Five different actors have suited up for the Batman role in a live action film, and Twilight star Robert Pattinson will be the sixth when The Batman is released in 2021.
So far, two actors have only worn the Batsuit for the one film: Val Kilmer in Batman Forever (1995) and George Clooney in the universally panned Batman & Robin (1997).
Michael Keaton (Batman, 1989 and Batman Returns, 1992) and Ben Affleck (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 2016 and Justice League (2017) each starred as Batman in two films. Christian Bale portrayed the iconic role in Christopher Nolan's trilogy.
Batman Forever received mixed reviews, although Kilmer received plenty of praise for his performance as the Caped Crusader. For years, fans wondered why the Top Gun and Heat star turned down the opportunity to reprise his role for Batman & Robin - though he probably doesn't regret it.
In a profile interview with Taffy Brodesser-Akner of the New York Times (h/t Ryan Parker of The Hollywood Reporter) Kilmer finally revealed the answer many have been waiting to hear for 25 years.
While on set for Batman Forever, Kilmer learned that billionaire Warren Buffet would be paying a visit with his grandchildren. When they arrived, however, the kids only wanted to play around with the mask, props and Batmobile. Kilmer then came to a conclusion that anybody could have suited up as the World's Greatest Detective.
"That’s why it’s so easy to have five or six Batmans," Kilmer said. "It’s not about Batman. There is no Batman."
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There were several reports about Kilmer feuding with director Joel Schumacher on set. On top of that, Tommy Lee Jones (who portrayed Harvey Dent-Two Face) reportedly clashed with Jim Carrey (Edward Nygma/Riddler).
At any rate, Batman Forever was a huge success from a box office standpoint, grossing over $336.531 million against a $100 million budget. Though there was some widespread criticism over the more family-friendly tone, the film certainly stacked up better when compared to Batman & Robin.
One film as Batman/Bruce Wayne was more than enough for Kilmer, and it's safe to say that he wound up making the right decision.
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