Why Val Kilmer Didn’t Like Playing Batman

Val Kilmer has revealed why he didn’t like playing Batman. His reasons are detailed in the new documentary, Val, which has been praised as a deeply personal exploration of his life and career, with much of the footage comprised of Kilmer’s own home videos. During the documentary, he offers context for his disappointing experience playing the Caped Crusader in 1995’s Batman Forever.

Tim Burton’s two Batman films were critical and financial successes, but the director stepped down after Warner Bros. decided his vision was overly dark and they wanted the third movie to adopt a more child-friendly approach. Joel Schumacher took over, with Val Kilmer replacing Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne. He was joined by Chris O’Donnell as sidekick Robin, and together they battled Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and Riddler (Jim Carrey).

Batman Forever’s garish, neon-soaked effort marked a stark departure from Tim Burton’s vision and, despite performing well at the box office, received middling reviews. Kilmer didn’t return for the much-maligned Batman & Robin, with George Clooney taking up the mantle instead. Although he has mentioned some of his issues previously, the new documentary reveals Kilmer’s disappointment with the Batsuit’s impact on his performance, and how he felt insignificant playing the iconic role. Commenting on the movie in Val, the actor reveals, “Whatever boyhood excitement I had was crushed by the reality of the Batsuit. Yes, every boy wants to be Batman. They actually want to be him… not necessarily play him in a movie.” This is a particularly somber take on how the practicalities of filmmaking can destroy the illusion of cinema.

Top Gun‘s Val Kilmer goes on to describe how the suit greatly restricted his movement, to the point where he needed help to stand and sit down and struggled to hear anything on set. He recalls how “after a while, people stop talking to you, it’s very isolating.” Kilmer is not alone in voicing frustration with the suit, and over the years improved suits have been created to allow for greater mobility. However, he’s the first to address the loneliness that accompanied the role. Kilmer famously didn’t get along with Schumacher, and co-stars have described him as being distant in the past, but Kilmer’s words offer a fascinating new perspective.

It’s easy to imagine becoming disillusioned when your costume takes precedence over your performance. Kilmer yearned for the freedom of his fellow actors, watching the Riddler and Two-Face performances steal the film while he was reduced to putting his hands on his hips in what he calls “soap opera acting.” It’s hard not to seem bland when pitted against Jim Carrey in a leotard. Kilmer laments realizing how unimportant his talent was, merely going through the motions while the suit did all the work. This isn’t the first time Kilmer recalled feeling dejected by the role, having previously told The New York Times that he appeared in costume for a set visit by Warren Buffet and his grandchildren only for the kids to be far more interested in the Batmobile than in Val Kilmer’s Batman. According to Kilmer, “That’s why it’s easy to have five or six Batmans. It’s not about Batman. There is no Batman.” His feelings of pointlessness are understandable. It must have been difficult to muster enthusiasm for the role when overshadowed by extravagant villains and gadgets.

The character of Batman has obviously been reinvented numerous times, but Val Kilmer should take some solace in knowing his contribution to DC film history hasn’t been forgotten. There are even fans campaigning for the darker Schumacher Cut of Batman Forever. For many, it matters a great deal who they consider to be their ideal image of the Dark Knight, whether it’s Kevin Conroy’s animated version of Batman, Ben Affleck’s grizzled take, or even Kilmer’s traditionally stoic hero.