Batman Forever Originally Had A Better Batman & Robin Dynamic

Batman Forever is heavily flawed, but the blockbuster originally had a better dynamic between Val Kilmer’s Batman and Chris O’Donnell’s Robin. Released in 1995, Joel Schumacher’s campy vision for the Batman franchise didn’t sit well with critics or audiences. The film was a drastic departure from the Gothic tone previously established by Tim Burton and struggled to juggle multiple subplots.

Dick Grayson/Robin’s story was one of Batman Forever‘s better elements, with O’Donnell effectively portraying Dick’s tough exterior while shielding his sorrow from the death of his parents. After Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) destroys his simple life as a circus acrobat, Dick is taken in by Bruce Wayne but remains hell-bent on revenge. After stumbling upon the Batcave and joyriding in the Batmobile, Dick is adamant about becoming Batman’s sidekick, Robin.

Robin is depicted as reckless and stubborn, and his relationship with Bruce is strained at best. Batman Forever never gives them a proper bonding moment. However, this wasn’t originally the case, as an early script devotes more time towards developing their friendship and the overall creation of Robin. There is a greater discussion of the pair’s loneliness and morality, while Batman comes to actively embrace his sidekick, which would have enlivened Kilmer’s overly restrained performance.

In Batman Forever‘s early script, Dick is less hostile towards Bruce and insists that the Dark Knight needs help. This is supported by news reports questioning Batman’s effectiveness in the wake of Two-Face’s rampage. Bruce clearly admires Dick’s passion, leading to a training montage testing his athleticism, use of Batarangs, and studying criminal files. The sequence illustrates how Dick Grayson can realistically become Robin, but the final film makes this a sudden development wherein Batman casually brings an untrained Robin to tackle two psychotic murderers. Alfred is also shown making the Robin costume, clearly acting on Bruce’s wishes and not of his own accord, opposed to what is portrayed in the finished film. Dick’s training is treated much more seriously, featuring a pivotal clash during a sparring session in which Dick challenges Bruce’s refusal to ever use guns. Bruce tells him guns are cowardly and how it’s not their right to take anyone’s life: “This is about fighting criminals. Not about becoming one yourself … You don’t kill. Not ever!“

Dick’s initial desire to use guns puts a darker spin on the character while strengthening Bruce’s integrity. Michael Keaton’s Batman killed criminals in Burton’s films, so it’s interesting to learn how Batman Forever planned on improving the crimefighter’s principles by which to guide a young protégé. Bruce shows greater interest in Dick’s wellbeing throughout the script, especially in a cut scene before the ransacking of Wayne Manor. Dick tells Bruce he must leave as he can’t resist the urge to kill Two-Face, with Bruce chasing after him, proclaiming, “We can work this out.” He is prepared to cancel his date with Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman), instructing Alfred, “Tell her, it’s a family matter.” This would have struck a chord with Dick, who proceeds to lie that he will sleep on the matter so as not to interrupt Bruce’s chance at happiness. He even makes Bruce laugh, and the scene consolidates their friendship, demonstrating how Val Kilmer’s Batman sincerely wants to include more people in his life.

It’s a sorely missed scene that would have revealed Bruce’s true priorities and allowed Kilmer to instill the character with some much-needed warmth and affection. Robin’s tragedy was underexplored in Batman Forever, never developing a true sense of belonging with Bruce. Hopefully, this stronger relationship could still be restored in the unreleased and supposedly darker Schumacher Cut. The early script better demonstrates how Dick conquers his bloodlust to become Robin and grows to appreciate everything Batman stands for, in turn consolidating Batman’s reason to continue fighting.

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