Batman & Robin is a 1997 film starring George Clooney as Batman, Chris O'Donnell returning as Robin and introducing Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone), a niece of Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred (Michael Gough). The villains in this movie are Poison Ivy, played by Uma Thurman; Mr. Freeze, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger (who received top billing for this film) and Bane, played by Jeep Swenson. This is the final film in the original Batman movie story arc (1989-1997), as it is reset with 2005's Batman Begins. Unlike Batman, Batman Returns and Batman Forever, Tim Burton was not involved in any stage of production.


Development

Given the success of Batman Forever, a sequel was planned, with Joel Schumacher, Val Kilmer and Chris O’Donnell set to return. Poison Ivy was earmarked as the next villain and Julia Roberts was reported as a suitable candidate.

Akiva Goldsman, who had co-written the screenplay to Batman Forever was hired to write the script. With the perceived success of Batman Forever towards a "kid-friendly" audience, Warner Brothers sought for the sequel to include even more material geared towards that audience.

In February 1996, Val Kilmer decided not to return for a sequel, feeling (much as Michael Keaton had when he vacated the role) that Batman was being marginalized in favor of the villains. Kilmer went on to do The Saint with a salary of $6 million (triple the amount of his contract for Batman Forever). When asked why he didn't return for a fourth installment, Kilmer said he liked the characterization of Simon Templar better than Bruce Wayne. Kilmer commented "Simon is a literary character who uses his wit, and not violence. Batman is a real screwed-up guy who has hustled an entire city, and now he's running around in a cape. What's it all about?"

Days later, George Clooney signed on to take over the part. Clooney was signed for three films, with a contract totaling $28 million. Clooney backed out of the long-in-development Green Hornet motion picture in order to star in Batman & Robin.

Batgirl was finally introduced in the franchise and Alicia Silverstone was the first choice for the role. For this movie, she was named Barbara Wilson and was the niece of Alfred Pennyworth rather than the daughter of James Gordon as it was in the comics.

Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, and Sharon Stone were all considered for the role of Poison Ivy. Moore turned down the role and it is speculated that Roberts did as well. In March 1996, Uma Thurman was cast in the part. Patrick Stewart and Robin Williams were both considered for the role of Mr. Freeze, though ultimately Arnold Schwarzenegger was cast.

Hello twoface,
Great article you got there , I sawd this movie with my girlfriend about five week's ago , she had this movie on CD. I really like it , and I really love how Chris O'Donnell playied his character in that movie !

Thanks man. I will write more articles soon

I like his performance too. He really fits in the Robin character in my opinion.

Great article, Still doesn't stop the movie from being the worst of the franchise

I would have to agree with you there Jamie, though Schwarzeneggers performance as Mr Freeze was quite funny haha

Can you beleive Arnies the governor? Based on his performance as freeze?? lol

it would just be a joke having him as a politician, i really couldnt imagine it down here in australia, its funny enough as peter garrett (lead singer of Midnight Oil) being a politician, though hes always been a greeny, with his political views in his music, anyway just a little off topic haha

I'd have to agree with Jamie that this is the worst of the Batman films.
While it ain't a total waste of time, it just don't cut it as a Batman movie...too comical.
I'm betting Batman Forever was better mostly because Tim Burton was still involved. but to my knowledge, he was not involved in this one.

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correct burton wasnt anything to do with this one i think this one is more of an ode to the 60s batman lol still liked it.

clooney is a good actor to choose shows even batman gets old,