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==Production==
===Development===
{{quote box|quote="I always hated those titles like ''Batman Forever''. That sounds like a tattoo that somebody would get when they're on drugs or something. Or something some kid would write in the yearbook."|source=—Producer Tim Burton<ref>{{cite book |author1=Salisbury, Mark |author2=Burton, Tim | title = Burton on Burton | publisher = [[Faber and Faber]] | year = 2000 | pages = 155 | isbn = 0-57120-507-0}}</ref>|align=right|width=25em
}}
 
''[[Batman Returns]]'' was released in 1992 with financial success and generally favorable reviews from critics, but Warner Bros. was disappointed with its box office run, having made $150&nbsp;million less than the first film. After ''Batman Returns'' was deemed too dark and inappropriate for children, with [[McDonald's]] even recalling their [[Happy Meal]] tie-in, Warner Bros. decided that this was the primary cause of the film's financial results and asked [[Tim Burton]] to step down as director; while [[Sam Raimi]] (who would later go on to direct ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]'' in 2002) and [[John McTiernan]] were considered, [[Joel Schumacher]] was selected by Warner Bros. after his work in ''[[The Client (1994 film)|The Client]]'' and approval from Burton.

Husband-and-wife screenwriting duo Lee and Janet Scott-Batchler were brought on to write the script. Warner Bros. had lost a bidding war for their [[spec script]] for an earlier project titled ''Smoke and Mirrors'' to [[Walt Disney Studios (division)|Disney]]'s [[Hollywood Pictures]]. The project ultimately fell through,<ref>{{cite news |last=Dutka |first=Elaine |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-12-ca-12493-story.html |title=Disappearing Acts Disable Touted Film |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 12, 1993 |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518151316/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-12-ca-12493-story.html |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |url-access=limited |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |title=Joel Schumacher Talks 'Batman Forever' Legacy In Exclusive Interview |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markhughes/2015/06/26/interview-joel-schumacher-talks-batman-forever-legacy/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> and Warner Bros. offered the Batchlers several of their film properties to script write. Being familiar with comic books from their childhood, the Batchlers chose to work on the next ''Batman'' film, which would become ''Batman Forever''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzHBWv1t30I |title=The Truth About Burton's Batman 3 — Batman Forever Screenwriters' Interview — Janet and Lee Batchler |via=YouTube |date=October 12, 2019 |access-date=October 12, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829051701/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=IzHBWv1t30I&feature=youtu.be |archive-date=August 29, 2021}}</ref> In a meeting with Burton, they agreed that "the key element to Batman is his duality. And it's not just that Batman is Bruce Wayne."<ref name=Batchlers>{{cite interview |url=http://www.batman-online.com/features/2011/9/3/interview-with-batman-forever-screenwriter-janet-scott-batchler |title=Interview with Batman Forever's Janet Scott Batchler |access-date=February 11, 2013 |website=Batman Online |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130708211037/http://www.batman-online.com/features/2011/9/3/interview-with-batman-forever-screenwriter-janet-scott-batchler |archive-date=July 8, 2013 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
 
Their original script introduced a psychotic Riddler, real name Lyle Heckendorf, with a pet rat accompanying him. A scene cut from the final film included Heckendorf obtaining his costume from a fortune-telling leprechaun at the circus. Instead of NygmaTech, the company would have been named HeckTech.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ia800107.us.archive.org/21/items/Batman3ScriptProductionDraftAkivaGoldsman/Batman%203%20script%20Early%20Draft%20The%20Batchlers.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802230525/https://ia800107.us.archive.org/21/items/Batman3ScriptProductionDraftAkivaGoldsman/Batman%203%20script%20Early%20Draft%20The%20Batchlers.pdf |archive-date=2021-08-02 |url-status=live|title=BATMAN 3 By Lee Batchler and Janet Scott Batchler Unknown draft – circa 1993|website=Ia800107.us.archive.org|access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref> The story elements and much of the dialogue still remained in the finished film, though Schumacher felt it could be "lighte[ne]d down". Keaton initially approved the selection of Schumacher as director and planned on reprising his role as Batman from the first two films.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Longsdorf |first=Amy |url=https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1993-11-07-2948980-story.html |title=Michael Keaton Learns a Few Lessons from Life |work=The Morning Call |date=November 7, 1993 |access-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-date=September 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927173507/https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1993-11-07-2948980-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Schumacher claims he originally had in mind an adaptation of [[Frank Miller]]'s ''[[Batman: Year One]]'' and Keaton claimed that he was enthusiastic about the idea.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="shadowbat" /> Warner Bros. rejected the idea as they wanted a sequel, not a [[prequel]], though Schumacher was able to include very brief events in Bruce Wayne's childhood with some events of the comic ''[[The Dark Knight Returns]]''. [[Akiva Goldsman]], who worked with Schumacher on ''[[The Client (1994 film)|The Client]]'', was brought in to rewrite the script, deleting the initial idea of bringing in the [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Scarecrow]] as a villain with Riddler, and the return of [[Selina Kyle (Batman Returns)|Catwoman]]. Burton, who now was more interested in directing ''[[Ed Wood (film)|Ed Wood]]'', later reflected he was taken aback by some of the [[focus group]] meetings for ''Batman Forever'', a title he hated. Producer [[Peter MacGregor-Scott]] represented the studio's aim in making a film for the [[MTV Generation]] with full merchandising appeal.<ref name=shadowbat/>
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With Kilmer's casting, Warner Bros. dropped Russo, considering her too old to be paired with Kilmer.<ref name=Val/> [[Sandra Bullock]], [[Robin Wright]], [[Jeanne Tripplehorn]] and [[Linda Hamilton]] were all considered for the role, which was eventually recast with [[Nicole Kidman]].<ref name=BatmanVillains>{{cite magazine |first=Judy |last=Brennan |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,302503,00.html |title=Batman Battles New Bat Villains |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=June 3, 1994 |access-date=August 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828181228/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C302503%2C00.html |archive-date=August 28, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Billy Dee Williams]] took the role of Harvey Dent in ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' on the possibility of portraying Two-Face in a sequel, but Schumacher cast [[Tommy Lee Jones]] in the role, although [[Al Pacino]], [[Clint Eastwood]], [[Martin Sheen]] and [[Robert De Niro]] were considered,<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Batman Heroes Profile: Harvey Dent |location=''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' Special Edition |medium=DVD | publisher=Warner Bros. Home Video |year=2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.filmstories.co.uk/features/batman-forever-and-its-villain-problem/|title=Batman Forever, and its villain problem|newspaper=Film Stories |date=September 17, 2020|last1=Harrison |first1=Mark }}</ref> after working with him on ''The Client''. Jones was reluctant to accept the role,<ref name=shadowbat>{{cite video | title = Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight-Reinventing a Hero| type = DVD | publisher = [[Warner Bros.]] |year=2005}}</ref> but did so at his son's insistence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,303022,00.html|title=The Good Son|author=Cindy Pearlman|newspaper=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=July 19, 2009|date=July 22, 1994|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622075407/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,303022,00.html|archive-date=June 22, 2013}}</ref>
 
[[Robin Williams]] was in discussions to be the Riddler at one point,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Pearlman |first=Cindy |url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,308987,00.html |title=Flashes: No Joker |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=December 17, 1993 |access-date=August 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921055300/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C308987%2C00.html |archive-date=September 21, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and was reportedly in competition for the role with [[John Malkovich]].<ref name=Russo>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,308195,00.html |title=''Batman 3'' |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=October 1, 1993 |access-date=August 16, 2008
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921055255/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C308195%2C00.html |archive-date=September 21, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Cagle |first=Jess |url=https://ew.com/article/1993/08/06/john-malkovich-line-fire/ |title=''Line of Fire'' bad guy John Malkovich is so good it's criminal |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=August 6, 1993 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102094048/https://ew.com/article/1993/08/06/john-malkovich-line-fire/ |archive-date=November 2, 2015 |access-date=May 17, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 1994, the role was given to [[Jim Carrey]] after Williams had reportedly turned it down.<ref name=BatmanVillains /> In a 2003 interview, Schumacher stated [[Michael Jackson]] had lobbied hard for the role, but was turned down before Carrey was cast.<ref>{{cite news | author = Mike Thomas | title = Hey, what about that man in the glass booth? | work = [[Chicago Sun-Times]] | date = March 31, 2003 }}</ref> [[Brad Dourif]] (who was Burton's original choice to portray the Joker and Scarecrow after), [[Kelsey Grammer]], [[Micky Dolenz]], [[Matthew Broderick]], [[Phil Hartman]], and [[Steve Martin]] were said to have been considered.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://screenrant.com/batman-forever-michael-jackson-role-explained/ | title=The Batman Movie Role Michael Jackson Wanted to Play (Yes, It Would've Been Bad) | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=June 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://screenrant.com/batman-forever-secrets-behind-scenes-trivia/ | title=15 Crazy Secrets Behind Batman Forever | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=April 17, 2018 }}</ref>
 
[[Robin (comics)|Robin]] had appeared in the [[shooting script]] for ''Batman Returns'' but was deleted due to having too many characters. [[Marlon Wayans]] had been cast in the role and signed on for a potential sequel, but when Schumacher took over, he decided to open up casting to other actors.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rabin |first=Nathan |url=https://www.avclub.com/content/node/23240 |title=Wayans World |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226192703/http://www.avclub.com/articles/marlon-wayans%2C13500/ |archive-date=February 26, 2009 |date=February 25, 1998 |access-date=August 17, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Leonardo DiCaprio]] was considered, but decided not to pursue the role after a meeting with Schumacher. [[Matt Damon]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://collider.com/matt-damon-robin-batman-movie/|title=Matt Damon Reveals He Auditioned to Play Robin in Two Different Batman Movies|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=July 29, 2021}}</ref> [[Corey Haim]], [[Corey Feldman]], [[Mark Wahlberg]], [[Michael Worth]], [[Danny Dyer]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a368806/danny-dyer-i-auditioned-for-robin-in-batman-robin/ |title=Danny Dyer: 'I auditioned for Robin in Batman & Robin' |work=Digital Spy |last=Nissim |first=Mayer |date=January 2, 2012 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606105735/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a368806/danny-dyer-i-auditioned-for-robin-in-batman-robin/ |archive-date=June 6, 2020 }}</ref> [[Toby Stephens]], [[Ewan McGregor]], [[Jude Law]], [[Alan Cumming]], [[Christian Bale]] (who would later star as Batman/Bruce Wayne in [[The Dark Knight trilogy|''The Dark Knight'' trilogy]]), and [[Scott Speedman]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/from-pro-swimmer-to-movie-star-scott-speedmans-unlikely-rise-20141209/ | title=From Pro Swimmer to Movie Star: Scott Speedman's Unlikely Rise | date=December 4, 2017 }}</ref> were considered also.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/dicaprio-interview |title=DiCaprio Interview |work=[[ShortList]] |date=July 15, 2010 |access-date=September 17, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014070403/http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/dicaprio-interview |archive-date=October 14, 2014 }}</ref> [[Chris O'Donnell]] was cast and [[Mitch Gaylord]] served as his [[stunt double]], and also portrayed Mitch Grayson, Dick's older brother, created for the film.<ref name=BatmanVillains /> Schumacher attempted to create a cameo role for [[Bono]] as his MacPhisto character, but both came to agree it was not suitable for the film.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1994-12-16/entertainment/9412140581_1_joel-schumacher-batman-strange-days |title=Bono's Movie Debut Stays Out Of Reach |agency=[[Tribune Media Services]] |newspaper=[[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]] |date=December 16, 1994 |access-date=March 27, 2012 |at=section Showtime, p. 14 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20120328000030/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1994-12-16/entertainment/9412140581_1_joel-schumacher-batman-strange-days |archive-date=March 28, 2012 }}</ref>
 
===Filming===
[[Principal photography]] began on September 24, 1994, and [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] on March 5, 1995.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/batman-forever-story-behind-surprise-802804/amp/ | title='Batman Forever': The Story Behind the Surprise Hit "Nobody Really Wanted" | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=June 17, 2015 }}</ref><ref name=Russo /> Schumacher hired [[Barbara Ling]] for production design, claiming that the film needed a "force" and good design. Ling could "advance on it". Schumacher wanted a design in no way connected to the previous films, and instead inspired by the images from the ''Batman'' comic books seen in the 1940s/early 1950s and New York City architecture in the 1930s, with a combination of modern Tokyo. He also wanted a "city with personality," with more statues, as well as various amounts of neon.
 
===Difficulties and clashes===
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==Legacy==
===Potential Director’s Cut===
Cuts were made to the film based on audience reactions during test screenings, like the rest of the Batman film franchise entries. Photographs from these scenes have always been available since the film's release, shown in magazines such as [[Starlog]]. Some excerpts from these scenes appear in the music video for ''[[Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newsweek.com/batman-forever-release-schumacher-cut-deleted-scenes-1601844 | title=The 'Batman Forever' Deleted Scenes That Could be in the 'Schumacher Cut' | website=[[Newsweek]] | date=June 18, 2021 }}</ref> In 2005, ''Batman Forever'' was the only film in the franchise to include a dedicated deleted scenes selection among its bonus content on the special edition DVD.<ref name="HomeMediaIGNAnthologyDVD" />
 
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==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
==External links==
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_Forever"