Batman & Robin Screenwriter Expressed Concern Over The Film

Batman and Robin, which opened twenty years ago today, has grown into a sort of cult phenomenon. Nevertheless, many regard it to be the worst live-action Batman film, with a flurry of negative response clouding the film’s initial release.

But according to the film’s crew members, there was much apprehension about the film’s success – including from the film’s scriptwriter, Akiva Goldsman.

While reflecting on the film with THR, Batman & Robin director Joel Schumacher revealed that Goldsman (I Am Legend, The Da Vinci Code) was uncertain about whether or not the film would work, leading to conversations between the two creators.

“Akiva was very leery about Batman and Robin.” Schumacher revealed. “We had a couple of very serious discussions about it, and he was right about it in the long run.”

Part of this uncertainty, as it turns out, was thanks to Warner Bros.’ very fixed release date for the film.

“Suddenly you’re carrying what’s called the tentpole movie of the year. Which means that’s going to carry all the other movies,” Schumacher explained. “So you are going to open whether you have something or not. Because those spots in the summer are so sought-after and so juggled around that you’ve got to piss on your ground or you’re not going to have dates in the summer. And then it’s like, “Oh my God, I’m opening. But now I have to make something to open with.’”

Schumacher has essentially accepted responsibility for Batman and Robin‘s failure, even officially apologizing for the film in several recent interviews.

“All I’m going to say is I was a big boy.” Schumacher added. “I chose to do it. I don’t think I did my best job. That really bothers me.”

Justice League currently has a 4.16 out of 5 on ComicBook.com’s anticipation rankings, and the official description can be found below.

In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, and features an ensemble cast that includes Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill(Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Ciarán Hinds (Steppenwolf), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Jeremy Irons (Alfred Pennyworth), J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon), Amber Heard (Mera), Kiersey Clemons (Iris West) and Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor).

Wonder Woman is in theaters now, followed by Justice League on November 17, 2017; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League 2 on June 14, 2019; Cyborg on April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps on July 24, 2020. The Flash, The Batman, Dark Universe and Man of Steel 2 are currently without a release dates.

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