Joel T. Schumacher directed Batman Forever and its sequel Batman & Robin after Tim Burton chose to pursue a Catwoman solo movie rather continue with sequels in WB's Batman Film Franchise.
Schumacher brought a more lighthearted comedic tone, with more references to the William Dozier TV show. This proved popular with audiences at first but was critically divisive. He also introduced a signature neon laden, blacklight style to the lighting of scenes.
Bat-History[]
Batman Forever[]
After Batman Returns was deemed too dark and scary for kids, though still considered profitable, Terry Semel and Bob Daly decided a new fresh take on the series was needed in oder to maximize profits. Schumacher was offered the third film in summer of 1993.
In an interview in 2005, Schumacher would further elaborate on his hiring. “The studio did want another Batman, and there was a desire to go more family-friendly. My job was to bring in anything new that I could. I was apprehensive because I was friends with Tim (Burton) and I wouldn’t do the job if he was uncomfortable with it. So, I had lunch with Tim, and he said ‘No, I’m done with it’. So, I was fine with doing the next film.”
INXS - Devil Inside (Official Music Video)
Schumacher was selected for the commercial visual style he used in MTV videos
Once Batman Forever started production, Michael Keaton dropped out of the role of Batman, claiming that he didn't like the script which Schumacher had commissioned for the film. When recasting Batman, Schumacher chose Val Kilmer after he saw Tombstone, a movie of his.
Batman Forever was also a box-office success, gaining 50 million during the opening weekend. Batman Forever was the first film to gain this amount of money during the opening weekend, though it was beaten two years later by The Lost World, which managed to make 70 million on its opening day. Although Batman Forever was a success, it received mixed reviews from critics.
Batman & Robin[]
Schumacher was immediately chosen to direct the sequel after Batman Forever's financial success. George Clooney replaced Val Kilmer after Kilmer stepped down, feeling that the character of Batman was becoming marginalised by the villains. Kilmer was apparently hard to work with, according to Schumacher, during Batman Forever and did not want to work on Batman & Robin.
Batman & Robin was a moderate Box-office success but however, it was a critical failure. Batman and Robin is considered the worst Batman film to date and Schumacher himself later apologized for the film in the 2 Disc Batman and Robin DVD for Batman & Robin, arguing that his only intention with the film was to entertain.
He also made the argument that many of the questionable filming decisions he made were at the behest of Warner Bros., who wanted to further merchandising sales requesting as many gadgets and vehicles be included as possible. Robin actor Chris O'Donnell has likewise made similar statements in Schumacher's defense.
Batman Unchained[]
Schumacher began working with Mark Protosevich on a script for a third movie before the Clooney movie debuted in theaters.
Personal life[]
- Joel Schumacher was openly gay.