Batman & Robin

Hot on the heels of the success of Batman Forever, Batman & Robin was released into theatres in the Summer of 1997. Similar to what happened with Batman Forever, Val Kilmer, who was set to reprise his role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, backed out in favour of launching a new franchise of the movie based on the TV series - The Saint, with himself as the lead. Joel Schumacher who returned to direct this sequel was now once again faced with a Batman movie without a 'Batman'.

George Clooney, star of the television drama E.R. and of the movie From Dusk Till Dawn, was chosen for the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Clooney was faced with a hectic schedule as he had to juggle his E.R. work with the filming of the movie. Chris O'Donnell returned as Dick Grayson/Robin as well as Michael Gough and Pat Hingle returning for a fourth time to play Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner Gordon. This movie also saw the introduction of another hero as Alicia Silverstone was cast to play Barbara Wilson/Batgirl - Alfred's Niece (quite different from her actual guise in the comics as Commissioner Gordon's daughter). Since the number of heroes was increased, the number of villains also went up with Arnold Shwarzenegger playing Victor Fries/Mr Freeze, Uma Thurman as Pamela Isely/Poison Ivy and Jeep Swenson as the Venom steriod taking Bane.

With so many characters taking up the screen time, there was little time devoted to the background and character development of each one. Along with some very bad acting, too much campiness and a rather simple plotline, the movie did not fare quite as well as the previous three movies. The movie was knocked off the top spot shortly after its release and caused an uproar from fans who now felt that they had come full circle from the sixties Batman show by this movie. Joel Schumacher was targeted as the cause and many hate campaigns followed. Warner Bros were also very stunned by how much of a flop Batman & Robin was and delayed the release of the next movie. There have been many speculations on when the next movie of this franchise will be made and what it would be about ranging from 'The Return of the Joker' to pitting Batman up against Superman to kick-start both franchises. Unfortunately, this movie is still in limbo.