Annenberg Radio News

Batman is the first superhero to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

The dark and brooding caped crusader came out of his cave Thursday morning to receive a star on Hollywood Boulevard.

Photo of a man in a Batman costume posing at the unveiling of Batman's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Man in a Batman costume poses at the unveiling of Batman's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo by Heli Ruiz)

Today, Batman became the first superhero to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The introduction ceremony took place in front of the Guinness World Records Museum on Hollywood Boulevard, replete with fans dressed as the caped crusader, cheering crowds, and even a replica Batmobile.

Jim Lee, President and Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics, talked about the Batman character’s history.

“Batman is one of the world’s most iconic characters, standing for justice, strength and fearlessness,” Lee said. “For more than eighty-five years, Batman has shown up for fans from comic books, cartoons, TV, movies, toys and video games. Batman has been everywhere, and now we’re so proud that he is the first superhero right here to receive a permanent star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

Batman’s star is the 2,790th addition to the landmark since its original completion in 1961. Actor Robert Pattinson is the most recent lead to take on the character in the 2022 American superhero film titled “The Batman.”

Anne DePies, general manager and senior vice president of DC comics, talked about the legacy and impact of the Batman character. She said Batman has become “an American myth” whose adventures capture a range of emotions.

“I’ll end with what I think it’s Batman’s greatest strength,” DePies said. “While he is one of the few DC heroes without actual superpowers, Batman possesses the unbelievable ability to bring fans of all kinds together around something they truly love.”

And there was a reason the ceremony was held outside the Guinness World Records Museum: museum officials said Batman’s becoming the first superhero to receive a star on the Walk of Fame is a record in itself.