Bob Kane, the co-creator of Batman, had a strong opinion about the actor who would portray the Dark Knight in the 1995 film "Batman Forever" - Val Kilmer. In a promotional interview, Kane gushed about Kilmer's portrayal, claiming he had an "edge" that Michael Keaton, the previous Batman actor, lacked. Kane's enthusiasm for Kilmer's performance was so pronounced that he seemed to imply a preference for Kilmer's interpretation of the character.
The article delves into the context of the film's production, noting that Warner Bros. aimed to lighten the tone of the Batman franchise after the darker "Batman Returns" directed by Tim Burton. The new director, Joel Schumacher, sought to distance the series from the bile-drooling Penguins and undead Catwomen, which led to Michael Keaton's departure. Val Kilmer stepped in, and Bob Kane was quick to praise his performance.
However, the author takes a critical stance, arguing that both actors were exceptional in their own right. While acknowledging Keaton's iconic status for kids of the late '80s and early '90s, the writer highlights Kilmer's strengths, particularly in his portrayal of Bruce Wayne as a sophisticated and tortured soul. The article also mentions the physicality aspect, noting that Kilmer's jaw was a standout feature.
The piece concludes by questioning Kane's promotional strategy, suggesting that comparing Kilmer to Keaton in terms of physicality and attractiveness was not the most effective way to build anticipation for the film. It also touches on the historical context of fan backlash against Keaton's casting, which ultimately faded once his performance was seen on screen. The author reflects on the complexity of such discussions, especially given Kane's history of not crediting Bill Finger for his Batman contributions.
