George Clooney Makes Light-hearted Comments about His Batman Role Compared to Ben Affleck's

George Clooney recently opened up about why he considers himself the top Batman in a playful chat on the New Heights podcast. During the discussion, host Travis Kelce asked Clooney to evaluate a humorous Batman depiction of his brother, Jason Kelce. Clooney seized the opportunity to both joke and boast about his own time as the Caped Crusader, while subtly poking fun at Ben Afflecks version.

Commenting on Jason Kelces amusing Batman photo, Clooney quipped that his brother could easily play a villain in a superhero film. He said, I think they remembered that picture coming out. You could be one of the bad guys in the film. Then, in a humorous assertion of his own legacy, Clooney added, By the way, uh you and I, all of you and I know that I was the best Batman. You know that, right? Absolutely. I mean, theres no absolute best. I mean, Ben Affleck, come on. I mean.

He also explained one of the reasons he felt he stood out as Batman: he was the only actor to wear the rubber nipples on the costume. When Travis noted that they werent very noticeable, Clooney admitted that in cold weather they looked particularly odd, joking, When it got colder, it was like two Dunlap tires coming out.

Later in the podcast, Clooney was asked which project he believed he should be most remembered for. With tongue in cheek, he replied, Well, I think its Batman & Robin, dont you? He reiterated his playful claim of being the best Batman, saying, I make that joke a lot, Ill say Im the best Batman, and you can see peoples eyes just they go How can you say that!?

Batman & Robin hit theaters in June 1997 and was originally planned to have a sequel titled Batman Unchained or Batman Triumphant. However, the films disappointing box office results and critical reception ultimately led to the follow-up being canceled.

Author's Commentary: Clooney's Playful Claim as Batman

George Clooney recently revisited his role as Batman during a conversation on the New Heights podcast, asserting with humor that he remains the top actor to portray the Caped Crusader. Clooney used the opportunity to both tease Jason Kelce’s amusing Batman photo and subtly poke fun at Ben Affleck’s portrayal.

The actor highlighted his unique costume choice, noting he was the only Batman to wear the rubber nipples on the suit, adding that they looked especially odd in cold weather. Clooney’s reflection balanced humor with a nod to his legacy, emphasizing that fans still recognize his performance despite the mixed reception of Batman & Robin.

When asked which project he believes should define his career, Clooney answered tongue-in-cheek that it should be Batman & Robin, underlining his playful confidence. This discussion also revisits the historical context of the film: released in June 1997, it underperformed critically and commercially, leading to the cancellation of its planned sequel, Batman Unchained.

In short, Clooney’s remarks mix self-deprecating humor with a firm claim to his Batman legacy, reflecting both on his personal experience and on the lasting cultural memory of the film.

Sources:

• George Clooney Jokes About His Batman vs. Ben Affleck’s