Batman & Robin (1997) is heavily regarded as one of the worst movies of all time, having failed to capture the magic and excitement of the first three Batman live action films.
Whether it was the cheesy one-liners from Mr. Freeze (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger), the campy storylines/tone or mediocre acting, this was simply a film that never came close to meeting expectations.
The failures of Batman & Robin caused the cancellation of a sequel, Batman Triumphant. There wouldn't be another live action Caped Crusader film until 2005, when Batman Begins (the first of Christopher Nolan's trilogy) hit the big screens.
Director Joel Schumacher has issued several apologies to the fans who were displeased with Batman & Robin. Even George Clooney (Batman/Bruce Wayne) and Chris O'Donnell (Robin/Dick Grayson) have openly discussed their frustrations and dissatisfaction with the film.
You can now add screenwriter Akiva Goldsman to the list of those who worked on Batman & Robin that want to offer an apology.
During an interview with Collider, Goldsman talked about how "the audience was not interested in the psychological component of the drama" for Batman Forever (1995). And though that film was easier to craft and develop, Batman & Robin was a much more perplexing case.
"As for Batman & Robin, that one just confused me. I mean, we didn’t mean for it to be bad," Goldsman said. "I swear, nobody was like, 'This will be bad.' We were really thinking… I mean, here’s the irony: There was a reel that was put together halfway through (filming) where it actually looked dark in an interesting way. It just is what it is and I’m sorry. I think we’re all sorry."
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Batman & Robin received several Razzie Award nominations, including Worst Picture, Worst Supporting Actor (O'Donnell and Schwarzenegger), Worst Supporting Actress (Alicia Silverstone) Worst Original Song (The End Is the Beginning Is the End) Director (Schumacher) and Worst Remake or Sequel.
Tim Burton directed the first two Batman live action films - Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), both of which starred Keaton. But the latter film was criticized for its darker mood and tone, and when Warner Bros. decided to make Batman Forever more kid-friendly, both Burton and Keaton wound up leaving the franchise. Val Kilmer wound up replacing Keaton as Batman, opting to leave after the one film.
On the bright side, the failure of Batman & Robin led to a much-needed series hiatus, and Nolan's epic trilogy was well worth the wait.
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