Why Robert Pattinson is internet catnip | CNN

There are a few stars who have been all over our movie screens in 2026 but just one seems to be dominating our computer screens, too: Robert Pattinson. Through no campaigning on his part, Pattinson has managed to pull off what’s been described as an “absolutely generational run” in meme culture this year. Clips of the British actor from “The Odyssey” and “Primetime” (set to be released on September 25) have been impossible to miss on social media in recent weeks. Pattinson’s ascent to the status of summer meme champion carries with it real cultural cachet. In addition to providing free publicity for the films themselves, memes help to solidify an actor’s star power, influence and ubiquity in popular culture. Whereas a movie may only have a limited run in theaters, a meme can last forever. In Pattinson’s case, his latest entries in the internet hall of fame also reflect how his online status has changed across his career, from a position of mockery to the widespread adoration on display today in numerous viral fan edits. “Pattinson is definitely one of the more interesting actors with a big meme presence because he’s actually managed to survive multiple gener