1992’s Batman Returns presented a problem for Warner Bros. While still successful, the film grossed significantly less than its predecessor. Even worse, parents groups had a field day, with them complaining that the film was too dark, jeopardizing the lucrative tie-ins the studio planned with chains like McDonald’s.
They decided a change in direction was needed, which meant Tim Burton would not be returning to the director’s chair. He was replaced by Joel Schumacher, who opted to eschew the darkness of the Burton films and embrace the campy aspect of the character. While he would go way overboard with 1997’s Batman & Robin, his direction, which included adding nipples to the bat-suit, was praised when Batman Forever hit theatres in 1995.
With Val Kilmer donning the bat suit after Michael Keaton’s departure, along with Chris O’Donnell’s Robin, Jim Carrey’s The Riddler, Tommy Lee Jones’s Two-Face, and Nicole Kidman as the love interest, Dr. Chase Meridian, the film was a massive success, with many believing the franchise had been “saved.” However, there was plenty of behind-the-scenes drama, which we explore in this episode of DC Films Revisited starring Batman Forever.
This episode of DC Films Revisited focusing on Batman Forever is written, edited, and narrated by Tyler Nichols. Adam Walton is the producer and Berge Garabedian is the executive producer. Watch previous episodes below and let us know if you think Batman Forever holds up twenty-seven (!) years later.