Batman Returns

Batman Returns is a 1992 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton and written by Daniel Waters. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, it is the sequel to Batman (1989) and the second installment in the Batman film series (1989–1997). The cast includes Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, and Michael Murphy. The film follows Batman as he confronts corrupt businessman Max Shreck and malformed crime boss Oswald Cobblepot / the Penguin, whose bid for power threatens Gotham City. Their schemes are further complicated by Shreck's former secretary Selina Kyle, who seeks revenge against him as Catwoman.

Burton was initially uninterested in directing a sequel to Batman, feeling creatively constrained by Warner Bros.' expectations. He agreed to return only after being granted greater creative control, which included replacing original writer Sam Hamm with Daniel Waters and reuniting with many of his previous collaborators. Waters's script emphasized characterization over plot, and Wesley Strick was later hired for an uncredited rewrite that added, among other elements, a master plan for the Penguin. Filming took place from September 1991 to February 1992 on a budget of $50–80 million, primarily on sets and soundstages at Warner Bros. Studios and the Universal Studios Lot in California. The film's special effects relied mainly on practical techniques and makeup, supplemented with animatronics, limited computer-generated imagery, and dozens of live penguins.

The film's marketing campaign was extensive, featuring brand tie-ins and merchandise intended to replicate the financial success of Batman. Released on June 19, 1992, Batman Returns broke several box-office records and grossed $266.8 million worldwide, becoming the sixth-highest grossing film of 1992, but fell short of Batman in overall success and longevity. The darker tone, along with violent and sexual content, was cited as alienating family audiences and prompted backlash against marketing partners for promoting the film to children. Critical reception was polarized, though most reviewers praised the principal cast.

Following the mixed reception of Batman Returns, Burton was replaced by Joel Schumacher as director of Batman Forever (1995), which was developed with a more family-friendly tone. Keaton declined to return, citing creative differences with Schumacher. Batman Forever and its sequel, Batman & Robin (1997), performed well financially but received weaker critical responses. In the years since its release, Batman Returns has been reappraised as one of the strongest Batman films, with its portrayal of Catwoman regarded as iconic. The story was revisited in the comic Batman '89 (2021), and Keaton later reprised his version of Batman in The Flash (2023).

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