According to Akiva Goldsman, the screenwriter of Batman Forever, there was a possibility that Robin Williams could have portrayed the iconic villain, the Riddler, in the 1995 film. Instead, the role eventually went to Jim Carrey. Goldsman revealed in an interview with The Playlist that before the casting decisions were made, he met with Williams to discuss the part.
Goldsman explained that when he joined the project, Michael Keaton was still set to reprise his role as Batman. However, as a newcomer to the industry, Goldsman didn’t have the same level of influence he has now. At that time, Val Kilmer’s involvement was uncertain, while Robin Williams was initially attached to the film. It’s worth noting that Williams had previously shown interest in playing the Joker in the 1989 Batman movie, a role that ultimately went to Jack Nicholson.
During the conversation with Williams about the Riddler character, Goldsman was struck by the actor’s brilliance. He described it as if Williams had tapped into a source of infinite creativity, with ideas flowing effortlessly. Goldsman expressed admiration for Williams’ unique perspective.
Despite their initial discussions, Williams didn’t end up portraying the Riddler due to creative differences with director Joel Schumacher. Eventually, Jim Carrey stepped into the role and delivered an impressive performance. Goldsman commended Carrey’s work on the film.
The Batman franchise underwent further changes, with Michael Keaton departing and Val Kilmer taking over the role of Batman in Batman Forever. However, Keaton’s departure was also influenced by his disagreement with Schumacher’s vision for the series. In the movie, Carrey’s Riddler teamed up with Two-Face, played by Tommy Lee Jones, to execute a plan involving a mind-stealing device called the Box, with the intention of taking over Gotham City.
Following Batman Forever, Joel Schumacher directed Batman & Robin in 1997, featuring George Clooney as Batman. However, due to the film’s negative reception and underwhelming box office performance, the Batman franchise went on an eight-year hiatus until its resurgence with Batman Begins in 2005. Nevertheless, the Schumacher era of Batman was recently acknowledged in The Flash movie, where George Clooney reprised his role as Bruce Wayne in a scene with Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen. Additionally, Goldsman went on to co-develop the superhero series Titans, which showcased Iain Glen’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne.
Currently, Batman Forever can be streamed on Max, and a trailer for the film is available below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Batman Forever casting
Who almost played the Riddler in Batman Forever?
Robin Williams was in consideration for the role of the Riddler in Batman Forever. However, due to creative differences, the role ultimately went to Jim Carrey.
Why did Robin Williams not end up playing the Riddler?
According to screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, Williams and director Joel Schumacher did not see eye to eye on the character’s portrayal, leading to Williams’ departure from the project.
Who played the Riddler in Batman Forever?
Jim Carrey played the Riddler, also known as Edward Nygma, in the 1995 film Batman Forever.
What other Batman role was Robin Williams considered for?
Robin Williams had expressed interest in playing the Joker in the 1989 Batman film. However, the role was ultimately given to Jack Nicholson.
What other changes occurred in the Batman franchise during that time?
Michael Keaton, who had previously portrayed Batman, left the franchise due to disagreement with Joel Schumacher’s vision. Val Kilmer then took over the role in Batman Forever.
More about Batman Forever casting
- The Playlist interview with Akiva Goldsman: link
- Batman Forever on IMDb: link
- Jim Carrey’s performance as the Riddler in Batman Forever: link
- Robin Williams’ interest in playing the Joker: link
- Batman Begins on IMDb: link
- The Flash movie reference to Joel Schumacher’s Batman films: link
- Titans series featuring Bruce Wayne/Batman: link
