Batman (film series)
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The Batman film series currently consists of seven superhero films based on the DC Comics character of the same name, portrayed by Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale respectively.
See Batman DVDs to watch Batman at home.
The first film, known simply as Batman or Batman: The Movie, directed by Leslie H Martinson and produced by 20th Century Fox, was a theatrical spin-off of the TV series, produced by William Dozier, that was running at the time and was a quasi-comedy rather than a serious superhero movie. Warner Bros hired Tim Burton to direct the 1989 version, which had no connection to the 1966 movie and is often considered the first "definitive" Batman movie. The series continued with Batman Returns (1992). Joel Schumacher was hired to direct Batman Forever (1995), and Batman and Robin (1997), with various proposals for another installment being cancelled after the box-office failure of Batman & Robin. Christopher Nolan rebooted the film series with Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight (2008), completely starting over with a new series of films that have no connection to the previous installments. Throughout the films, Batman has fought with several of his famous villains.
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Development
The first feature-length film based on Batman was developed by William Dozier and 20th Century Fox out of the television series that starred Adam West as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Burt Ward as Robin/Dick Greyson. Both West and Ward reprised their roles for the film. Produced between the first and second seasons, the film was just as campy as the series, with its comic relief. It was a moderate success at the box office. When the series ended, no other film based on the series was produced. However, the original Batman film has become a cult classic and has since been issued on DVD as the only incarnation of the television series to be so released.
The Warner Bros. films took a far different approach than Fox's original. Michael Uslan had recently gained fame for convincing the Dean of Indiana University to start a course on comic books. DC Comics was impressed enough with his work to invite him to their offices. Uslan, a fan of the Batman character, was able to acquire the film rights to the property in April 1979 through a newly formed partnership with Benjamin Melniker. CBS at that time was developing a Batman in Outer Space film, though DC had no intention of granting film rights for that concept. The prevailing perception of the character was still that of the campy 1960s TV series. Uslan was always fascinated with Bill Finger's and Bob Kane's early stories from 1939, and wished instead to produce the film in that style. For his presentation to studios, Uslan wrote a short story titled Return of the Batman so as to show the studios what exactly he was aiming for. The treatment anticipated the tone that would later be taken in Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.
As Uslan and Melniker unsuccessfully pitched the film to many studios, Uslan started searching for writers. He felt Superman, James Bond, and Star Wars were the three most successful film franchises at the time. As such he approached Richard Maibaum to write the script, with Guy Hamilton to direct. Both were well known for the various Bond films they had collaborated on, though the two would eventually turn down the opportunity. Tom Mankiewicz was settled upon, who had recently co-written Superman and in the past was involved with three James Bond films. Mankiewicz started writing his script sometime in 1980, and was able to finish in June 1983, going under the simple title of The Batman.
The script showcased the origins of both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson and included The Joker and Rupert Thorne as the main villains (with a brief cameo from The Penguin). Silver St Cloud appeared as the love interest. Several elements from the script ended up appearing in future film installments, such as The Joker being responsible for Bruce's parents' murder (though Joe Chill was the hired gun), and Batman being framed for crimes he didn't commit (see Batman Returns). Similarities for Batman Forever had Dick Grayson's origin being practically the same (as well as stumbling upon the Batcave), and Dick saving Bruce's life before becoming Robin.
While Mankiewicz was writing the script, Uslan and Melniker were still seeking a deal with a studio. Uslan recounts many stories, "At Columbia, the head of production said to me, shaking his head after I pitched my heart out, "Come on, Batman will never be a success as a film because our movie Annie didn’t do well." I looked at this guy dumbfounded. And I asked him what did the little red-headed girl who sang "Tomorrow" have to do with Batman!? And he said, "Michael, they are both out of the funny pages." At United Artists, Uslan recounted a similar story. "An exec said to me that a film with Batman and Robin would never work as a film because Robin and Marian wasn’t successful. Now that was about an aging Robin Hood and Maid Marian with Sean Connery! I just picked up all my materials, didn’t say a word and walked out of the room."
It was in late 1981 that Uslan announced a 1983 release date, with a budget of $15 million, though the project continued to languish in development hell, causing repeated delays. Uslan and Melniker were finally able to team with Peter Guber and Jon Peters]] in 1982. The four film producer|producers]] were able to convince Warner Bros. to finance the film after [[Universal Studios declined the offer. Uslan then announced in 1983, the year Mankiewicz finally completed his script, that the film would be released in 1985 and have a budget of $20 million. Joe Dante and Ivan Reitman were briefly involved as directors though both would take on other projects instead (Gremlins for Dante, while Reitman opted for Ghostbusters). Uslan wanted a distinguished unknown actor as Batman, with William Holden as Commissioner Gordon and David Niven as Alfred Pennyworth. Even at this stage, Jack Nicholson was the choice for the role of The Joker.
In the meantime, more scripts came about that included the basic premise of The Joker, Rupert Thorne, Silver St. Cloud, and Robin. All scripts were positioned as an adaptation of Steve Englehart's Dark Detective series. Warner Bros., however, began to push for the project again to center on the campy tone of the Batman TV series from the 1960s, citing Bill Murray as Batman and Eddie Murphy as Robin as their primary casting choices, over Uslan's objections. After the success of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, the studio reconsidered, and decided to depict the film the way Uslan had wanted to since the beginning, though still choosing a comedy director, after the surprising success of Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Warner Bros. handed the director's position to Tim Burton.
Burton took Batman and Batman Returns as opportunities to pay homage to the classic German Expressionist Horror film genre. Burton's influences included The Phantom of the Opera, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Dracula, The Bat, The Man Who Laughs, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Nosferatu, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Batman (1989)
Batman (1989 film) Millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) begins his run as the shadowy vigilante knowns as "The Batman." Gotham City is in the grip of mob boss Carl Grissom (Jack Palance), and is only met with worse fears with a corrupt police department. Reporter Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger) investigates the mysterious Batman, and is eventually taken in by Wayne's charms. The situation becomes further worse when Jack Napier (Jack Nicholson), former right hand man of Grissom, hideously transforms into the psychopathic Joker. Bruce Wayne must confront tragic moments from the past as the homicidal maniac starts his deadly plans against the citizens of Gotham.
Batman Returns (1992)
Batman Returns A mysterious "Penguin-like" man (Danny Devito) appears out of the sewers of Gotham and is intent on being accepted into Gotham society. Crooked businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) is coerced into helping him become Mayor of Gotham and they both attempt to destroy the reputation of Batman (Michael Keaton) as a crime-fighter. However, the Penguin secretly schemes to kidnap the children of the wealthiest families of the City. Then, when Max's secretary Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), is transformed into the mysterious and sensual Catwoman and allies herself with the Penguin, The Dark Knight must attempt to clear his name, save the children of Gotham and decide the fate of Selina/Catwoman.
Changes in tone
Tim Burton did preliminary work on a third installment but Warner Bros threw out Burton's plans after they realized the tone of the film was to be similar to Batman Returns, which they deemed too controversial and difficult to market (due to critics and parental groups complaining that the film was too dark and violent for children), the studio wanted the next film to be more family-friendly. Michael Keaton was prepared to return for a third installment, even going so far as to show up for costume fitting. However, after Tim Burton was dropped by Warner Bros. (slated to co-producer in name only), Keaton left the series in July 1994, after being dissatisfied with the screenplay the new director, Joel Schumacher, approved, which Keaton considered to be lighter in tone in comparison to the past two Batman movies. Warner Bros. then offered him $35,000,000 (one of the highest salaries offered to an actor at the time), but Keaton steadfastly refused. Keaton was subsequently succeeded by Val Kilmer in Batman Forever. In February 1996, Kilmer decided not to return for a sequel, feeling that Batman was being marginalized in favor of the villains. George Clooney was then cast as the new Batman in Batman & Robin.
Batman Forever (1995)
Batman Forever Former District Attorney Harvey Dent (Tommy Lee Jones) incorrectly believes Batman (Val Kilmer) caused the courtroom accident which left him disfigured on one side. As the psychotic 'Two-Face', he then unleashes a reign of terror, and assisting him is Edward Nygma (Jim Carrey), a former employee of Wayne Enterprises looking for revenge, who becomes The Riddler. As The Riddler perfects a device for draining information from all the brains in Gotham, including Bruce Wayne's knowledge of his other identity, Batman must stop this fight for the good of mankind with the help of his new sidekick Robin (Chris O'Donnell) and psychologist Dr Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman).
Batman & Robin (1997)
Batman and Robin (film) Batman (George Clooney) and Robin (Chris O'Donnell) must protect Gotham City from the threat of Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Meanwhile, a young woman named Pamela Isley (Uma Thurman) witnesses illegal genetic tampering and is, apparently, killed. She is resurrected as Poison Ivy, and hires a new bodyguard, Bane (Robert Swenson). They arrive at Gotham, and aid in Mr. Freeze's escape. Meanwhile, Alfred (Michael Gough) is dying and Wayne must find a cure, while dealing with troubles with Robin, and receiving help from Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone), a new hero of Gotham.
Unsuccessful projects
After the critical disaster of Batman & Robin, Warner Bros. was still intent on delivering yet another Batman film. Since Batman & Robin did poorly (financially and critically), the next Batman film was to have an atmosphere that veered in the opposite direction. It took roughly seven years to get the fifth Batman film greenlighted, over the course of various developing titles.
Batman Triumphant
Warner Bros. hired Mark Protosevich to write a script for the fifth Batman film, titled Batman Triumphant, even before the theatrical release of Batman & Robin. Joel Schumacher, George Clooney, and Chris O’Donnell were still contracted for another film. The Scarecrow was to be the main villain and through the use of his fear gas, Scarecrow would cause Batman to confront his worst fear: the return of The Joker. Harley Quinn was in the script and shown as the daughter of Jack Napier.
As of yet, the script hasn’t been leaked online and it is unknown whether or not Jack Nicholson would've reprised his role of the Joker. Due to poor results from Batman & Robin, Triumphant was cancelled and Warner Bros. commissioned more scripts.
Batman: DarKnight
In 1998, Lee Shapiro and Stephen Wise pitched the idea for a fifth Batman movie to Warner Bros. Vice President Tom Lassally. It was to be called Batman: DarKnight (not to be confused with The Dark Knight) and included the Scarecrow and Man-Bat as the new villains, with the studio being most impressed with the characterization of Man-Bat. Fear was to be the initial theme (much like the main one for Batman Begins) and according to Shapiro, with Scarecrow being true to the source material. Within three months, Lee Shapiro and Stephen Wise sent their first draft to Warner Bros. Joel Schumacher was still signed to direct but dropped out only weeks after the first draft was completed. The story went as:
Bruce Wayne is in self-imposed seclusion from life, because he feels he has lost his greatest weapons in the fight against crime: his mystique and his enemies' fear. Dick Grayson attends Gotham University, trying to discover who he is apart from his guardian and unwilling to return as Robin without him. Meanwhile, Dr. Jonathan Crane uses his position as professor of psychology at Gotham University and as resident psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum to conduct his experiments in fear. During a vengeful confrontation with a colleague, Dr. Kirk Langstrom, Crane unknowingly initiates Kirk's transformation into the creature known as Man-Bat. The unsuspecting denizens of Gotham scream for Batman's head, believing the Man-Bat's nightly hunts to be the Dark Knight's bloodthirsty return to action. Bruce dons cape and cowl once more to clear his name and solve the mystery behind these attacks. Eventually, Dick ends up in Arkham Asylum under Crane's unsympathetic watch, and Kirk struggles with his "man vs. monster" syndrome as he longs to both reunite with his wife and get revenge on Crane.
The script for Batman: DarKnight sat at Warner Bros. and languished in development hell up until late 2000. Shapiro stated that DarKnight was in the running the longest as the next Batman movie compared to the other Batman projects in development.
Batman Beyond
In October 1999, the website Ain't It Cool News reported that Warner Bros. was seriously considering a live action Batman Beyond movie, based on the animated series. In January 2000, Ain't It Cool News reported that Paul Dini and Alan Burnett would be writing the script, both of whom are well known for their work on The DC Animated Universe. In August 2000, it was confirmed that Dini, Burnett, Neal Stephenson, and Boaz Yakin were to all write the script, with Yakin to direct. A script was written and turned into Warner Bros., though the project was canceled in favor of the Batman: Year One project.
Batman vs Superman
In August 2001, Andrew Kevin Walker pitched Warner Bros an idea titled Batman vs Superman, attaching Peterson as director. Abrams' script was put on hold, and for reasons unknown, Akiva Goldsman was hired to rewrite Walker's draft which was codenamed "Asylum".
Goldsman's draft (dated June 21, 2002), had the premise of Bruce Wayne trying to shake all of the demons in his life after his five year retirement of crime fighting. Meanwhile, Clark Kent is down on his luck and in despair. Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner Gordon are all dead, as Clark just recently had a divorce with Lois Lane. Clark serves as Bruce's best man at his wedding to the beautiful and lovely Elizabeth Miller. After Elizabeth is killed by the Joker at the honeymoon, Bruce is forced to don the Batsuit once more, tangling a plot which involves Lex Luthor, while Clark sways a romance with Lana Lang in Smallville.
Filming was to start in early 2003, with plans for a five to six month shoot. The release date was set for the summer of 2004. Batman vs Superman was to relaunch both the Batman and Superman franchises respectively, with both sequels being reboots. Within a month of the studio green lighting the project, Petersen left in favor of Troy (2004). Warner Bros. could have easily assigned a new director, but chose to cancel Batman vs Superman in favor of a recent script submitted by Abrams for Superman: Flyby.
Batman: Year One
Batman: Year One is a canceled film based on the graphic novel of the same name by Frank Miller. It was to be directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by both Aronofsky and Miller. The project never received the greenlight by Warner Brothers because they found it to be too violent. Ultimately the project was something of a precursor to Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins.
After the death of his parents young Bruce Wayne remains lost on the street and is taken in by Big Al, owner of an auto repair shop with his son Little Al. We are then introduced to detective James Gordon as he struggles with the corruption he finds endemic among Gotham City police officers of all ranks.
Bruce's first act as a vigilante is to confront a dirty cop named Campbell, but Campbell ends up dead and Bruce narrowly escapes being blamed. Realizing that he needs to operate with more methodology, he evolves his costume concept, acquires a variety of makeshift gadgets and weapons, and re-configures a black Lincoln Continental into a makeshift "bat-mobile." As "The Bat-Man," Bruce Wayne wages war on criminals from street level to the highest echelons, working his way up to Police Commissioner Loeb and Mayor Noone, even as the executors of the Wayne estate search for their missing heir. In the end, Bruce accepts his dual destiny as heir to the Wayne fortune and the city's savior, and Gordon comes to accept that, while he may not agree with "the Bat-Man"'s methods, he can't argue with the results.
No casting ever took place, though Val Kilmer (who had previously played Batman in Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever from 1995), Keanu Reeves, and Christian Bale all expressed interest for the role of Batman. Bale would end up being cast for the lead role in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins.
Nolan series
Batman Begins (2005)
Batman Begins Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), begins his alter ego as Batman to bring justice into the corrupted city. Meanwhile, Gotham City, in the hands of crime boss Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson), is in danger of being destroyed by the hallucinogenic gases in the water supply supplied by the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy). With the help of James Gordon (Gary Oldman) and his love interest Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), Batman fights off Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson) and saves Gotham City.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The 2008 sequel to Batman Begins has Batman (Christian Bale), Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) forming an alliance to take down the rise in organized crime in Gotham City brought about by Carmine Falcone being imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, as well as trying to battle the homicidal criminal mastermind known only as the Joker (Heath Ledger).
Future
Nolan is not committed to another sequel, explaining that he does not normally line up projects after completing a film. Gary Oldman is confident Nolan will return, and Bale said he would return if Nolan did. Oldman hinted in the third film Gordon would have to hunt down Batman. He has also mentioned that the villain of the upcoming film may be The Riddler. Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, he is not including Robin in the franchise because Bale is portraying a "young Batman", which meant "Robin's not for a few films". Nolan jokingly listed Frankie Muniz as a potential choice, if the studio forced him to cast. Bale joked "I'll be chaining myself up somewhere and refusing to go to work" if Robin is introduced.
In addition, Nolan considered the Penguin difficult to portray on film, explaining, "There are certain characters that are easier to mesh with the more real take on Batman we're doing. The Penguin would be tricky." Christina Ricci, Angelina Jolie, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Kate Beckinsale have shown interest in playing Catwoman, while David Tennant wishes to play the Riddler. Prior to the release of The Dark Knight in 2008, David Goyer ruled out using the Penguin or Catwoman as a villain in a future film, prefering to use antagonists from the comic that had not yet been portrayed on the big screen. However, the Joker became the villain for The Dark Knight, despite having already appeared in Burton's first Batman film. In the first film we used Ra's al Ghul and the Scarecrow, who had not been in the movies before and had not been in the '60s TV show. There are dozens, if not hundreds of other characters that are possibilities. Everyone says you have to use the Penguin or Catwoman. On July 23, 2008, Aaron Eckhart says he would return for a sequel of The Dark Knight if asked.
Cast and characters
List of Batman films cast members
Reception
Box office performance
| Film | Release date | Box office revenue | Box office ranking | Reference | ||||
| United States | Worldwide | United States | Outside US | Worldwide | All time US | All time worldwide | ||
| Batman | June 23, 1989 | June 23, 1989 | $251,188,924 | $160,160,000 | $411,348,924 | #44 | #92 | |
| Batman Returns | June 19, 1992 | June 19, 1992 | $162,831,698 | $104,000,000 | $266,831,698 | #143 | #224 | |
| Batman Forever | June 16, 1995 | June 16, 1995 | $184,031,112 | $152,500,000 | $336,531,112 | #101 | #150 | |
| Batman and Robin | June 20, 1997 | June 20, 1997 | $107,325,195 | $130,881,927 | $238,207,122 | #340 | #268 | |
| Batman Begins | June 15, 2005 | June 15, 2005 | $205,343,774 | $166,510,009 | $371,853,783 | #81 | #111 | |
| The Dark Knight | July 18, 2008 | July 16, 2008 | $324,299,793 | $128,300,000 | $452,599,793 | #18 | #75 | |
| Batman film series | $1,235,020,496 | $842,351,936 | $2,077,372,432 | |||||