Why Thomas Wayne From The Batman Looks So Familiar
Out of all of the superhero origin stories, it's hard to argue that there is one more iconic than the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne. Portrayed in Tim Burton's gothic "Batman," Nolan's darker "Batman Begins," and even explored in Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," you'd be hardpressed to find new ground to tread with this story. After all, it is one of the key reasons that Bruce Wayne ultimately grows up to become the masked vigilante known as Batman. Though the details differ from film to film, the idea is the same: After taking a shortcut through the aptly named Crime Alley, Bruce's parents are gunned down in front of their young son.
Though this story has been done quite literally to death, it is significant in the development of Bruce. In Matt Reeves' "The Batman," Bruce (Robert Pattinson) has grown up to be a recluse. He lives in his decaying manor with only Alfred (Andy Serkis) to keep him company. Considering what a serious mark the deaths of Thomas and Martha leave on Bruce, you're likely wondering who plays the iconic roles in "The Batman." Martha is played by Stella Stocker, while Thomas is depicted by Luke Roberts. If you're wondering if you've ever seen Roberts before, the answer is likely a yes, as he has appeared in several notable productions.
One of Luke Roberts' first roles was in Band of Brothers
Luke Roberts was one of several young British actors who was cast in the acclaimed 2001 HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers." The series shot in England at Hatfield Aerodrome and also featured several then up-and-coming stars from the U.K., including Damian Lewis, Michael Fassbender, and Tom Hardy (via Esquire). Roberts only appears in one scene but it's one that saw him engaging with most of the main cast.
In Episode 5, entitled "Crossroads," Roberts appears as a character named Herbert Suerth. Since the battle of Normandy, the 101st Airborne Division has seen hard times as they grapple with the beginnings of winter. Soldiers are struggling to keep warm all while they are also trying to reserve ammunition. The men of the company ask Suerth if he has extra ammo and warn him about the importance of having many pairs of socks.
The series was based on the book of the same name, which was taken from real-life recollections of the men in the airborne company (via Smithsonian Magazine). This early role for Roberts would start a career that has seen him appear in a diverse collection of films and TV shows.
Roberts plotted to destroy Mary's rule in Reign
The CW's historical drama "Reign" ran for 4 seasons and depicted the life of Mary Stuart, aka Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane). "Reign" was marketed toward a younger audience, using anachronistic music and steamy scenes in lieu of a more accurate depiction of the life of Mary. However, there were political plots as well. Luke Roberts appears in 2 episodes of the series as an English envoy named Simon Westbrook.
Westbrook is most concerned with undermining the possibility that Mary could ascend to the English throne. He fakes a poisoning plot in order to frighten Mary away from court. When this fails, he eventually escapes arrest and heads back to England. This plot is important for the future of the show. Due to complex lineage, Mary, Queen of Scots is a potential heir to both the Scottish and English thrones, which is why she is such an important figure. Eventually, she challenges Queen Elizabeth for the throne but is executed. Although the show takes liberties with history, this roughly mirrors the actual story of Mary Stuart. Eventually, her son James succeeded Queen Elizabeth as ruler after her death (via Royal.uk).
Roberts portrayed one of the best swordsmen in Westeros
Luke Roberts returned to HBO more than a decade after "Band of Brothers" when he guest-starred on "Game of Thrones." Though he only appears in one episode, his role is as one of the most famous swordsmen in Westerosi history. He appears during flashback sequences in Season 6, episode 5 as Ser Arthur Dayne, also known as the Sword of the Morning. Pledged to House Targaryen during the reign of King Aerys II, Arthur Dayne is charged with protecting Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi) in the tower while she gives birth.
Initially, Ned Stark (played by Robert Aramayo in flashbacks) thinks that his sister was taken captive, only realizing too late that she willingly had a son with Prince Rhaegar. Arthur Dayne takes his role in the kingsguard very seriously and there is a reason why he is considered one of the most skilled knights. Ned could not have beaten him on his own. Dayne dies because he was literally stabbed in the back, a move that goes against the honor that Ned holds so dear in the future. Arthur is famed in Westerosi history and is continued to be considered one of the best.
Roberts became an antagonist in Black Sails
Luke Roberts continued his streak of acting in period pieces when he eventually joined the cast of Starz's pirate drama "Black Sails" in Season 3. The series was an interesting mix of fact and fiction, basing some characters off of "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson, while others were pulled from the historical record (via Den of Geek). Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) is one of the main characters who fights against the yolk of England through his piracy. Though clearly, he is breaking the law, he and his crew are the protagonists and those who are part of the English government are the villains.
One such villain is Woodes Rogers, played by Roberts. Rogers first appears in order to give Flint a pardon for his crimes. But Flint is only interested in ridding himself of any connection to England, a country that gave him so much pain. Just as most characters in the show, Rogers struggles with light and dark. By the end of the show, he escapes death, but suffers what he considers to be an even more severe punishment — being publicly humiliated.