Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” left a lasting impression on comic book fans with its unique interpretation of iconic characters. But did you know that Burton and screenwriter Daniel Waters had even bigger plans? In a recent discussion, Waters revealed the clash of visions for a spinoff centered on Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman.
A Clash of Visions
Waters envisioned a satirical take on the comic book movie genre, similar to the current hit series “The Boys.” However, Burton had something far more daring in mind. He wanted to create an $18 million black-and-white film, reminiscent of the original “Cat People,” featuring Catwoman living a low-key life in a small town.
Waters’ Dark Satire
On the other hand, Waters had a different approach. He wanted to make a “Batman” movie where the metaphor focused on Batman himself. His version involved Catwoman moving to a Los Angeles version of Gotham City, which was under the control of three obnoxious superheroes. It was a concept ahead of its time, much like the recent series “The Boys.” However, Burton found Waters’ script overwhelming.
A Clever Script Cut
Waters had always intended to inject his superhero movies with a darker, satirical edge. His original draft of the “Batman Returns” screenplay included several jabs at the first Burton “Batman” film, which heavily relied on merchandising. The movie was supposed to open with the Batman logo panning out to reveal an in-universe merchandise store, with Batman criticizing the exploitative nature of merchandising. However, Michael Keaton, the film’s star, convinced Waters to remove these jabs.
The Backlash and Legacy
As for “Batman Returns,” the movie they did make together, Waters and Burton faced backlash from comic book fans. The film didn’t faithfully adapt the backstories of Catwoman or The Penguin, played by Danny DeVito. But Waters explained that at the time, they didn’t feel the need to please anyone other than Tim Burton. They were just two guys in a room, riffing ideas. They were still learning about Batman’s world and the comic book culture.
A Unique Take
Despite the initial criticism, “Batman Returns” remains an interesting and distinct entry in the Batman movie catalog. Waters acknowledged that their off-road approach confused fans at the time, as it was only the second Batman film. But now, with the abundance of Batman movies, their unconventional take stands out as an intriguing experiment.
The Unfulfilled Spinoff
Fans couldn’t get enough of Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Catwoman, which made it even more disappointing when her spinoff movie never materialized. Other actresses, such as Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, and Zoe Kravitz, would later don the iconic cat suit in their respective Batman movies.
Tim Burton and Daniel Waters had ambitious and daring plans for Catwoman’s standalone film. Although their visions clashed, they left an indelible mark on the Batman universe. It’s intriguing to imagine what a black-and-white Catwoman movie or Waters’ satirical take on Batman could have been. Perhaps, in an alternate reality, we would have witnessed a truly unique and groundbreaking superhero film.