Between 1989 and 1997, Warner Bros. Pictures released a successful run of Batman movies under the watchful eye of directors Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher. Burton directed the first two movies: Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), and Schumacher directed the second two: Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997).
All four films shared the same continuity and collectively they became known as the Batman Anthology. They also provided a platform for some of the biggest, and best, Batman villains.
From Jack Nicholson’s Joker to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze, the Batman Anthology took some of the brightest stars of the era and turned them into villains. And if the Batman Anthology had continued, then no doubt even more huge stars would have taken on the role of the Caped Crusader’s rogues – and that’s what I want to talk about today.
In this post, I am taking a look at a ‘What if?’ scenario, which works on the basis of ‘What if the Batman movies did continue throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, with Burton and Schumacher as directors?’ Just imagine it for a moment: An ever-expanding collection of films with Burton and Schumacher alternating as director, placing big stars in the role of Batman’s villains.
In this scenario, the Batman Anthology continues beyond Batman & Robin with a succession of sequels. There’s no Christopher Nolan, no Zack Snyder, no Todd Phillips – just more Batman Anthology movies, all with the same continuity.
If this scenario had happened, who would have been cast as the villains?
How about these guys and gals?
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What if… Tom Cruise as Clayface?
There are many Clayfaces to choose from, but arguably the most iconic is the shape-changing former actor, Matt Hagen – popularised in Batman: The Animated Series. The character was an action star who was disfigured in an accident, but given the ability to alter his shape.
Who would have been the perfect actor to play a good-looking action star? Why, Tom Cruise of course!
While Cruise usually plays the good guy, he has been known to dabble in villainy (2004’s Collateral), plus throughout the ‘00s the actor briefly fell out of favour with audiences. This would have made him the perfect, tragic villain who just wants to reclaim his place as a star.
Director: Joel Schumacher
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What if… Johnny Depp as Scarecrow?
This one pretty much casts itself. So much so, that I am amazed it never happened!
If you want an actor to play the spooky, kooky Jonathan Crane you surely go to Johnny Depp, right? Not only is Depp a great character actor, he is also the right kind of crazy.
Take many of his previous characters (Ichabod Crane, Mad Hatter, Willy Wonka, Edward Scissorhands), then blend them altogether, and Jonathan Crane pops out the other end. And of course, as a constant collaborator with Batman/Batman Returns director, Tim Burton it seems like a match made in Gotham.
Director: Tim Burton
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What if… Carol Kane as Harley Quinn?
How do you possibly match Jack Nicholson’s Joker? You introduce an even crazier counter-part in the shape of Harley Quinn, played by Carol Kane.
Imagine an even nuttier version of Kane’s Ghost of Christmas Present from Scrooged (1988), only decked out in the red and black outfit that Harley Quinn sports. And now pair her up with the quirky, yet macabre sensibilities of Tim Burton and you have the potential for something truly special.
Director: Tim Burton
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What if… Philip Seymour Hoffman as The Ventriloquist?
Before his death in 2014, Philip Seymour Hoffman appeared in a collection of high-profile movies, from The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) and Magnolia (1999) to Mission: Impossible III (2006) and The Hunger Games (2013).
Arguably his most famous role was that of Truman Capote in 2005’s Capote. Watch that performance and tell me that Hoffman wouldn’t have made a great Ventriloquist in a Batman movie?
I’m waiting.
Director: Joel Schumacher
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What if… Robin Williams as Mad Hatter?
Before he passed away, Robin Williams’ name had long been associated with the Batman movies, and that is because for a very long time he was in the running to play a Batman villain. That villain would have been the Riddler in Batman Forever, a part that ultimately went to Jim Carrey – but it was originally written for Williams.
In this ‘What if?’ scenario, Williams did get to play a Batman villain, but it wouldn’t have been the Riddler, it would have been Jervis Tetch, aka the Mad Hatter.
Williams’ turn in films such as Insomnia (2002) and One Hour Photo (2002) demonstrated his ability to step beyond his comic persona. Now imagine, the true depths he could have reached by combining his over-the-top performances with something truly evil.
Director: Joel Schumacher
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What if… Geena Davis as Phantasm?
Beautiful? A strong screen presence? Able to do action at the drop of a hat? I can think of no one else to take on the role of Andrea Beaumont – the love-interest of Bruce Wayne – than Geena Davis!
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) and Cutthroat Island (1995) demonstrated Davis’ status as an action star, while roles in Beetlejuice (1988) and A League of Their Own (1992), showed a softer side. A perfect balance for Beaumont and her deadly alter-ego, the Phantasm.
Director: Tim Burton
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What do you think? Would these actors have nailed it as Batman movie villains? If not, who else would you have suggested? And what would the movies have been called?
Sound off with your ‘What if?’ scenarios in the comments section and let me know your fan-casting ideas for Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher Batman Anthology movie villains. If you could pick any actor, to play any Batman movie villain, who would you choose?
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