#astin riddler

[mr-dead-inside]

John Astin as The Riddler ?

Batman🦇 (1966-1968)

[silveragelovechild]

Bat Villain by Tom Richmond

[wanderingmind867]

I was bored, so I just decided to look up the actors who've played The Penguin, Catwoman and The Riddler. Using Wikipedia and YouTube as my metrics, I've decided I might as well make a post sharing my top five or six actors for each character. I'm excluding the joker for now, mostly because i know he's probably had way more actors than all the others.

My top four Penguin actors are Burgess Meredith, Danny DeVito, Paul Williams and Tom Kenny. All four of them are amazing actors, and they all pulled the role off amazingly. I remember all of them for their roles (and i know most of them for their other work too, which is usually always pretty good). If I had to add a fifth actor to this list, I might add the actor who did it for the Gotham tv show. I don't know much about him (since I never watched Gotham), but he seems like a decent actor (from the rare clips i saw).

My favourite Catwoman actors...well, there's probably six of them. She's had so many actors play her, it's nearly insane. But I narrowed it down to six. All three of the ones from the 60s show (Julie Newmar, Lee Meriwether and Eartha Kitt), the actress who did it for the Brave and The Bold (Nika Futterman), and the two who did it for the arkham games and the telltale series (Grey Delisle and Laura Bailey, respectively). That's my top six, and i'm pretty sure all three of the sixties actresses lead the charts.

Finally, The Riddler actors. My top two are easy: Frank Gorshin and Wally Wingert. Frank Gorshin leads the charts, because who can beat that man in mania and entertainment? Nobody! He was a genius. Wally Wingert is pretty good for voice acting, though. I also enjoyed when Robert Englund did it, though (despite hating horror movies, i liked a lot of robert englund's work on animated shows in the 2000s). John Astin filled in for Frank Gorshin once, and I like him enough as Gomez Addams to give him a pass. John Michael Higgins apparently did it for the Brave and The Bold, and I'm predisposed to like him because I love him in all of his other comedy films and shows. And finally, i liked the guy who did it for the Telltale games (Robin Atkin Downes, I think wikipedia said?). But yeah, that's probably my top six. Frank Gorshin, Wally Wingert, Robert Englund, John Astin, John Michael Higgins and Robin Atkin Downes.

This post took nearly an hour to make. I wrote so much (and so slowly) that you can almost argue i wasted time on all of it. But I suppose it did kill time, which is all i was aiming to do when i came to make this post. So i guess in that respect, this was a success.

[professorambrius]

Happy Birthday, John Astin

A Very Happy 95th Birthday to actor John Astin!

Astin is best remembered as Gomez Addams in "The Addams Family" tv series, the first actor to play him. He also is the one who chose Gomez's name as it was never used in the comics. He also voiced the character in the 1992 animated series.

He also played the Riddler in two episodes of the 2nd season of the Adam West Batman Series, "Batman's Anniversary" and "A Riddling Controversy". John took the role due to payment disagreements between Frank Gorshin and the show.

[driveintheaterofthemind]

John Astin

[pandorasboxofhorrors]

[littlewalken]

John Astin as The Riddler explained-

Tish, remember my friend Edward Nigma from college? He wants to know if I can come to Gotham and torment Batman for him!

Darling, I hope you said yes.

[fancoloredglasses]

Batman’s Anniversary/A Riddling Controversy (The Riddler’s looking a bit creepy... and kooky)

[All images are owned by DC Comics and 20th Century Fox Disney. Please don’t sue me]

Fans of the Caped Crusader’s 60s TV show know the four core villains, but three of them have appeared in more episodes than the fourth. The reason for this is that Frank Gorshin (who played the Riddler) wanted to renegotiate his contract after the first season, so the studio fired him (they brought him back for an episode in Season 3)

This review covers the one Riddler story in season 2. No, they didn’t bring Gorshin back for the story, but rather…well, you’ll have to read on to find out! If you would like to watch the episode, it’s available on Hulu or behind your favorite paywall.

We open in Stately Wayne Manor where Bruce Wayne is helping his ward Dick Grayson with his geometry homework when Alfred quietly announces an important call from Commissioner Gordon.

Gordon is a bit coy, not saying who or what requires Batman’s presence, but that he needs Batman right away at the Gotham Plaza Hotel. One quick drop down the Batpoles and the Dynamic Duo are off!

At the Gotham Plaza Hotel, Commissioner Gordon rushes the Caped Crusaders to the ballroom where…

…he reveals a surprise party luncheon celebrating the anniversary of Batman’s debut in Gotham as the opening credits roll!

Mayor Linseed presides over the luncheon, announcing the Gotham Dairy Council (wait, Gotham has dairy farms?) has donated $200,000 to the charity of Batman’s choice (I’m gonna guess it will be the Wayne Foundation) and the donation is presented…

…inside of a golden calf by Ms. Anna Gram (that’s an odd name). Why would they put the money inside such a gimmick? Why not just write a giant novelty check like everyone else? Just then…

As Batman tries to get the guests out in an orderly fashion, the GCFD shows up…

…through the window? The “Firemen” take the golden calf and hastily exit back through the window along with Anna Gram (Yeah, should’ve just done the check) As the “Fire Chief” exits, he can’t help but taunt Batman.

The Riddler! (Ah! Anna gram…ANAGRAM!) Only he looks a bit like Gomez Addams.

Yes, with Frank Gorshin fired, the producers brought in John Astin and hoped no one would notice.

Riddler leaves a clue for Batman about his next caper…

OK, that sort of riddle is more what I would expect from a villain who’s whole schtick is trying to outwit Batman (it’s much better than “What weights six ounces, sits in a tree, and is very dangerous? A sparrow with a machine gun” anyway)

With that, Riddler escapes to a waiting GCFD vehicle.

…which looks more like a red panel van. You’d think, given the GCPD doesn’t need much of a budget given that Batman solves 90% of the crimes in Gotham City, the city could afford a fire truck.

Batman and Robin rush off to the Batmobile to give chase. However, the Riddler’s panel van emergency vehicle crosses paths with an identical emergency vehicle and Batman isn’t sure who to chase!

Then a newspaper vendor stops at the Batmobile to try to sell one to Batman.

Batman then opens to the crossword page (an engaging page to be sure!) then heads back to the Batcave to solve the puzzle.

Meanwhile, at the Riddler’s hideout…

(You know, if the GCPD raided every joke shop, game factory, umbrella shop, and bird/cat food warehouse on a weekly basis, crime would drop over 70% in Gotham City!)

…the Riddler prepares for his next heist.

I’m gonna guess it’s underwater.

Meanwhile in the Batcave…

You mean he hasn’t entirely solved the crossword yet? I thought Batman was the World’s Greatest Detective!

They then look at the answers in the upper left corner and realize that there is a charity BANQUET at the BASIN STREET hotel that has collected $100,000 for the Wayne Foundation Batman’s favorite charity!

To further complicate matters, Gordon calls that a flooded water main has flooded an underground bank vault (a BANK-WET! Clever, writers Mr. Nigma!) Batman has Gordon cover the banquet while he and Robin check out the bank-wet.

Later, at the bank-wet…

…Riddler and his goons prepare to blow the vault when…

Why are they walking when they’re supposed to be underwater? Unless everyone has weighted shoes, they should be swimming! The Dynamic Duo slowly confront the Riddler and his gang and they fight in slow motion…

(but no ZOWIE!)

…until Riddler removes Robin’s rebreather, forcing Batman to let the criminals escape before Robin drowns.

As the Caped Crusaders leave the bank…

(looking a lot drier than they should), Batman spies a riddle left behind.

(when wearing a waterproof bat-suit?)

Back at the Riddler’s hideout, Riddler tallies his ill-gotten gains thus far at $1.5 million, but he needs twice that amount.

So THAT’s Riddler’s game! Buy a super-weapon and hold the city hostage!

Then Anna escorts in the man who will sell Riddler this weapon…

(If there’s some sort of gag in that name, I’m not seeing it)

Prof. Charm is selling his super weapon (known as the demolecularizer) as revenge against the Gotham Science Institute for not allowing him to join. (Y’know, he could just use it himself, but then he’d be out three million bucks)

At the Batcave, Batman and Robin have yet to solve the latest riddle when Alfred reminds them of an appointment with the Gotham City Bakers’ Guild.

Well, Batman certainly wouldn’t let a silly thing like a master criminal’s crime spree get in the way of a PR stunt!

Later at Gotham City Bakery…

…the bakers prepare to sculpt the marshmallow toppers for the giant cake. They ask Batman and Robin to stand on top of the cake (why? You’d think they’d want their subjects close by to get as much detail as they can while sculpting in marshmallow)

Wait, that’s no baker! Though he is cooking up something fiendish, I’m sure!

No sooner do Our Heroes step onto the cake, they begin sinking!

I think I know the answer to the Riddler’s clue.

Riddler then leaves to collect the rest of Batman’s charity money (when will these villains learn to confirm their kills?)

Which means it’s time for the cliffhanger!

But you won’t have to wait until tomorrow! Just click that “next episode” button on whatever method you’re watching this.

Now, onto part 2!

So what deus ex Batshit will the writers Batman come up with this time?

That works. Thanks Robin!

(Fortunately, TV was so low-def that the viewers didn’t see the wires pulling Our Heroes out)

Later at the Riddler’s hideout, the villainous gang watch the news of their exploits. Then the newscaster said the Commissioner and Batman made a joint statement about the Riddler’s latest heist.

(I would call that an “Oh shit!” face)

Meanwhile, the newscaster states the Riddler’s latest clue.

(I’m telling you, the writers have really stepped up their game for Astin’s Riddler!)

The Riddler quickly recovers, not believing Batman survived.

I gotta say, that line was pretty clever.

The gang has their doubts, but the Riddler is confident they’ll pull off the final caper needed to cover Prof. Charm’s price for the demolecularizer.

Meanwhile, in Gordon’s office, the Commissioner brainstorms with a very-much-alive Batman and Robin about the riddle. Gordon says a nest is blessed when they are young ones.

Robin once again solves the riddle (Batman’s supposed to be the World’s Greatest Detective, yet Robin seems to solve 95% of the Riddler’s clues)

Fortunately, Batman’s knowledge of the bullshit geography of Gotham City comes into play, as he remembers a nightclub on top of one of Gotham’s skyscrapers known as the Eyrie (which is another name for an eagle’s nest) However, with some mental gymnastics that would make Mary Lou Retton (remember her?) proud, they come around to a “Latin eagle”…

(So Gotham City is harboring deposed dictators? I guess he’s one of the ones the CIA likes)

The Caped Crusaders head to Aquilo’s penthouse, but…

…will they be too late?

Batman soon arrives, much to the shock of the Riddler. However, he quickly recovers and sic’s his goons on them as the fight music begins!

…but no ZOWIE! (I know there were fights that have a ZOWIE! and I’ll eventually review one…oh wait, I did!)

The Dynamic Duo make short work of the Riddler’s goons, but the Riddler tells Batman to let them go, or…

…he will blow up Aquila (who looks like a stereotypical tinpot dictator. You’d think he wouldn’t dress like a revolutionary while in America). All Batman has to do to free Aquila is solve the Riddler’s puzzle box and disarm the bomb. By that time, Riddler will be scot-free. Batman obviously has no choice.

Later at Riddler’s hideout, Prof. Charm gets his payment and presents the demolecularizer to the Riddler!

Prof. Charm demonstrates by disintegrating demolecularizing a hat.

The Riddler then calls Gordon to go to the park and keep an eye on the statue.

Batman quickly joins him. Shortly after…

…the Riddler strikes! Shortly after, a messenger gives Batman the latest from the Riddler demanding all laws be abolished in two hours or he’ll make GCPD disappear, then a building a day until his demand is met! Obviously the Riddler doesn’t know how government works. They can’t get anything accomplished in two years, let alone two hours!

And of course this being the Riddler…

Seriously? I take back what I said about the writers being clever!

…I take back my take-back.

As the Boatmobile sits in front of a green screen aimlessly wanders Gotham in search of the Riddler, Robin figures out the first of the Riddler’s clues (not that it was that hard; the answer is “man”)

For the second part, they do more mental gymnastics to take the first letter of key words in each of the Riddler’s other clues, convert them to their numerical equivalent, add them together and come up with 36. Robin comes up with 36 inches (or 3 feet?) Robin says no one has three feet…

Congratulation Batman, you figured out what the rest of have known since the beginning of part one: the location of the Riddler’s hideout! (remember?) Batman immediately calls Gordon and tells him not to give in to the Riddler’s demands. He then asks Gordon to bring to the Batcopter’s hanger (again I ask, how is Gotham Airport getting paid to store and upkeep the Batcopter?)…

Doing a quick google search, there’s no such thing as sodium dichlorite! Now, sodium chrlorite is used in mouthwash, but I doubt Batman needs minty fresh breath to beat the Riddler. Sodium dichloride is a disinfectant, but that doesn’t seem like it would help much either. What the hell kind of deus ex Batshit is the Bright Knight planning?

Meanwhile at the Riddler’s hideout, Riddler informs the audience his gang that he’s hidden the demolecularizer in Gordon’s office (wouldn’t that disintegrate the demolecularizer as well?) As the deadline looms, the Riddler turns on the TV to watch GCPD (and his demolecularizer) vanish. The newscaster announces that Gordon will go down with the ship GCPD.  

Meanwhile outside…

Wait, weren’t they just in the Batcopter? Why didn’t they just fly it there instead of taking the time to return to Gotham City Airport (for that matter, why take the Batcycle when the Batmobile was no doubt parked nearby?)

Then, just as the deadline comes…

…but other than a lightning strike, nothing happens. Needless to say, the Riddler’s confused and a bit pissed. Then Batman and Robin come in with their deus ex Batshit explanation.

Yep, Batman used the sodium dichlorite to seed a cloud, causing a thunderstorm which shorted out the building’s power.

[OK…first off, it’s silver iodide that used to seed clouds. Second, there is NO FUCKING WAY Batman could time and aim a lightning bolt at GCPD to short out the building at the last second! Third, there’s also NO FUCKING WAY Batman could know the demolecularizer was inside the building!]

Cue the fight music!

(STILL no ZOWIE!)

While Batman and Robin do the mop up, Ana Gram tries to escape, but…

Chief O’Hara made good time, considering he was in Gordon’s office less than a minute ago!

Later in Gordon’s office, Prof. Charm turns himself in, donating the funds he gained from selling the demolecularizer to the Wayne Foundation (I KNEW IT!) in exchange for a lighter sentence. Batman promises he’ll be admitted into the Gotham Science Institute as soon as he’s released from prison.

Roll credits!

I’m going to say I would’ve enjoyed seeing Astin return for more episodes as the Riddler instead of Gorshin returning for one more episode. The writers were a bit more clever (some of which could’ve been Astin’s input as well), and Gorshin’s giggling sounded too similar to Cesar Romero’s laugh which (when you add in that EVERY villain on the show left puzzling clues for Batman to solve) made the Riddler seem like a cheap Joker knockoff. Edward Nygma deserved better.

(Thanks to hol up)

...and certainly better than what Joel Schumacher did to him!

[vintagetvstars]

Patrick Troughton Vs. John Astin

Propaganda

Patrick Troughton - (Doctor Who) - His version of the doctor is my absolute favourite.

John Astin - (The Addams Family, Batman) - wife guy energy off the charts as the OG gomez addams, and he also played the riddler in the 1966 batman!

- No Negative Propaganda Please -

Master Poll List | How to submit propaganda | What is vintage? (FAQ)

Additional propaganda below the cut

Patrick Troughton:

John Astin:

[riddlebirdweek]

1960s Batman was colorful and fun. Riddler posed crafty conundrums that took a leap of logic while Penguin hid his schemes behind a respectable facade. The show didn't take itself too seriously yet Burgess Meredith, Frank Gorshin and John Astin played them with panache. Try it for #riddlebirdweek

[britishsquidward]

I’m currently making an oc to ship with Riddler (I’m planning on making them a director/film historian) and I have to ask, how do you think 66!Riddler would be as a romantic partner? I need some headcanon stuff that I can use for inspiration

I'll split this into two sections, one for analysing relationships he has in the series for ideas, and one of miscellaneous headcanons for things he may do.

This will be specifically for Gorshin!Riddler, as I'm assuming this is the personality you're wanting for the ship instead of Astin - but also if you want to send any extra info through about the OC for more specifics, then I can try get some extra parts for that, too.

Everything you need under the cut! (Long post).

Relationship Analysis

It depends on the personality of the character he's with, as it can differ due to this and give somewhat different dynamics!

This being said, in general I'd say he'd be rather a good one - provided he actually likes the person LOL, which I am assuming is the case here (for examples on how he acts around someone who he's not as attracted to but still being flirty toward, see Mousey ("A Riddle a Day Keeps the Riddler Away/When the Rat's Away, the Mice Will Play", S1E11/12) or Moth ("The Ring of Wax/Give 'Em the Axe", S1E23/24). Here he shows some kind of interest but not a full emotional connection (usually due to the fact they annoy him or mess with the plan in some capacity).

When he properly likes somebody, this is usually due to them being like-minded in terms of schemes and/or interests (so films in your OC's case), or just because he finds them super physically attractive right off the bat (sometimes this option usually lacks the emotional depth though, so can be a little harder to work on. See his dynamic with Siren in "Ring Around the Riddler", S3E2).

Actually talking about liking people now, lol. So generally, he fits under one of three main dynamics (but can go in-between, this is just for ease of explaining), which I'll try to talk through using characters and ships I personally like with 66 Riddler.

We'll start with Riddlemolly ("Hey Diddle Riddle/A Smack in the Middle", S1E1/2). Molly is a very strong personality; sure of herself, not afraid to be on the wrong side of the law... a bit of a girlboss, essentially. I'd say for canonical ships in this show, this is the one he seems to feel most strongly for but this is in part due to the tension of them not actually dating (probably best not to when a mob boss has his eye on her too-), but he shows this through compliments and flirtatious actions.

A few that come to mind: "yes, my pretty", "fantastic, pretty lady", and the whole scene were he sort of teasingly goes to kiss her and then doesn't. He also shows concern for her when she doesn't return in the latter episode, pacing and all. If they actually dated, he'd be very complimenting and praising toward her because he knows how strong of a person she is and thinks that deserves to be appreciated, and sees her as an equal enough to take on board things she says, and even carry her suggestions, which could even, in a more domestic sense, mean going out of his way to do things for her (making her gifts - particularly clothes!! he can sew - cooking dinner, etc.); when Riddler gets fixated on a project he cares about, he won't let up and he'll complete it to its fullest. His actions are his love language, and the words accompany that.

For an extra example of how Riddlemolly and this sort of dynamic looks, I have a fanfiction about it here.

Number two! Riddleline (Pauline - see "Death in Slow Motion/The Riddler's False Notion", S1E31/32). This may prove most useful to you as an example because it's directly related to film. Pauline is also fairly strong in personality but she carries her insecurities and is quite shy at times. Not as sure of herself as Molly, but I think that comes from inexperience of being in the whole crime game. Riddler is very supportive of her here. They share the interest of silent films and acting, and that is something that stands out to him. He compliments her too, but not as flirtatiously as Molly, it's in a more casual sense. Even when he's not outrightly saying something was good, it's implied by his tone and body language (e.g/ smiling excitedly when she's about to act, with a "do your stuff!" because he knows it's going to be great and he can't wait to see the result - seeing as he was a director himself in that epsiode, a role in which he feels most comfortable in, but can act himself too, as seen in the same episode).

He shows her physical attention too, but in a more subtle way because again she is rather shy, and he's doing his best to show his appreciation for her in that less-forward way, even when it's slipping in quick moments before he moves onto the next part of his scheme (like when he blows a kiss to her in the bakery scene - he didn't have to do that, but he chose to; he's actually surprisingly considerate lol). There's also when all the goons go in the back of the van, and Pauline makes move to join them but Riddler stops her, playfully squeezes her face, and tells her she can sit in the front with him. I think this is the best example of how Riddler would look in a properly developed relationship.

Thirdly, and people must've known it was coming, Riddlebat. One of my favourite dynamics of his. So Batman's obviously extremely morally correct and sensible and that's such a contrast to Riddler (even though he knows what's right), except he doesn't so mind as much being corrected in this situation because Batman is intelligent, and that's what he would find most attractive about him. Don't think I have to explain the tension between them sometimes lol, (S1E24... also check out Legends of the Superheroes 1979). Riddler feels Batman can't do anything too bad to him, and that's where the teasing comes in. Batman would be more closed-off and awkward and Riddler would play into that, trying to be as close as possible and say as many things to fluster him as he could, not to mention he'd be very handsy, it not really mattering if Batman says he's got work to do because they both know he likes it deep down. It is not explicit Riddlebat, but I have a fanfiction about their platonic dynamic, and at one point Riddler does tease him in a romantically-tinged fashion. Also have, lightly discussed: how much he believes in Batman being able to fix anything, and another of them just interacting.

I could go into more detail with them, or any of these, but this post is not about them, so I'll do it another time if anyone asks, lol

Relationship Action Headcanons

Gifts, he's a gift-maker/giver through and through, and whatever it is, it's going to be crafted to perfection. Can range from anything from a sweet little drawing, to a new clothing item that he sewed himself. Probably things themed around their favourite silent films, in your OC's case.

Dinner dates - they're one of his favourite kinds, but not out at a restaraunt because he is not paying all of that LOL. At either one of their places, because he gets to make food the way he likes it, and it may not be as perfect as he wants to believe it is but it still goes as his excuse to show off that he can do something, which would, to him, seem impressive given that he spends most of his time in prison, abandoned buildings, or the waterworks. Also may put music on in the background, probably record sountracks from his favourite films.

Flowers, he has a very basic understanding of flower meanings and only knows a few but he explains it in such a way that you'd think he were an expert. Usually these are only bought on special events, but if he just so happens to see a flower he knows this partner will like, he's not above just nabbing it right there and then to give to them on a whim.

Poems! As seen in S1E23 (recites a passage that he "wrote (it) himself"), and Legends of the Superheroes 1979 (bargaining with Batman, he claims "I'll immortalise you, I'll write a poem for you!"), he writes! So I think this would be something he'd like doing - but, hide it as he likes, he gets nervous. He knows he's skilled, but he does get a bit of performance anxiety (the same way he gets phone anxiety), when he's not super hyped up. Leading to one of two options: a) he writes it down and leaves for his partner to find, or b) he pretends to be preoccupied and mutters the poem to himself, just loud enough for them to hear in order to appear casual, whilst still get his point across.

Building onto the former point, he may also write scripts for them to run ideas past them as his way of getting more involved. May overdo it without realising and come off as a bit clingy.

Verbal affection - Riddler's strength is in his mind and his words, so he's going to make sure to use things like this a lot, from outright compliments to general reassurance. Also: riddles where they answer ends up being some kind of compliment or flirt.

Physical affection - again, this majorly depends on the dynamic with the other person, as it can range from brief touches (something akin to how he does for Betsy in S3E2), to prolonged holding (more likely if the other is a stronger personality, like Batman).

Can be difficult at times, because he gets so focused on his work that he can forget to help himself, let alone think to remember he needs to interact with someone else. Gets frustrated when things don't go according to plan or things get changed without him being told first. See how this sort of thing may look in autistic individuals.

May clash as times because he does like being in control of things a lot, and with a director, he'd be trying to get all up in their projects with his own imput, not quite understanding its not his project.

With the film historian part, as Riddler himself has his own special interest in film, he'll like this a lot, now that there's someone who knows as much about it as he does, and they can share new information between each other, but he may get a little upset if they tend to know more about a particular subject he likes than he does. Nothing against them, it just feels like his thing.

Will be very flamboyantly flirty, leaning across desks, and the like. Constantly trying to act things out and help with scripts, trying to be involved in nearly everything, as he considers himself a good actor - and he is! Especially with impressions (see Frank Gorshin's standup work, I can recommend some if you need them).

Film references - may plan dates or complimetns/riddles around certain films either of them like and acting out scenarios either for the romantic undertone or just to cheer them up after something that upset them. Sometimes maybe just for fun, but might get upset if he goes to a lot of effort, only for the partner to not be able to enjoy/spend as much time doing it/attend due to being busy with work.

Hope these helped! As I said before, if there's any specifics I can help with, let me know!

[riddlerweek]

Why stick to only one Riddler for #riddlerweek? You have seven days to try other versions, maybe ones you're less familiar with. That could mean using John Astin's portrayal or a rarer seen comic design. You could even use several variants in the same prompt. Hopefully we'll see lots of variety.

[finniestoncrane]

We’ve had Frank Gorshin, John Astin, Jim Carrey, Corey Smith, and Paul Dano. We could have had Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, or even David Tennant.

My question to you is, who in your opinion, is the best man for the job in terms of live action? Who is YOUR ideal live action Riddler?

the fuckin face of disgust i made at the notion of bawheid leonardo dicaprio playing the riddler, paul dano's spherical dome was ENOUGH only ONE round boy may play him

ok so, i have a few different preferences for who i think would make an excellent riddler!!

so, fem!riddler? kate mckinnon as jillian holtzmann in ghostbusters really just. did something to me lmao

if i wanted to be entirely self-indulgent? fuck it, give me lucky yates. give that man to me in spandex. he already played an unethical scientist in archer, he's goofy, dorky, and he loves batman

if i'm going for a live action of my beloved arkham riddler? hit me with doc hammer baby, his face is spot fuckin ON

and then, if i want someone new and fun? phil wang. phil wang would be an exceptional edward nygma

[wanderingmind867]

Huh. Learn something new every day. I go to look up DC animated movies and shows, I see what I missed since I dipped out of that sphere in 2015 or so. And then I learn Sean Astin is now one of the voice actors for Shazam. And that John Astin (Gomez Addams in the 60s, and The Riddler in one or two episodes of the 60s Batman) got to do Uncle Marvel for one of the animated tv shows. And just...wow. I can actually approve of that. John Astin always seems like a great guy, and I can actually sort of see him doing that role well (even if i haven't actually watched the performance). And I also just love that Sean Astin wasn't even his biological son, but John Astin just stepped up and raised him as his own son when he married Patty Duke. Both of them are great actors.

[thenightling]

I left MeTV on and the old 60s Batman is on. It's one of the ones where John Astin is The Riddler. John Astin was the original Gomez Addams so it just looks like Gomez snapped and ran away to Gotham for a life of crime. I'm sure he'll calm down and go back to Morticia later. :-P

[wanderingmind867]

Iprefer to think John Astin's Riddler was actually just Cluemaster. But besides that, I agree with your interpretations of the three catwomen and three mister freezes.

okay nobody asked but these are my thoughts re: all of the rogues in the '66 Batman series who are just. played by multiple actors and it's never addressed or explained within the show at all.

so the three different Catwomen (Newmar, Meriwether, and queen icon Kitt) are like. they're besties. they're former college roommates, maybe. they're BFFs who are all kind of mean with each other but they're still regularly hanging out and getting brunch and maybe eating each other out a little. mildly toxic but they hype each other up. to it's kind of a Mystery of the Batwoman situation where three women are all just using the same name and same(ish) costume except they're not ever trying to hide it at all.

none of the Mr. Freezes actually know each other; those are completely unrelated men who are using the same name because it's convenient and there aren't actually a TON of good ice-themed names out there when you really think about it. knowing how '66 Batman works they do all probably run into each other at a ray gun enthusiasts' convention or something and it's predictably awkward.

the Riddlers are divorced and they hate each other.