The first film, also known as Batman: The Movie or Batman '66, directed by Leslie H. Martinson and produced by 20th Century Fox, was a theatrical spin-off of the TV series, produced by William Dozier, that was running at the time and was a quasi-comedy rather than a real superhero movie. Warner Bros. hired Tim Burton to direct the 1989 version, which had no connection to the 1966 movie and is often considered the first "definitive" Batman movie. The series continued with Batman Returns (1992). Joel Schumacher was hired to direct Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997), with various proposals for another installment being cancelled after the box-office failure of Batman & Robin. Christopher Nolan rebooted the film series with Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight (2008), completely starting over with a new series of films that have no connection to the previous installments. Throughout the films, Batman has fought with several of his famous villains.
Future
Nolan is not committed to another sequel, explaining that he does not normally line up projects after completing a film. Gary Oldman is confident Nolan will return, Oldman added the Riddler will be the villain. Bale said he would return if Nolan did. Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, he is not including Robin in the franchise because Bale is 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. Bale joked "I'll be chaining myself up somewhere and refusing to go to work" if Robin is introduced.
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. The Penguin would be tricky." Kate Beckinsale has stated she would consider playing Catwoman,while David Tennant wishes to play the Riddler.
Back in the late 60's I remember, based on the camp ka-pow popularity of the Adam West TV show, folks at the University of Washington dug up the 6 hours of a Batman serial from the 1940's. I sat through all of it, thinking it was soooo campy. but when Tim Burton brought us Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson and a whole new vision of the Batguy in 1989, things began looking up. Unfortunately in the 4th film with the suave George Clooney the franchise died on the vine. Christopher Nolan resurrected it yet again in 2005, breathed new life into it. I am anxious to see the sequel this week, and assess if Heath Ledger will get an Oscar nod.
Glenn Buttkus
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