On June 23, 1989, Tim Burton’s “Batman” swooped into theaters and changed the superhero genre forever. With its dark tone, gothic aesthetic, and unforgettable performances from Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson, the film became a cultural event that redefined what a comic book movie could be. It broke box office records, sparked a merchandise frenzy, and turned the Bat-symbol into a global phenomenon.
Now, 36 years later, Batman remains a milestone in both Hollywood history and pop culture memory. To celebrate its anniversary, we’re revisiting some of the most surprising and fascinating stories from behind the scenes. Here are ten facts that reveal how this iconic picture was brought to life.
The Joker Role That Left a Comedy Legend Fuming
Source: IMDb
Before Jack Nicholson painted his face white and gave Gotham its maniacal menace, the studio dangled the role of the Joker in front of another Hollywood heavyweight: Robin Williams. When Nicholson hesitated to sign on, producers offered the part to Williams, who accepted enthusiastically.
But the move was a calculated bluff. Once Nicholson saw the offer was slipping away, he quickly claimed the role, and Williams was unceremoniously dropped. The comedian never forgot being used as leverage. He later turned down the chance to play the Riddler and refused to work with Warner Bros. until he received a personal apology. His next film with the studio wouldn’t come until years later with “Fathers’ Day.”
The Voice That Launched a Bat Tradition
Source: IMDb
Michael Keaton approached Batman with a mind for realism. Known for being a logic freak, he questioned how someone as public as Bruce Wayne could hide his identity with just a mask. Keaton floated ideas like contact lenses to further obscure his appearance, but in the end he landed on something deceptively simple yet groundbreaking. He changed his voice.
By giving Batman a lower, more commanding tone than his Bruce Wayne persona, Keaton created a vocal duality that became a defining trait of the character. His choice paved the way for future Batmen like Kevin Conroy and Christian Bale, who each made the split voice a hallmark of their performances.
Jack Nicholson’s Contract Was the Real Masterstroke
Source: IMDb
Jack Nicholson made one of the smartest deals in Hollywood history when he signed on to play the Joker. Instead of taking a typical salary, he negotiated a percentage of the film’s total earnings. Thanks to the movie’s explosive success at the box office, that decision paid off in a big way.
Nicholson reportedly earned around 60 million dollars from “Batman,” a staggering amount for the time. When adjusted for inflation, that paycheck would be worth well over 140 million today, making it one of the most lucrative acting deals ever made.
A Missed Audition and a Future Cat Connection
Source: IMDb
Before Kim Basinger stepped into the role of Vicki Vale, Michelle Pfeiffer was briefly considered for the part. At the time, she was dating Michael Keaton, and the idea of working together as romantic leads made him uncomfortable. Keaton expressed concerns about the potential awkwardness, and Pfeiffer never auditioned.
Ironically, just a few years later—after their relationship had ended—she would join him in “Batman Returns” as Selina Kyle, delivering a career-defining performance as Catwoman.
The Batsuit That Shut Out the World
Source: IMDb
Wearing the Batsuit was more than just a physical challenge for Michael Keaton. It was a psychological one. The rigid costume was so tight and enclosed that he could barely hear while wearing it. For someone with claustrophobia, it could have been unbearable.
Instead, Keaton used the sensation to his advantage. The isolation helped him tap into Batman’s inner world, making the character feel more distant and withdrawn. As Keaton put it, the suit forced him to go inward, which was exactly how he envisioned the Dark Knight.
The Trailer That Silenced the Doubters
Source: IMDb
During production, “Batman” faced a storm of skepticism from fans and the press. Rumors swirled that the film would be too campy or stray too far from the source material. To counter the negativity, Warner Bros. quickly put together a trailer and tested it on an unsuspecting audience at a theater in Westwood, California. The reaction was electric.
The ninety-second preview earned a standing ovation, instantly shifting public perception. It became so popular that fans began trading bootleg copies at comic book conventions, marking one of the earliest examples of a trailer becoming a cult item on its own.
Jack Nicholson’s Late Nights and On-Set Power Moves
Source: IMDb
Jack Nicholson’s contract gave him the luxury of arriving on set later than most of the cast. Known for late-night dinners and parties that sometimes stretched until three in the morning, Nicholson typically showed up around ten o’clock in the morning at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Michael Keaton was an early riser, often arriving hours before. When Nicholson finally made his entrance, he would greet Keaton briefly before settling into his chair and immediately falling asleep. Makeup artists then took their time applying his prosthetics while the star rested comfortably.
Tim Burton’s Mixed Feelings About His Own Masterpiece
Source: IMDb
Shortly after finishing “Batman,” director Tim Burton shared an honest and surprising opinion about the film. While he appreciated certain elements, he found much of the movie to be dull and saw it more as a cultural event than a truly great piece of cinema.
Burton was also not thrilled with how Prince’s songs were integrated into the movie, feeling they didn’t quite fit the tone he wanted. Over the years, as the pressures of production faded, Burton’s view softened, and he has grown more appreciative of the film’s lasting impact and legacy.
The Batmobile’s Unexpected Parts Collection
Source: IMDb
The iconic Batmobile was a true Frankenstein’s monster of automotive design. Built on the chassis of a Chevrolet Impala, it featured the engine from the same model. Its tail lights came from a Ferrari, while the fuel caps were borrowed from a London double-decker bus.
The car even included parts from a Harrier Jump Jet, which inspired the sliding cockpit with narrow windows resembling a gun emplacement. In a quirky detail, art director Terry Ackland-Snow added headlights from a Honda Civic after spotting them on his wife’s car, proving that even Gotham’s most famous vehicle was made from surprisingly everyday pieces.
The Harvey Dent Role That Almost Had a Different Face
Source: IMDb
Several actors were considered to play Gotham’s district attorney, including Don Johnson, Dale Midkiff, and William Petersen. In the end, Billy Dee Williams landed the role, with the understanding that he would eventually return as the villain Two-Face. Williams even secured a contract clause to keep the part reserved for him.
However, when “Batman Forever” came around, Warner Bros. opted to cast Tommy Lee Jones instead and bought out Williams’s contract. Fans later got a nod to Williams’s connection to the character when he voiced Two-Face in “The Lego Batman Movie.”
