In 1997, Batman & Robin hit movie screens. The live-action Batman movie, the fourth entry in the Batman Anthology, focused on the expansion of the Bat-family, and introduced new villains in the shape of Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Bane.
The film also expanded Bruce Wayne’s supporting cast with the introduction of Julie Madison. Madison appeared in a number of scenes as Bruce Wayne’s love interest, and was played by a very familiar face.
But who is Julie Madison and why is she an important figure in the Batman mythology? For all the details and more, read on!
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Who is Julie Madison?
As noted above, Julie Madison appears in multiple scenes in Batman & Robin, always alongside Bruce Wayne. Julie is Bruce’s new girlfriend, who Bruce met off-screen, sometime after the events of Batman Forever (1995), but before Batman & Robin (1997).
In the movie, Julie and Bruce are depicted as being close, but Julie is unaware that Bruce has a secret life as Batman. This is particularly significant, because all of Bruce’s previous love interests (Vicki Vale, Selina Kyle, and Dr. Chase Meridian) knew of Bruce Wayne’s double life, making Julie the odd one out.
The fact that Julie does not know about the Bruce/Batman connection suggests Bruce has a different relationship with Julie than he had with previous girlfriends. He has purposefully kept Julie away from the dangers that surround his life as Batman, and sees this relationship as purely a ‘Bruce thing’.
It is also important to note that Batman & Robin largely depicts a more carefree Bruce Wayne, who is less brooding. As such, this is a Bruce that perhaps could develop a lasting relationship with someone, away from his life as Batman, and Julie could be that someone.
Julie appears to be forthright, a sharp dresser, and a person who is grounded. Putting Batman to one side, Julie seems to be a good fit for Bruce and as is highlighted in the movie, she is keen for the pair to settle down together.
Does that happen? No. Her story is also left open-ended, but this does suggest there is more story to tell, suggesting she could have returned in a future Batman movie, had the opportunity arisen.
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Who played Julie Madison in Batman & Robin?
In Batman & Robin, Julie Madison is played by model-turned-actress, Elle Macpherson. Macpherson is known for roles in The Edge (1997) and TV series Friends, but is arguably most famous for her career as a model.
Taking on the role of Julie Madison was something which Macpherson relished – especially as a Bat-fan. Speaking in the book, Batman & Robin: The Making of the Movie (Michael Singer, 1997), Macpherson said: “I was raised with the comics and television show, and it’s wonderful to see how it’s evolved under (Joel Schumacher’s) direction.”
She added: “I love the sensuality and dry sense of humour of his vision, as opposed to the slapstick and camp of the TV version. Ultimately, it’s romantic, and a pleasure to be involved with.”
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Was Julie Madison created for the movie?
Despite her limited screen time in Batman & Robin, Julie Madison has a long history with the Caped Crusader, dating all the way back to 1939. Julie originated in comics, making her debut in Detective Comics issue #31.
Introduced a mere four issues after Batman made his debut in Detective Comics issue #27, Julie was Bruce Wayne’s first major love interest. Julie was a socialite and the fiancée of Bruce Wayne, but she was unaware of his secret life as Batman.
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Thank you for stopping by I’ll Get Drive-Thru to read this post about Julie Madison – I hope the information in this post has proved useful. For more Batman-related content, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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