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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 88.109.139.16 (talk) at 18:57, 4 December 2007 (The previous version made no sense - it seems to imply that Batman Begins was a "failed project". Research will reveal that it was a major critical and commercial success.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Batman film series
Poster for Batman (1989)
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release date
1989 – 2008
Country United States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$1,624,772,639

The Batman film series currently consists of two movie serials from the 1940s, and six superhero films based on the fictional DC Comics character of the same name, portrayed by the likes of Lewis Wilson, Robert Lowery, Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale. The film series most notably went into route once Michael Uslan acquired the film rights in April 1979. Due to creative differences and various scripts, the project labored into development hell.

Warner Bros. hired Tim Burton to direct in 1985, though Batman wasn't released until 1989. The series continued with Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995) and was ultimately put on hold after the critical and financial failure of Batman & Robin (1997). Christopher Nolan resurrected the film series in 2005 with Batman Begins. Throughout the films, Batman has fought with villains such as The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, Two-Face, The Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Bane, Ra's Al Ghul, Scarecrow, and Carmine Falcone. While the films' storylines have been concluded, the studio plans to develop more films, continuing Batman's adventures with Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight.

Serials

In the 1940s and early 1950s, many serials featuring DC Comics heroes and villains were produced. The first of which was Batman in in 1943 and the second titled Batman and Robin in 1949.

Released by Columbia Pictures the plot of Batman follows Batman (Lewis Wilson) and Robin (Douglas Croft) and their struggles against Dr. Daka (J. Carrol Naish), who is attempting to turn everybody into zombies. The film is also noted for William Austin's portrayal as Alfred Pennyworth. Before the serial, Alfred was fat and clean shaven. After Austin appeared as a slim figure with a mustache, the character's look was altered in the comics and remains unchanged to this day. [1]

The second and final serial was Batman and Robin. The serial featured a completely new cast, including Robert Lowery as Batman. The plot focuses on Batman and Robin trying to catch a mysterious wizard. Acclaimed comic book writer Frank Miller has stated that Batman and Robin is his favorite interpretation of Batman on film. [1]

The 1966 film

The 1966 Batman film, again titled simply Batman, marks the first time a DC Comics character was adapted into a feature length film. The film was based on the very successful television series and was released on July 30, 1966. It was filmed, released, and took place between the first and second seasons of the television series. [1]

The plot featured Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward) facing off against four of the greatest villains from the television series, including the Joker (Cesar Romero), the Riddler (Frank Gorshin), Catwoman (Lee Meriwether), and the Penguin (Burgess Meredith). All actors from the television series were present in the film except Julie Newmar, who played Catwoman on the TV series but was unable to get out of filming for another movie. The 20th Century Fox film was a moderate success and has become a cult classic. [1]

The Batman

Michael Uslan had recently made himself famous for convincing the Dean of Indiana University for starting a course on comic books. As such, DC Comics was impressed with his work, and invited him into their offices. Uslan, a well noted fan of the Batman character was able to acquire the film rights to the property in April of 1979 with newly formed partner Benjamin Melniker. CBS had recently opted to make a Batman in Outer Space film, though DC had no intention of selling the rights to them if it were to be that type of concept. The prevailing perception of the character was still that of the campy 1960s TV series. Uslan was always fascinated with Bill Finger's and Bob Kane's early stories from 1939, and opted to produce the film in that style. For his presentation to studios, Uslan wrote a short story titled Return of the Batman so as to show the studios what exactly he was aiming for. The treatment conveyed a tone to Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, though was coincidentally written ten years prior.[2]

As Uslan and Melniker unsuccessfully pitched the film to as many studios they could find,[3] Uslan started searching for writers. He felt Superman, James Bond, and Star Wars were the three most successful film franchises at the time. As such he approached Richard Maibaum to write the script, with Guy Hamilton to direct. Both were extremely well known for the various Bond film they had collaborated on, though the two would eventually turn down the opportunity. Tom Mankiewicz was settled upon, who had recently co-written Superman and in the past was involved with three James Bond films. Mankiewicz started writing his script sometime in 1980,[2] and was able to finish in June 1983, going under the simple title of The Batman.[4]

The script showcased the origins of both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson and included The Joker and Rupert Thorne as the main villains (with a brief cameo of The Penguin. Silver St. Cloud appeared as the love interest and elements from the script ended up appearing in future film installments. This includes: The Joker being responsible for Bruce's parents' murder (though Joe Chill was the hired gun), Batman being framed for crimes he didn't commit (see Batman Returns). Similarities for Batman Forever had Dick Grayson's origin being practically the same (as well as stumbling upon the Batcave), and Dick saving Bruce's life before becoming Robin.[4]

While Mankiewicz was writing the script, Uslan and Melniker kept pursuing to find a studio. Uslan recounts many stories, "At Columbia, the head of production said to me, shaking his head after I pitched my heart out, “Come on, Batman will never be a success as a film because our movie Annie didn’t do well.” I looked at this guy dumbfounded. And I asked him what did the little red-headed girl who sang “Tomorrow” have to do with Batman!? And he said, “Michael, they are both out of the funny pages.” At United Artists, Uslan recounted a similar story. "An exec said to me that a film with Batman and Robin would never work as a film because Robin and Marian wasn’t successful. Now that was about an aging Robin Hood and Maid Marian with Sean Connery! I just picked up all my materials, didn’t say a word and walked out of the room."[5]

It was in late 1981 that Uslan announced a 1983 release date, with a budget of $15 million, though the project kept getting pushed back due to development hell.[6] Uslan and Melniker were able to team with Peter Guber and Jon Peters in 1982. The four producers were able to convince Warner Bros. to finance the film after Universal Pictures declined the offer.[3] Uslan then announced in 1983, the year Mankiewicz finally completed his script, that the film would be released in 1985 with a $20 million.[6] Over this course in time Joe Dante and Ivan Reitman were involved as directors though both would personally leave. Dante found more interest in Gremlins while Reitman opted for Ghostbusters.[3] Uslan wanted a distinguished unknown actor as Batman, with William Holden as Commissioner Gordon and David Niven as Alfred Pennyworth.[6] Jack Nicholson was always the original choice for the role of The Joker.[5]

In the meantime more scripts came about that included the basic premise of The Joker, Rupert Thorne, Silver St. Cloud, and Robin. All scripts were centered to be an adaptation of Steve Englehart's Dark Detective series.[7] Warner Bros. then brought up the idea of simply showcasing the film in the spirit of the Batman TV series from the 1960s. Uslan tried his best to avoid the comedic route, though the studio went further, citing Bill Murray as Batman and Eddie Murphy as Robin as their primary casting choices. After the success of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, the studio then thought otherwise, and decided to depict the film the way Uslan had wanted to since the beginning. After the surprising success of Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Warner Bros. handed the director's position to Tim Burton.[3]

Burton took the film as an opportunity to pay homage to the various "monster movies" he had seen as a kid. This included the Hammer Film Productions, Frankenstein, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera amongst many others.[8]

Burton/Schumacher series

After this long development history, all of the Batman films were distributed by Warner Brothers. They were directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher.

Batman (1989)

Gotham City is in the grip of mob boss Carl Grissom, and is only met with worse fears with a corrupt police department. Millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne beings his run as the shadowy vigilante knowns as "The Batman." Reporters Alexander Knox and Vicky Vale investigate the series behind this character, as Vale is eventually taken in by Wayne's charms. The situation becomes further worse when Jack Napier, former right hand man of Grissom, hideously transforms into the psychotic Joker. Bruce Wayne must confront tragic moments from the past as the homicidal maniac starts his deadly crusade against the citizens of Gotham.

Batman Returns (1992)

A mysterious "Penguin-like" man appears out of the sewers of Gotham and is intent on being accepted into Gotham society. Crooked businessman Max Schreck is coerced into helping him become Mayor of Gotham and they both attempt to expose Batman in a different light. However, Selina Kyle, Max's secretary, is thrown from the top of a building and is transformed into Catwoman - a cunning figure who has the same personality disorder as Batman. The Dark Knight must attempt to clear his name, all the time deciding the situation between Selina and Catwoman.

Batman Forever (1995)

Former District Attorney Harvey Dent incorrectly believes Batman caused the courtroom accident which left him disfigured on one side. He then unleashes a reign of terror, and assisting him is Edward Nygma, a former employee of Wayne Enterprises looking for revenge. As The Riddler perfects a device for draining information from all the brains in Gotham, including Bruce Wayne's knowledge of his other identity, Batman must stops this fight for the good of mankind with the help of his new sidekick Robin and sexy psychologist Dr. Chase Meridian.

Batman & Robin (1997)

Gotham City, is threatened by Victor Fries, known also as Mr. Freeze. Batman and Robin manage to eventually capture him. Meanwhile, a young woman named Pamela Isley witnesses illegal genetic tampering and is, apparently, killed. She is resurrected, and hires a new bodyguard, Bane. They arrive at Gotham, and aid in Mr. Freeze's escape. Meanwhile, Alfred is dying and Wayne must find a cure, while dealing with troubles with Robin, and receiving help from Batgirl, a new hero of Gotham.

Failed projects

After the box office failure of Batman & Robin, Warner Bros. was still intent on delivering yet another Batman film. Since Batman & Robin did poorly (financially and critically), the next Batman film was to have an atmosphere that veered in the opposite direction. It took roughly seven years to get the fifth Batman film greenlighted, over the course of various developing titles.

Batman Triumphant

Warner Bros. hired Mark Protosevich to write a script for the fifth Batman film, titled Batman Triumphant, [9] even before the theatrical release of Batman & Robin. Joel Schumacher, George Clooney, and Chris O’Donnell were still contracted for another film. [10] The Scarecrow was to be the main villain and through the use of his fear gas, Scarecrow would cause Batman to confront his worst fear: the return of the Joker. Harley Quinn was in the script and shown as the daughter of Jack Napier. [9]

Triumphant was to return the franchise towards its darker roots, seen in the first two Tim Burton films. As of yet, the script hasn’t been leaked online and it is unknown whether or not Jack Nicholson would reprise his role as the Joker. Due to poor results from Batman & Robin, Triumphant was canceled and Warner Bros. commissioned more scripts. [11]

Batman: DarKnight

In 1998, Lee Shapiro, Stephen Wise, and a Warner Bros. exec named Greg Silverman pitched the idea for a fifth Batman movie. It was to be called Batman: DarKnight (not to be confused with "The Dark Knight" starring Heath Ledger and Christian Bale) and included the Scarecrow and Man-Bat as the new villains, with the studio being most impressed with the characterization of Man-Bat. [12] Fear was to be the initial theme (much like the main one for Batman Begins) and according to Shapiro, Scarecrow was true to the source material, but wasn’t a wimp. Within three months, Lee Shapiro and Stephen Wise sent their first draft to Warner Bros.. Joel Schumacher was still signed to direct but dropped out for unknown reasons only weeks after the first draft was completed. [12] The story went as:

Bruce Wayne is in self-imposed seclusion from life, because he feels he has lost his greatest weapons in the fight against crime: his mystique and his enemies' fear. Dick Grayson attends Gotham University, trying to discover who he is apart from his guardian and unwilling to return as Robin without him. Meanwhile, Dr. Jonathan Crane uses his position as professor of psychology at Gotham University and as resident psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum to conduct his experiments in fear. During a vengeful confrontation with a colleague, Dr. Kirk Langstrom, Crane unknowingly initiates Kirk's transformation into the creature known as Man-Bat. The unsuspecting denizens of Gotham scream for Batman's head, believing the Man-Bat's nightly hunts to be the Dark Knight's bloodthirsty return to action. Bruce dons cape and cowl once more to clear his name and solve the mystery behind these attacks. Eventually, Dick ends up in Arkham Asylum under Crane's unsympathetic watch, and Kirk struggles with his "man vs. monster" syndrome as he longs to both reunite with his wife and get revenge on Crane. [12]

The script for Batman: DarKnight sat at Warner Bros. and languished in development hell up until late 2000. Shapiro stated that DarKnight was in the running the longest as the next Batman movie compared to the other Batman projects in development. [12]

Batman Beyond

In October of 1999, Ain't It Cool News reported that Warner Bros. was seriously considering a live action Batman Beyond movie, based on the cartoon series. Various other websites call the report bogus. In January of 2000, Ain't It Cool News reported that Paul Dini and Alan Burnett would be writing the script, both of whom are well known for their work on The DC Animated Universe. In August of 2000, it was confirmed that Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Neal Stephenson, and Boaz Yakin were to all write the script, with Yakin to direct. Batman Beyond was to be a sequel to the Burton/Schumacher franchise, as well as taking place in its own universe. Jack Nicholson expressed serious interest in returning as the Joker, and even had has his own ideas on how to bring him back to life. A script was written by the writers and turned into Warner Bros., though the project was canceled in favor of the Batman: Year One project. [13]

Batman vs Superman

Batman vs Superman is a cancelled film that was to be directed by Wolfgang Peterson with scripts by Andrew Kevin Walker and Akiva Goldsman. Filming was to start in February 2003[14] with a five to six month shoot.[15] The theatrical release date was to be in the summer of 2004, though the project was cancelled once Peterson left, citing his excitement to direct Troy.[14]

The film went as far as having the script being greenlighted by Warner Bros., with pre-production and casting already taking place. The film was one of many project developed at the studio over the years on trying to get either a fifth Batman or Superman installment. Others listed were: Tim Burton's Superman Lives, McG's (and later Brett Ratner's) Superman origin story, Batman Triumphant, Batman: DarKnight, Boaz Yakin's Batman Beyond, and Darren Aronofsky's Batman: Year One.[14]

Goldsman's script has been leaked online, though it's unsure if it was to be the planned script, or just an early draft. Nonetheless, Warner Bros. is still interested in doing the film sometime in the future, as they have quoted many times.[14] As of September 2007, Peterson still hopes direct sometime in the future, hoping Christian Bale would still want to portray Batman.[16] Bryan Singer has also expressed interest as well.[17]

Development

Wolfgang Peterson, a well noted comic book fan, was originally approached as Tim Burton's replacement on Superman Lives, though Peterson wasn't interested. Instead he told Warner Bros. about an idea he had for a World's Finest project, though the studio wasn't interested as they wanted to "re-start" both Superman and Batman film series'. It wasn't until Darren Aronofsky left Batman: Year One for The Fountain, and McG left his Superman origin story for Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, that the studio gave Peterson's idea a chance.[18]

In August 2001, Andrew Kevin Walker was hired to write the script,[19] turning in a story treatment sometime in October.[20] For unknown reasons, Peterson and Warner Bros. enlisted the aid of Akiva Goldsman to rewrite Walker's script. The script was good enough to greenlight the film, with pre-production work already starting and casting to begin shortly.[14] It wasn't until August 2002, that Peterson left the project in favor of Troy.[21]

After Peterson's departure, Warner Bros. could have simply hired another director to fill the position. Instead, they were impressed with a recent script by JJ Abrams for the first part of a Superman trilogy, which caught the eye of Brett Ratner. Executives also decided to let the project go for a while, stating that after Christopher Nolan finishes his Batman trilogy, and Bryan Singer finishes his Superman trilogy, that the option for a filming combining the two superheroes would be then granted.[14]

The studio is currently set to produce Justice League, and no word yet as to how this will affect the project's future.

When it came to casting, Peterson claimed he was looking for actors who "can really act and give complexity and emotions, but would have the fun of being a great superhero and maybe pump up a little bit." He cited Matt Damon as an example, but stated he hadn't approached him. Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, James Franco, Jude Law, and Paul Walker were all reported to be considered for either of the two roles.[18] Ain't It Cool News claimed that Collin Farrell signed on as Batman with Jude Law as Superman.[22] Though there were still fans that supported the casting of Farrell, most preferred Bale, while Law was met with negative feedback.[23] IGN called the report false as Farrell was already set to star in S.W.A.T. and Alexander.[24]

Christian Bale's agent spoke to Moviehole.net, stating that Bale was indeed in the running, and denied the report at Ain't It Cool News. His agent stated that he had been approached for multiple Batman films, but was most attached to Batman: Year One, calling the Darren Aronofsky/Frank Miller script more "unique" than Batman vs Superman.[21] Josh Hartnett was Peterson's first choice for the role of Superman.[25]

Plot

Harry Knowles from Ain't It Cool News claimed to have received Andrew Kevin Walker's treatment in November 2001. He stated that Batman was given more screen time than Superman, though Superman is given most of the action sequences. The scenes between Batman and the Joker are what Knowles calls "very Killing Jokeish." He did have problems with giving Lois Lane, Commissioner Gordon, and Alfred Pennyworth cameos, though overall gave it a positive treatment.[20] The story went as:

Lex Luthor Jr. takes over LexCorp after the death of his father. He then decides to create a "Mass Market of Machine Men" for expansive corporations. These machines of massive artificial beings and giant spiders turn out to be substantial, thus Luthor decides to take them to the World's Fair in Gotham City. Clark Kent and Lois Lane are sent to Gotham to cover the story, while Bruce Wayne is falling in love with the gorgeous female Mayor of Gotham. Wayne, who is Luthor's direct business rival, wonders about his suspicious activities. In his disguise as Batman he finds out that the machines are controlled by a satellite with Kryptonite. As Lex starts to sense that Batman is on to his plan he clones the Joker to distract him, while Superman eventually comes into the story and the climax ensues to stop the machines from invading Gotham.[20]

For reasons not yet known, Warner Bros. and Peterson enlisted the aid of Akiva Goldsman to rewrite the Walker script. As of right now, Goldsman's draft is only script leaked online and is dated June 21, 2002. The script went under the working title "Asylum,"[26] and it's unknown whether or not it was to be the planned script or a simple early draft.

The story begins five years after the death of Robin, with Bruce Wayne holding himself responsible. Unable to shake the demons out of his life, he gives up his crime fighting career. He eventually marries a woman named Elizabeth Miller, and continues his friendship with Clark Kent. The two know each other's secret identities, as Clark is Bruce's "best man" at his wedding. As Clark resides in Metropolis he deals with bad luck, having been recently divorced by Lois Lane and having the public turn against Superman. The Joker, who is previously thought to be dead, kills Elizabeth at the honeymoon with a poison dart, as Bruce then loses his mind. He blames Clark because he previously saved the Joker from a fatal beating just before the murder. Bruce dons cape and cowl once again for the sheer will of revenge, while Clark goes into exile in Smallville. He eventually woos his first love Lana Lang and tries to talk Bruce out of his vengeful ways, an act which ultimately pits the two heroes against each other. Eventually, it transpires that Superman's nemesis Lex Luthor was behind the Joker's return, hoping that Batman and Superman would kill each other. Instead, the two heroes unite to defeat the Joker and Luthor. Barbara Gordon, Aunt Harriet Cooper, and Toyman all make cameos. Lois Lane is mentioned, though not given any screen time while Commissioner Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth have both passed on (though Alfred remains his state as a hologram that Bruce built). Perry White and Jimmy Olsen aren't mentioned whatsoever.[26]

Nolan series

Batman Begins

In 2005, Batman's presence on the screen was resurrected with the critical and commercial success of Batman Begins. Begins represented an entirely new set of stories, under the direction of Christopher Nolan with Christian Bale as Batman. A sequel has been commissioned titled The Dark Knight for a 2008 release.

The Dark Knight

The 2008 sequel to Batman Begins will have Batman, Lt. Jim Gordon, and District Attorney Harvey Dent forming an alliance to take down the rise in organized crime in Gotham City brought about by the absence of Carmine Falcone, who is still in jail, as well as trying to battle the homicidal criminal mastermind known only as the Joker, portrayed by Heath Ledger.

Future

Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, he is not including Robin in the franchise because Christian Bale was still portraying a "young Batman", which meant "Robin's not for a few films". Nolan jokingly listed Frankie Muniz as a potential choice, if the studio forced him to cast.[27] In addition, Nolan considered the Penguin difficult to portray on film, explaining, "There are certain characters that are easier to mesh with the more real take on Batman we're doing."[28]

Recently, Kate Beckinsale has expressed an interest in playing Catwoman,[29] while David Tennant wishes to play the Riddler.[30]

Cast and characters

Character Film
Batman (1966) Batman (1989) Batman Returns (1992) Batman Forever (1995) Batman & Robin (1997) Batman Begins (2005) The Dark Knight (2008)
Batman Adam West Michael Keaton Val Kilmer George Clooney Christian Bale

Reception

Box office performance

Film Release date Box office revenue Box office ranking Reference
United States Worldwide United States Outside US Worldwide All time US All time worldwide
Batman June 23, 1989 June 23, 1989 $251,188,924 $160,160,000 $411,348,924 #39 #82 [31]
Batman Returns June 19, 1992 June 19, 1992 $162,831,698 $104,000,000 $266,831,698 #130 #202 [32]
Batman Forever June 16, 1995 June 16, 1995 $184,031,112 $152,500,000 $336,531,112 #91 #134 [33]
Batman & Robin June 20, 1997 June 20, 1997 $107,325,195 $130,881,927 $238,207,122 #309 #244 [34]
Batman Begins June 15, 2005 June 15, 2005 $205,343,774 $166,510,009 $371,853,783 #72 #102 [35]
The Dark Knight July 18, 2008 TBA [36]
Batman film series $910,720,703 $714,051,936 $1,624,772,639

Critical reaction

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic Yahoo! Movies
Overall Cream of the Crop
Batman 72% (46 reviews)[37] 57% (7 reviews)[38] 66% (17 reviews)[39] B- (5 reviews)[40]
Batman Returns 80% (40 reviews)[41] 57% (7 reviews)[42] B (5 reviews)[43]
Batman Forever 43% (46 reviews)[44] 69% (13 reviews)[45] 51% (23 reviews)[46] B- (9 reviews)[47]
Batman & Robin 12% (57 reviews)[48] 21% (14 reviews)[49] 28% (21 reviews)[50] C- (9 reviews)[51]
Batman Begins 84% (242 reviews)[52] 63% (40 reviews)[53] 70% (41 reviews)[54] B+ (15 reviews)[55]
The Dark Knight

References

  1. ^ a b c d Legends of the Dark Knight: The History of Batman. Warner Bros. 2005. {{cite AV media}}: |format= requires |url= (help)
  2. ^ a b Bill "Jett" Ramey (2005-11-08). "An Interview With Michael Uslan - Part 1". Batman-on-Film. Retrieved 2007-11-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ a b c d Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight. Warner Bros. 2005. {{cite AV media}}: |format= requires |url= (help)
  4. ^ a b Tom Mankiewicz (1983-06-20). "The Batman: Revised First Draft Screenplay". ScifiScripts.com. Retrieved 2007-11-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ a b Bill "Jett" Ramey (2005-11-10). "An Interview With Michael Uslan - Part 2". Batman-on-Film. Retrieved 2007-11-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ a b c Alan Jones (November 1989). "Batman in Production". Cinefantastique. Retrieved 2007-11-23.
  7. ^ Bill "Jett" Ramey (2006-11-27). "Interview: Steven Englehart". Batman-on-Film. Retrieved 2007-11-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Batman (1989) Audio Commentary by Director Tim Burton. Warner Bros. 2005. {{cite AV media}}: |format= requires |url= (help)
  9. ^ a b Linder, Brian. "Rumblings From Gotham". IGN. Retrieved 2006-11-13. {{cite news}}: Text "date2000-07-27" ignored (help)
  10. ^ Karger, Dave (1997-07-11). "Big Chill". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2006-11-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Ramey, Bill "Jett" (2005-02-04). "A History of BATMAN 5: What It Is and How It Came To Be". Batman-on-Film. Retrieved 2006-11-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ a b c d Ramey, Bill "Jett" (2005-07-28). "Interview: Lee Shapiro". Batman-on-Film. Retrieved 2006-11-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ Rob M. Worley (2001-10-18). "Batman Beyond Live Action Movie (Archives)". Comics2Film. Retrieved 2007-09-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ a b c d e f David Hughes (2003). Tales From Development Hell. Titan Books. ISBN 1-84023-691-4. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Brian Linder (2002-07-09). "Batman vs Superman in '04". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ A.C. Ferrant (2007-09-18). "Profile: Wolfgang Peterson Reinvents Troy for DVD With New Director's Cut". If Magazine. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ Sean Dwyer (2006-07-07). "Bryan Singer Interested in Batman vs Superman?". Film Junk. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ a b Brian M. Raftery and Nancy Miller (2002-07-22). "Dynamic Duel". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ Brian Linder (2001-08-09). "More Batman, Superman Insanity at WB". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ a b c Harry Knowles (2001-09-15). "A Look At Andrew Kevin Walker's Treatment to Wolfgang Peterson's Batman/Superman". Ain't It Cool News. Retrieved 2007-10-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ a b Stax (2002-08-13). "Batman vs. Superman Shelved!". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ Harry Knowles (2002-07-24). "Gigolo Joe as SUPERMAN -- Bullseye as BATMAN!!!". Ain't It Cool News. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Stax (2002-07-25). "Farrell NOT Batman – Yet?". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. ^ Stax (2002-07-24). "Akiva Rewriting Batman vs. Superman?!". IGN. Retrieved 2007-10-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ Daniel Fierman, Nancy Miller, and Brian Raftery (2003-03-15). "Stallville". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2007-10-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ a b Akiva Goldsman (2002-06-21). "Batman vs Superman 2nd Draft" (PDF). Daily Scripts. Retrieved 2007-10-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ "Nolan on Robin in Batman Sequels". SuperHeroHype.com. 2005-06-23. Retrieved 2006-07-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ Matthew Belloni (November 2006). "Q+A: Christopher Nolan". Esquire. Retrieved 2006-10-13.
  29. ^ Jen Yamato (2007-08-03). "Beckinsale On Catwoman, Wonder Woman, And Her Bond Girl Offer". RottenTomatoes. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ Ben Rawson-Jones (2007-09-26). "David Tennant craves 'Batman' villain role". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2007-09-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ "Batman (1989)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  32. ^ "Batman Returns (1992)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  33. ^ "Batman Forever (1995)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  34. ^ "Batman and Robin (1997)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  35. ^ "Batman Begins (2005)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  36. ^ "The Dark Knight (2008)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  37. ^ "Batman". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  38. ^ "Batman (Cream of the Crop)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
  39. ^ "Batman (1989): Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2007-05-17.
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