The Batman is undoubtedly going to be one of the biggest movies of 2022. One of the most memorable performances in the film comes from Paul Dano. He plays the fan-favorite DC villain The Riddler. His Riddler is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
The 37-year-old has a long history in Hollywood and has starred in many critically-acclaimed films over the years. Paul’s an incredibly versatile actor, and that is on full display in The Batman. HollywoodLife has rounded up everything you need to know about Paul as The Batman makes its big debut.
1. Paul Dano plays The Riddler in ‘The Batman.’
Paul stars as The Riddler/Edward Nashton in the latest movie adaptation about the Caped Crusader. Director Matt Reeves wrote his version of The Riddler with Paul in mind after watching Paul’s performance as Beach Boys member Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy. “Paul is just off-center in a way that makes him very relatable,” Matt told THR. “I didn’t want this character to be a villain. Even in his darkness, I wanted to see that humanity.”
2. Paul is known for several of his past roles.
Prior to The Batman, Paul had already made a name for himself in Hollywood. His notable films include Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood, 12 Years A Slave, Prisoners, and Love & Mercy. He was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in There Will Be Blood. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Love & Mercy. Paul starred in the miniseries Escape at Dannemora and earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. He is set to play a character inspired by Steven Spielberg’s father in the upcoming film The Fablemans.
3. Paul is dating Zoe Kazan.
Paul and actress Zoe Kazan have been in a relationship since 2007. They met while working on the play Things We Want. They co-starred in the 2012 film Ruby Sparks, which Zoe also wrote. They co-wrote the 2018 film Wildlife. Paul and Zoe welcomed a daughter in 2018.
4. Paul is in a band.
Paul is the vocalist and lead guitarist of the band Mook. Director Bong Joon Ho wrote the part of Jay for Paul in the movie Okja after seeing Paul before with his band in Brooklyn. “He was undeniably an artist,” Bong told THR. “He was singing while playing a peculiar rhythm on the guitar … It’s hard to explain, but it was weird yet natural at the same time.”
5. Paul is a director.
Paul made his directorial debut with the 2018 drama Wildlife. The movie was based on the novel by Richard Ford, and Paul co-wrote the screenplay with his partner. Wildlife starred Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.