The Howard Stern Show)
Firstly, it’s a statement of fact – Pattinson’s appearance in The Batman is undoubtedly one of his biggest successes in recent years.
Secondly, ‘I’m Batman’ has become something of a meme.
The Caped Crusader has a habit of saying that line in a few of his films, usually to a terrified criminal as was the case in Tim Burton‘s 1989 film.
And finally, it’s just a really cool thing to say.
Imagine getting to tell a stranger you’re Batman and it’s just a statement of truth?
Pattinson’s breakout role was indeed in the Twilight franchise, which stretched out from 2008 to 2012 in five films.
Since then, he has taken on some projects with less publicity, including David Croneberg’s Cosmopolis and the Safdie Brothers’s Good Time.
Keeping a relatively low profile has meant that he doesn’t get recognized nearly as much anymore.
He said: “There’s something about the nature of being fresh meat.
Warner Bros. Pictures)
“They thought, ‘You’re not even a human.'”
It was even his idea that Batman be rarely seen without his mask in the film.
He told The New York Times: “That was my one idea for Bruce.
“He’s been portrayed until now as a playboy. But what if he’s completely socially inept and kind of agoraphobic?”
Either way, the creative choice paid off as the Matt Reeves directed film got rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.