Robert Pattinson rose to fame as a sex symbol in 2008 by portraying Edward, the young old vampire in the “Twilight” series. Since then, he has worked hard to break free from this image and has become one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.
His mysterious air and azure blue eyes captivated the world in 2008 when he resisted drinking Bella’s blood in “Twilight.” At the time, all teenagers idolized him, covering the walls of their rooms with posters of his face. Under the guise of the young old vampire Edward Cullen, Robert Pattinson not only became a superstar but a true phenomenon, the object of all fantasies, featured on the cover of every magazine.
At just 22 years old, the British actor embodies a different kind of romantic heartthrob, contrasting with Zac Efron or Ashton Kutcher, stars of romantic comedies with their smooth skin and ultra-bright smiles. His almost androgynous appearance intrigues as much as it fascinates. Robert Pattinson unintentionally plays with this, maintaining mystery in each of his public appearances. His nonchalance and almost detached attitude on red carpets reinforce his aura and iconic status, as he seems unattainable and elusive. In reality, he dislikes being in the spotlight. “It’s a bit excessive. I’ve always hated crowds. I’m quite paranoid, so it’s not good for me to be constantly observed. I’m not really cut out for this job. I don’t like being photographed,” he explained at the time, as reported by The Guardian.
Behind the scenes, his reputation as a tormented sex symbol also haunts him. The actor fears being trapped in this label, reduced to his role as Edward Cullen which he despises. “The more I read the script, the more I despised this guy, so I interpreted him as a self-hating manic-depressive. Besides, he’s a 108-year-old virgin, so of course, he has issues,” he revealed in promotional interviews.
Robert Pattinson is determined to break free from this image post-Twilight era and take on eccentric and unsettling roles. He portrayed an odious, cold, and cruel billionaire in David Cronenberg’s “Cosmopolis” in 2012. Two years later, he played Rey, a post-apocalyptic outlaw with rotten teeth, in David Michôd’s thriller “The Rover.” Edward Cullen is far behind, and Robert Pattinson seems finally content with the direction his career is taking. The myth of the romantic vampire no longer exists.
Perhaps because he has nothing left to prove, in 2022 he accepted a role in a blockbuster. Despite some hesitations, Robert Pattinson shines in the role of Batman, bringing a darker and more fragile dimension to the character, showcasing his versatile talent. The actor is now everywhere: last year in “Mickey 17” by South Korean director Bong Joon Ho, this year in “The Drama” with Zendaya, the most bankable actress of the moment, and “Die, My Love” with Jennifer Lawrence, currently in theaters.
