Robert Pattinson has made headlines for many reasons, from his iconic role as Edward Cullen in Twilight to his gritty portrayal of Bruce Wayne in The Batman. But one lesser-known aspect of his fame is his penchant for messing with the press.
In a recent interview with The New York Times Style Magazine, Pattinson reflected on his early career, when the relentless cycle of promotional interviews drove him to invent wild stories just to amuse himself. One infamous instance occurred in 2011, while promoting The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1. During a televised interview, he vividly described witnessing a clown die in a fiery car explosion during his childhood.
“There was absolutely no hesitation at all [in my voice],” Pattinson admitted. “I’m like, ‘What on earth? Are you possessed?’”
This wasn’t an isolated incident. The actor fabricated numerous stories during that time, including claims that he had been a women’s hand model, taken a stalker out for dinner, and shot a “coprophilia scene” for Twilight that was later cut. Explaining his behavior, Pattinson said the endless questions about fame left him in a “fugue state,” and spinning tall tales became his escape from the monotony.
Back to the Spotlight
Pattinson has evolved since his early days of surreal interviews and chaotic auditions. He is now recognized as one of Hollywood’s most selective actors. Currently, he’s gearing up for the release of Mickey 17, a sci-fi drama helmed by Parasite Oscar-winner Bong Joon Ho, set to premiere in 2024.
He’s also set to reprise his role as the Dark Knight in The Batman sequel, scheduled for a 2026 release, with production kicking off next year. Despite his career renaissance, Pattinson revealed that his association with Twilight remains persistent.
Recently, an airport employee identified him as “the guy from Twilight” and asked why he stopped acting. His response? “I’m Batman.” The employee simply laughed.
A Not-So-Heroic Audition
Though he’s now a leading man, Pattinson’s early career wasn’t without its missteps. He recalled a particularly disastrous audition for 2006’s Eragon. In one scene, his character discovers a dragon egg in what was meant to be a triumphant moment. Pattinson, however, interpreted the scene as tragic, leading his manager to later report that the casting team thought he was on drugs.
A Quirky Legacy
From lying about clown explosions to redefining iconic characters, Robert Pattinson has carved a path that’s uniquely his own. While his early career may have been chaotic, his current trajectory reflects a sharp focus and a continued love for challenging roles.
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