Batman Villains

The Joker is probably the most famous comic book villain of all time and has appeared in the Batman television series, the "Batman" movie of 1966 and 1989 and in The Dark Knight.

In the television series The Joker is portrayed by Cesar Romero. He appears in 21 episodes of the television series - the only other villain with that many appearences is The Penguin. His trademark is his laughter and his comedy-themed crimes. We only learn about him that he has been a hypnotist in his youth. Cesar Romero also played The Joker in the 1966 movie version.

In Tim Burton's Batman from 1989 Jack Nicholson has the role of The Joker. He is the only villain in that movie, which makes him the dominant force. In that movie The Joker is a personality of the gangster Jack Napier that becomes alive after Batman fails to rescue him from falling into a container of chemicals. The accident leaves his face in a smiling stiffness and he soon adapts to his new appearance by using make-up and making use of deadly tricks to take over the city.

In the 2008 film The Dark Knight The Joker is played by Heath Ledger in his last complete role. His portrayal of the character is the darkest, most psychopathic display of the role. His origin remains unclear, as he tells different stories about it throughout the movie. Although there are other villains in The Dark Knight, the movie is all about The Joker, even the marketing campaign conentrated on him when he "invaded" the displays of the other characters. Heath Ledger was awarded an Oscar posthumously for his acting.

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Catwoman is the best-known female Batman Villain and has appeared in the television series, the "Batman" movie of 1966, in Batman Returns and in The Dark Knight Rises. There is also a spin-off that centers entirely on the character.

In the series Catwoman was mainly portrayed by Julie Newmar. She appeared in 12 episodes before being replaced by Eartha Kitt for three more episodes. Catwoman in the series is secretly in love with Batman, but still tries to defeat him. Her trademark are crimes with a cat-theme. In the 1966 movie version Catwoman was played by Lee Meriwether.

Catwoman reappeared on the big screen in 1992 in Batman Returns, the second of Tim Burton's Batman movies. Michelle Pfeiffer plays Selina Kyle - a lonely secretary of Max Schreck with only cats as friends. After being tossed off a building by Schreck she is resuscitated by stray cats. Full of fury she decides to wear a costume and go out for revenge.

In the 2004 movie with Halle Berry it is again a near-death experience that transforms a normal woman into Catwoman. This time however, her name is Patience Phillips and she has the powers of Egyptian cat goddess Bastet. The movie has nothing to do with Batman directly, but an image of Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman can be seen in one scene. Halle Berry was awarded a Razzie for worst actress for her performance.

In The Dark Knight Rises, Catwoman is portrayed by Anne Hathaway. Her character is named Selina Kyle again. She is a skilled thieve who is hired by John Dagged, but also follows her own goals. In this movie she is never referred to as Catwoman, but the newspapers refer to her as the „cat“ burglar. She also doesn't have claws, but she uses her stiletto heels as weapons instead.

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The Penguin is a villain that has appeared in the Batman television series, the "Batman" movie of 1966, and in Batman Returns.

In the series and the old movie the Penguin was portrayed by Burgess Meredith. Together with the Joker, the Riddler and Catwoman he is one of the main villains. He usually commits his crime under the cover of fake enterprises and tries to win over the public. He also has a soft spot for birds and cigarettes and always carries an umbrella, which he also utilizes as a weapon.

In Tim Burton's movie Batman Returns of 1992, the Penguin is portrayed by Danny DeVito. In this outing he is not a aristocratic businessman: he is a deformed man who was thrown into the sewers by his parents when he was a baby. He has his hideout in the abandoned Gotham City Zoo with his Red Triangle Gang. When the gang kidnapps Max Shreck, the mogul convinces the penguin to candidate as Gotham's mayer under his real name Oswald Cobblepot. This campaign is sabotaged by Bruce Wayne though and the Penguin returns to his evildoings. Like in the series, the Penguin enjoys cigarettes and uses his umbrella as a weapon. He also surrounds himself with real penguins.

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So please skip this section (including the pictures) if you don't know the truth about this character.

!!!SPOILER WARNING!!! !!!SPOILER WARNING!!! !!!SPOILER WARNING!!!

So please skip this section (including the pictures) if you don't know the truth about this character.

!!!SPOILER WARNING!!! !!!SPOILER WARNING!!! !!!SPOILER WARNING!!!

So please skip this section (including the pictures) if you don't know the truth about this character.