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It only took 15 pages of a script for Adam West to choose Batman
From script to superhero, West knew Batman was something special.
We've all heard of "love at first sight," but do you believe in love at first script?
Adam West certainly did, and he had his entire career to show for it. According to an interview with the Express and News, when West was offered the opportunity to audition for the role of the Caped Crusader in Batman, he only needed a few moments to make his decision.
West explained that he knew the show had promise almost immediately and expressed his excitement about joining the cast.
"I read 15 pages, and I knew that it would be a tremendous hit," West said.
West called the series "marvelous nonsense," comparing it to the children's book Alice in Wonderland. Despite the show's oddity, or perhaps because of it, West was confident in its quality. Even in Batman's beginnings, West had big dreams.
"I would like the show to last for three years," West said. "And then I hope I'll be able to go on to other things."
However, West knew the nature of the beast and understood that as quickly as his fame was given to him, it could be taken away.
"Of course, there is always the chance that Batman will die in a year and that I will die with it. But I'm hopeful that won't happen," West said.
West took a leap of faith when he signed on to play the Dark Knight, and it was a leap that would serve him well. While Batman didn't necessarily have a very long life on air, the show certainly had lasting power and continued to entertain viewers for decades after it left the air.
West only had one complaint throughout his time as Batman: "Running around in this freakish costume is kind of debilitating."
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