Posted in: Movies, Warner Bros | Tagged: Batman, batman returns, film, tim burton, Warner Bros
Tim Burton Doesn't Expect to Helm Another Superhero Film
Batman Returns filmmaker Tim Burton shares his thoughts on the idea of making another superhero movie after his two-film Batman event.
Article Summary
- Tim Burton discusses his reluctance to direct another superhero film following his success with Batman and Batman Returns.
- Burton's 1989 Batman, starring Michael Keaton, was a major box office hit, earning over $400 million globally.
- Although less popular initially, Batman Returns has become a fan favorite due in part to Burton's style and Keaton's portrayal.
- Burton explains that Batman felt experimental in its time, free from today's franchise-driven studio pressures.
In 1989, visionary filmmaker Tim Burton released his version of the iconic DC character with the film Batman (starring longtime collaborator Michael Keaton), accumulating more than $400 million at the box office. To make the win even sweeter, the film generated generally positive reactions from critics and audiences, leading to Burton's Batman sequel, Batman Returns. And while Batman Returns wasn't as popular as its predecessor when it dropped in 1992, the film has easily become one of the most popular films of the entire Batman franchise courtesy of Keaton's performance, Burton's style, and, of course, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.
However, despite his success in the realm of superhero films, Burton is now making it known that a modern leap into the genre isn't currently in the cards for the filmmaker.
Tim Burton Doesn't Seem Interested in Crafting a Modern Superhero Film
When addressing his interest in helming another big-budget superhero movie, Burton explains to Variety, "At the moment, I would say no. Like I said, I come at things from different points of view, so I would never say never to anything. But, at the moment, it's not something I'd be interested in." He adds, "I was lucky because, at that time, the word 'franchise' didn't exist. So, Batman felt slightly experimental at the time… It deviated from what the perception [of a superhero movie] might be, so you didn't hear that kind of studio feedback, and being in England, it was even further removed." He elaborates, "We really just got to focus on the film and not really think about those things that now they think about even before you do it."
After witnessing some of Burton's recent successes or even his past achievements through Batman and Batman Returns, do you think we need another Burton-led superhero event? Let us know your thoughts below.