No one loves a good pop culture theory more than we do. If someone concocts a semi-logical way for Mephisto to show up on Top Chef we’ll read about it. We’re not the only ones who dig fan theories, though. Even the newest Dark Knight, Robert Pattinson, seeks them out. In fact, they helped influence his performance. He shared that surprising tidbit in a new video from Vanity Fair, where The Batman stars read through message board posts speculating on what surprises might await viewers when they return to Gotham.
Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, and Jeffrey Wright joined the new Caped Crusader to take turns reading fan theories about the film. Those predictions/speculations/wishes covered a whole range of topics. That included the possibility of a multiverse and the true identity of Pattinson’s character. Another theory surmised the Riddler and Bruce Wayne are related. Other ideas covered what motivates Bruce, the truth about the Wayne family, a role for the Court of Owls, Selina’s disguises, and more.
Some theories they denied. Others they confirmed. And a few you’ll just have to wait to see the movie to learn the truth. But the most unexpected revelation came when Pattinson admitted he read—and still reads—fan message boards about Batman. Not only did they help shape his performance, he sometimes even responded.
Here’s what Pattinson said about his online message board adventures:
It’s extremely helpful to have these fan theories. I used to look at a lot of the forum stuff. And it actually really did inform my character. A lot. Still look at it nowadays. I generally lurk. Sometimes I just get pushed a little far and I have to respond something. So when sometimes you just see a quiet, abstract message going, “Please, just leave me alone,” that’s me.
We expect/know fans will soon have their theories on which forum replies they believe were actually Robert Pattinson. But we also have a new theory we’d like to add: his Bruce Wayne will better a lot better at keeping his real identity a secret.