Val Kilmer’s inclusion in DC FanDome has sparked speculation Joel Schumacher’s darker director’s cut of Batman Forever will be announced. Following the success of Tim Burton and Michael Keaton’s two Batman movies, the future of the Dark Knight on the big screen was handed over to Joel Schumacher. Keaton exited the franchise, and Kilmer was cast as Schumacher’s new Batman for Batman Forever. The soft reboot was critically maligned but still made over $330 million worldwide in 1995.
Schumacher made two Batman films altogether – with George Clooney taking over as the lead role for Batman & Robin – but it is Batman Forever that has developed a bit of a following in recent years. The movie featured Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Jim Carrey as Riddler in the main villain roles. For a time, there was a rumor Schumacher originally had plans for a darker cut of the film. These rumors were confirmed earlier this year and reignited interest in potentially seeing the “Schumacher Cut” of Batman Forever released.
DC recently unveiled the full line up of guests for DC FanDome, the company’s upcoming and unprecedented 24-hour virtual convention happening on August 22. The confirmed list of guests features a near-complete collection of current DC movie and TV stars, as well as a few surprises. Kilmer was announced as part of DC FanDome’s talent line up, but where and why he is appearing wasn’t revealed. This has sent fans into full speculation mode that Kilmer’s presence is a sign plans to release the Schumacher Cut will be announced.
The possibility of the Schumacher Cut being announced at DC FanDome is so far nothing more than speculation generated by Kilmer’s inclusion. When Schumacher’s longer cut of Batman Forever was confirmed to exist, it was reported Warner Bros. doesn’t know if the cut is still around. Additionally, at the time, the studio had no plans to release it. That was only a month ago, but it is possible WB found the Schumacher Cut since then and that its release will be one of the major DC reveals promised. However, it is worth noting this year is also the 25th anniversary of Batman Forever‘s release, so Kilmer could be part of a purely retrospective panel.
If the Schumacher Cut has been discovered, the call for its release will come amid WarnerMedia and DC listening to similar fan campaigns. They’ve decided to complete and release Zack Snyder’s cut of Justice League on HBO Max next year, so perhaps Schumacher’s 3 hour cut of Batman Forever could become another HBO Max exclusive. There has also been a growing hope that David Ayer’s cut of Suicide Squad will be released, and some fans are wishing it will be announced during DC FanDome. Even if the Schumacher Cut of Batman Forever isn’t confirmed at the event, perhaps Kilmer will provide some more details on what else it could’ve included, if he ever saw it.
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