In 1989, visionary and eccentric director Tim Burton unleashed a film that would forever change the superhero genre. A film that had no brightly-colored tights or mad scientists, a film that took place in an art-deco dystopia instead of a shiny cityscape, and a film that knew how to adapt its comic book source material, it was called Batman.
Though the film was iconic to the genre and received its own dark and mysterious sequel, Burton’s bat was denied its much-deserved legacy. Though the director wanted to create a third film, Warner Brothers denied him the chance. Today, we pull off the cowl on the sequel that might have been as we look at ten things about Burton’s Batman 3.
Batman Continues
Before we got the kitschy Batman Forever and the ludicrous Batman and Robin, Burton’s film was originally titled Batman Continues. It looks like a logical title on paper, especially when compared to the name of the film that preceded it. But when you compare it to other Batman flicks, it does seem a little dull.
Think about it, we’ve had Batman Forever, Batman: Mask of the Fantasm, Batman Begins, The Dark Night, and The Dark Night Rises. Batman Continues sounds a little lackluster, don’t you think? Either way, it was a working title for a film that never was, and you’ll soon find out why.
Batman Returns was Too Dark and a Sequel was Denied
Let’s make one thing perfectly clear, Batman wasn’t intended to be a beacon of shining glory like his buddy in Metropolis was. Batman was and has always been the symbol of justice in a cold, cruel city. He was a crime-noir character in a bleak world, and Burton knew that better than most, so its no surprise that both of his movies carried the comics’ aesthetic.
Unfortunately, certain audiences didn’t appreciate the dark and strange tone Burton’s films carried, and the film community took notice. Because they weren’t like the colorful comic book flicks of the past, the film was panned and Burton’s Batman suffered, pushing Batman Continues further into the shadows.
Burton Was Not Happy and Walked Out on Warner Bros
Burton has been quoted a few times on his dislike of sequels, so it’s somewhat of a surprise to know he actually wanted his third Batman film to succeed. All the more reason to allow the director to continue the series right? He already proved he could handle the source material well, right? Unfortunately, Warner Bros. didn’t think the same.
The studio tried to convince Burton to pursue a smaller or simpler project, but he was not having it. He reportedly saw their tactics and walked out of the studio, making room for Joel Schumacher to take his place.
Keaton Soon Followed Him
Though Burton was dropped from the project, Warner Bros. still had their Batman, at least for a little while. Michael Keaton, who brought Bruce Wayne and his alter ego to life in both of Burton’s films, was still scheduled to further the role in Batman Forever. However, this changed when the actor read the script.
Even though the studio desperately wanted Keaton’s involvement and even offered him a ridiculous amount of cash to continue playing the Caped Crusader, the actor still refused. Reportedly, Keaton hated the script and refused to work on the project. Shortly after, he followed Burton out the door.
Catwoman was Supposed to Return
Michelle Pfeiffer iconized the character of Catwoman with her sexy and sadistic performance in Batman Returns, tie that in with Selena Kyle and Bruce Wayne’s relationship and it makes sense that her return would be necessary. Though it’s unclear what her role would be, we think Burton would have gone all the way with her as Batman’s permanent love interest.
No offense to Vicki Vale, but the passion between the Caped Crusader and the felonious feline would make for a much better plotline. There were even talks for a Burton-directed Catwoman spinoff, but that died when Burton left the studio.
Robin Williams Would Have Been the Riddler
Jim Carrey’s Riddler will forever be a staple on the comedian’s career, but when it comes to manic and madcap performances, there’s no one better than the late great Robin Williams. Knowing how Burton was with the source material, it’s easy to see Williams in the role, but the actor had a history with the franchise.
Burton actually approached Williams before for the role of the Joker before Jack Nicholson entered the picture. Naturally, the comedian was a bit hesitant about accepting the part. After a period without a straight answer and Burton’s departure, the role was soon passed to Jim Carrey.
Billy Dee Williams Wanted to be Two-Face
Before Tommy Lee Jones originated the twisted and colorful take on the split-personality known as Two-Face, Burton cast Billy Dee Williams in the role of Gotham’s district attorney, Harvey Dent. As strange as it might sound, Burton supposedly had plans to feature Williams in the role, and the actor was totally on board!
Though William’s version probably wouldn’t match the incarnation of the character we know today, we still can’t help but think he would have brought an interesting element to the character. With his cool and collected persona, he might have been a smoother, and more cunning version of his alter ego.
Brad Dourif Supposedly Was Asked to be the Scarecrow
When it comes to actors who define the term terrifying, no one reaches the top of our list quicker than Brad Dourif. Known for portraying characters such as the Gemini Killer in The Exorcist III and a certain killer doll for a 20-year long film series. Who better than to play a villain as frightening and twisted as the Scarecrow?
There’s some speculation as to whether or not Dourif was approached to play the character, such as being asked during an airplane trip or never being asked at all, but we can’t help but think that given the director’s previous work, Scarecrow would have fit right in.
Marlon Wayans was Paid for NOT Appearing as Robin
Where Brad Dourif as Scarecrow makes perfect sense on every level, we can’t figure out why comedian Marlon Wayans was cast to play Robin by none other than Burton himself. Wayans described his version of the Boy Wonder as “Batman’s black sidekick.” What’s extra weird is that he’s still getting a residual check for it!
In an MTV interview, Wayans goes into detail about his association with the failed Batman film. Though not exactly what we’d call comic-book-accurate, Wayans’s performance would have certainly been talked about. It’s nice to see that he hasn’t forgotten what might have been.
Toys Killed the Project
If you really want to know why Burton’s third Batman film never worked, the answer is closer than you think. Just follow the money. Jumping back to our statements on how dark Batman Returns was, the audience backlash was the catalyst for the film’s demise, but marketing put the nail in the coffin.
And why was the brilliant concept finally killed? Burton’s Batman couldn’t sell enough toys. A Batarang or a Batmobile in your Happy Meal is one thing, but a skin-tight Catwoman figure and a grotesque Penguin toy? There’s a reason Schumacher’s Batman series is more colorful and kid-friendly, you know.
