Batman is not only one of the most popular DC characters but is also very popular in the superhero genre. The character has been adapted into various media, from TV to video games, and has been played by multiple actors as well, with Robert Pattinson being the most recent actor to portray the character in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film. And the new co-CEOs of DC Studios are also looking for another character to be the Dark Knight for their adaptation under the DCU.
American actor Adam West also portrayed the superhero in the 1966 TV show alongside Burt Ward, who joined him as Robin for the series. The duo performed several stunts and action sequences for the series. However, Ward later opened up about what really went on behind the scenes and the reason he was sent to ER on the very first day of the shoot.
Burt Ward Recalled Starring in Batman TV Series
Burt Ward was 19 years old when he landed the role of Robin in the 1966 TV show Batman. Talking about his experience, he shared that, unlike the lead star of the TV show, he was required to do his own stunts, which would lead him to suffer multiple injuries.
He has shared that on the first day of the shoot, he was asked to perform a dangerous stunt. When he got ready and entered the Batmobile, he discovered that the makers had hired a stunt double for Adam West, but not for him.
The stunt double told him that the showrunners did not want West to get hurt as the stunt they were about to do was really dangerous. Ward was surprised to hear that the stunt he was about to do was really dangerous and confirmed with the stuntman who told him, “Oh yeah! In fact, the more bones I break, the more money I make.”
While he did spot his stunt double as well, the assistant director told him they could not use him as he did not look like Burt Ward. “Because your stuntman doesn’t look like you!” Ward was told by the assistant director. This would go horribly wrong for the actor as he ended up suffering multiple injuries doing his own stunts.
Things Did Not Go Well For Burt Ward While Filming Batman
Burt Ward eventually had to do the action sequences, which ended him up in the emergency room for four of the first five days of shooting. He shared that filming the first action sequence in the Batmobile went horribly wrong for him, as he was nearly found out of the car going 55 miles per hour.
“I instinctively threw my arm back and managed to catch my little finger around the gearshift knob, which pulled it right out of the joint, but it kept me in the car. Even with the glove on, my hand was twice the size. I was in incredible pain.”
Following his continuous visits to the hospital, the doctor also told him to be cautious of whatever he was doing. While it wasn’t a pleasant experience for the actor, he went to reprise his character for the animated feature Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders and its sequel. He also praised Ben Affleck for his performance in the DCEU as Batman.
The 1966 Batman TV series is available on Prime Video.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
