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Batman (film series):
Batman series

Poster for Batman (1989)
Starring Complete list
Distributed by Warner Bros.
Release date(s) 1989 – present
Country United Sates
Language English
Gross revenue $2.6 billion

The Batman film series refers to a series of six superhero films based on the DC Comics character of the same name. All of which have been financed and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. In the film series, Batman has been portrayed by Michael Keaton (Batman, Batman Returns), Val Kilmer (Batman Forever), George Clooney (Batman & Robin) and Christian Bale (Batman Begins and The Dark Knight).

Development for the first Batman film started as far backs as 1979, when the film rights were purchased by producers Michael Uslan and Benjamin Melniker. It was Uslan's wish to make a dark and serious film, but he and Melniker were turned down by various film studios (among them were Columbia Pictures, United Artists and Universal Pictures). The Batman film was finally set up at Warner Bros. in late 1981.

Contents

[edit] Development

In the late 1970s, Batman's popularity was waning.[1] CBS was interested in producing a Batman in Outer Space film. Producers Michael Uslan and Benjamin Melniker purchased the film rights of Batman from DC Comics in April 1979. It was Uslan's wish "to make the definitive, dark, serious version of Batman, the way Bob Kane and Bill Finger had envisioned him in 1939. A creature of the night; stalking criminals in the shadows."[1] Richard Maibaum was approached to write a script with Guy Hamilton to direct, but the two turned down the offer. Uslan was unsuccessful with pitching Batman to various movie studios because they wanted the film to be similar to the campy 1960s TV series. Columbia Pictures and United Artists were among those to turn down the film.[2]

A disappointed Uslan then wrote a script titled Return of the Batman to give the film industry a better idea of his vision for the film. Uslan later compared its dark tone to that of The Dark Knight Returns, which his script pre-dated by six years.[1] In November 1979, producers Jon Peters and Peter Guber joined the project.[3] The four producers felt it was best to pattern the film's development after that of Superman (1978).[4] Uslan, Melniker and Guber pitched Batman to Universal Pictures, but the studio turned it down.[5] Though no movie studios were yet involved, in late 1981 the project was publicly announced with a budget of $15 million. Warner Bros. decided to accept Batman.[6]

Tom Mankiewicz completed a script titled The Batman in June 1983, focusing on Batman and Dick Grayson's origins, with the Joker and Rupert Thorne as villains, and Silver St. Cloud as the romantic interest.[7] Mankiewicz took inspiration from the limited series Batman: Strange Apparitions (ISBN 1-56389-500-5), written by Steve Englehart.[8] Comic book artist Marshall Rogers, who worked with Englehart on Strange Apparitions, was hired for concept art.[5] The Batman was then announced in late 1983 for a mid-1985 release date on a budget of $20 million. Uslan wanted an unknown actor for Batman, William Holden for James Gordon, and David Niven as Alfred Pennyworth.[6] A number of filmmakers were attached to Mankiewicz' script, including Ivan Reitman and Joe Dante.[9] Nine rewrites were performed by nine separate writers. Most of them were based on Strange Apparitions. However it was Mankiewicz' script that was still being used to guide the project.[10]

[edit] Burton / Schumacher series

[edit] Batman

Main article: Batman (1989 film)

Tim Burton took over as director in 1986. Steve Englehart and Julie Hickson wrote film treatments before Sam Hamm wrote the first screenplay.[9][11] Numerous A-list actors were considered for the role of Batman before Michael Keaton was cast. Keaton's casting caused a controversy. In 1988, Keaton had been typecast as a comedic actor, and many observers doubted he could portray a serious role.[9] Jack Nicholson accepted the role of the Joker under strict conditions that dictated a high salary, a portion of the box office profits and his shooting schedule. Nicholson's final salary is reported to be as high as $50 million.[3][6][12][13] Principal photography took place at Pinewood Studios from October 1988 to January 1989.[14] The budget escalated from $30 million to $48 million,[3] while the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike forced Hamm to drop out. Uncredited rewrites were performed by Warren Skaaren, Charles McKeown[6] and Jonathan Gems.[15] Batman received positive reviews, and broke numerous box office records. The film grossed over $400 million.[9] Batman has also left a legacy over the modern perception of the superhero film genre.[16]

[edit] Batman Returns

Main article: Batman Returns

Burton originally did not want to direct a sequel because of his mixed emotions of the previous film.[4] Sam Hamm's first script had Penguin and Catwoman searching for hidden treasure.[17] Daniel Waters delivered a script that satisfied Burton, which convinced him to reprise his duties as director. Wesley Strick did an uncredited rewrite, deleting characterizations of Harvey Dent, Robin and rewriting the climax.[18][19] Various A-list actresses lobbied hard for the role of Catwoman before Michelle Pfeiffer was cast, while Danny DeVito signed on to portray the Penguin.[20] Filming started at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California in June 1991. Batman Returns was released with financial success, but Warner Bros. was disappointed with the film's box office run because it earned less than its predecessor.[21] However, Batman Returns was released with critical acclaim,[22] but a "parental backlash" criticized the film with violence and sexual innuendos that were unsuitable for children.[21] McDonald's shut down their Happy Meal tie-in for Batman Returns.[23] The film's legacy is also notable for leaving behind the Catwoman spin-off.[24]

[edit] Batman Forever

Main article: Batman Forever

Although Batman Returns was a financial success, Warner Bros. felt the film should have made more money. The studio decided to change the direction of the Batman film series to be more mainstream. Joel Schumacher replaced Tim Burton as director, while Burton decided to stay on as producer.[25] However, Michael Keaton decided not to reprise the role of Batman because he did not like the new direction the film series was heading in.[26] Filming started in September 1994,[25] and Schumacher encountered problems communicating with Val Kilmer and Tommy Lee Jones.[27] Batman Forever was released on June 16, 1995 with financial success, earning over $350 million worldwide, but the film was met with mixed reviews from critics.[28][29]

[edit] Batman & Robin

Main article: Batman & Robin (film)

Development for Batman & Robin started immediately after Batman Forever, and Warner Bros. commissioned the film on fast track for a adamant June 1997 release.[30] Principal photography began in September 1996[31] and finished in January 1997,[32] two weeks ahead of the shooting schedule.[33] Batman & Robin was released on June 20, 1997, and was met with critically-panned reviews.[34] The film was a modest financial success,[35] but observers criticized the film for its toyetic and campy approach, and for homosexual innuendos added by Schumacher.[36] Batman & Robin received numerous nominations at the Razzie Awards[37] and is highly considered to be one of the worst superhero films of all time.[38][39]

[edit] Batman V

[edit] Batman Triumphant

During the filming of Batman & Robin, Warner Bros. was impressed with the dailies. This prompted them to immediately hire Joel Schumacher to return as director for a sequel, but writer Akiva Goldsman, who worked on Batman Forever and Batman & Robin with Schumacher, turned down the chance to write the script.[40] In late 1996, Warner Bros. and Schumacher hired Mark Protosevich to write the script for a fifth Batman film. A projected mid-1999 release date was announced.[41] Titled Batman Triumphant, Protosevich's script had the Scarecrow as the main villain. Through the use of his fear toxin, he resurrects the Joker. Harley Quinn appeared as a supporting character, written as the Joker's daughter.[42] George Clooney and Chris O'Donnell were set to reprise the roles of Batman and Robin.[43] However, when Batman & Robin was released with negative reviews, Warner Bros. was unsure of their plans for Batman Triumphant. The studio decided it was best to consider a live-action Batman Beyond film and an adaptation of Frank Miller's Batman: Year One. Warners would then greenlight whichever idea suited them the most.[44] Schumacher felt he "owe[d] the Batman culture a real Batman movie. I would go back to the basics and make a dark portrayal of the Dark Knight."[45] He approached Warner Bros. of doing Batman: Year One in mid-1998.[45]

[edit] Batman: DarKnight

Despite Warner Bros. and Schumacher's interest with Year One, Lee Shapiro, a comic book fan, and Stephen Wise pitched the studio with a script titled Batman: DarKnight in mid-1998. DarKnight had Bruce Wayne giving up his crime fighting career and Dick Grayson attending Gotham University.[46] Dr. Jonathan Crane uses his position as professor of psychology at Gotham University and as head psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum to conduct his experiments in fear. During a vengeful confrontation with a colleague, Dr. Kirk Langstrom, Crane unknowingly initiates Kirk's transformation into the creature known as Man-Bat. Citizens of Gotham believe Man-Bat's nightly activities to be Batman's "bloodthirsty" return. Bruce becomes Batman "to clear his name" and solve the mystery of Man-Bat.[46] Kirk struggles with his "man vs. monster" syndrome as he longs to both reunite with his wife and get revenge on Crane, while Crane exacts revenge on those responsible for his dismissal from both Arkham and the university while encountering truths about his past. Warner Bros. decided not to move forward, and passed on Batman: DarKnight in favor of Year One and Batman Beyond.[46]

[edit] Year One and Beyond

In January 2000, Scott Rosenberg turned down the chance to write the script for Batman: Year One.[47] In mid-2000, Paul Dini, Neal Stephenson and Boaz Yakin were hired to write a script for Batman Beyond, with Yakin to direct. The film was based on the Warner Bros. animated television series of the same name.[48] However, Warner Bros. abandoned Batman Beyond almost instantly in favor of Batman: Year One.[44]

Around the same time, Warners hired Darren Aronofsky to write and direct Year One, despite interest from Joel Schumacher.[48][45] Aronofsky, who collaborated with Frank Miller on an unproduced script for Ronin, brought Miller to co-write Year One with him.[49] They intended to reboot the Batman franchise, "it's somewhat based on the comic book," Aronofsky said. "Toss out everything you can imagine about Batman! Everything! We're starting completely anew."[50] Regular Aronofsky collaborator, Matthew Libatique, was set as cinematographer,[51] and Aronofsky had also approached Christian Bale for the role of Batman. Coincidentally, Bale would be cast in the role for Batman Begins.[52] At the same time, Warner Bros. was moving forward on a Catwoman spin-off.[53] However, by June 2002, the studio decided to move forward on Batman vs. Superman and abandon Year One.[54]

[edit] Batman vs. Superman

Warner Bros. abandoned J. J. Abrams' script for Superman: Flyby, which had been greenlighted with McG to direct.[55][56] When McG dropped out in favor of Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle,[57] Warner Bros. approached Wolfgang Petersen to direct Superman: Flyby,[58] however, in August 2001,[59] Andrew Kevin Walker pitched Warner Bros. an idea titled Batman vs Superman, attaching Petersen as director. Superman: Flyby was put on hold,[58] and for reasons unknown, Akiva Goldsman was hired to rewrite Walker's Batman vs. Superman.[44]

Goldsman's draft, dated June 21, 2002, had Bruce Wayne going through a mental breakdown after his five year retirement of crime fighting. Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth and Commissioner Gordon are all dead, but Bruce's depressed emotions become resolved with fiancée Elizabeth Miller. Meanwhile, Clark Kent is struggling by a recent divorce with Lois Lane. Clark and Bruce are close friends, and Clark is Bruce's best man. After the Joker kills Elizabeth at the honeymoon, Bruce plots a revenge scheme, while Clark tries to hold him back. In return, Bruce blames Clark for her death, and the two go against one another. Part of the script took place in Smallville, where Clark goes into exile with Lana Lang. However, Lex Luthor is held to be responsible for the entire plot of Batman and Superman destroying each. The two decide to team up and stop Luthor.[60]

Christian Bale and Josh Hartnett had turned down the roles of Batman and Superman. Bale would eventually portray the same role in Batman Begins.[61][57] Principal photography was to start in early-2003, with plans for a five—six month shoot. The release date was set for the mid-2004.[62] Within a month of Warner Bros. greenlighting Batman vs. Superman, Petersen left in favor of Troy (2004).[44] Warner Bros. decided to move forward on Superman: Flyby and on a Batman reboot.[44] Petersen and Bryan Singer are interested in directing the project sometime in the future, with Bale as Batman.[63][64]

[edit] Aftermath

In December 2002, comic book writer/filmmaker Joss Whedon pitched an origin story that was met with negative feedback from Warners.[65] Whedon's version had "a Hannibal Lecter-type villain in Arkham Asylum that Bruce went and sort of studied with," Whedon said. "It was set in Bruce's early years in Gotham City. I get very emotional about it, I still love the story. Maybe I’ll get to do it as a comic one day."[66] In January 2003, Christopher Nolan was hired to take over the Batman franchise, resulting into the rebooted Batman Begins.[67]

[edit] Nolan series

[edit] Batman Begins

Main article: Batman Begins

Director/writer Christopher Nolan and co-writer David S. Goyer began work on Batman Begins in early 2003[67][68] and aimed for a darker and more realistic tone, with humanity and realism being the basis of the film.[69] The film, which was primarily shot in England and Chicago,[70][71] relied on traditional stunts and scale models — computer-generated imagery was used minimally. A new Batmobile (called the Tumbler) and a more mobile Batsuit were both created specifically for the film.[72][73] Batman Begins was critically and commercially successful. The film opened on June 15, 2005 in the United States and Canada in 3,858 theaters. It grossed US$48 million in its opening weekend, eventually earning $370 million worldwide. The film received an 84% overall approval rating from Rotten Tomatoes.[74][75] Critics noted that fear was a common theme throughout the film, and remarked that it had a darker tone compared to previous Batman films.[75] Batman Begins has also popularized the notion of reboots in Hollywood.[76]

[edit] The Dark Knight

Main article: The Dark Knight (film)

Christopher Nolan reprised his duties as director, and brought his brother, Jonathan, to co-write the script. The Dark Knight also included new characters; Heath Ledger as The Joker and Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent / Two-Face. Principal photography began in April 2007 in Chicago. Other locations included Pinewood Studios and Hong Kong. On January 22, 2008, after he had completed filming The Dark Knight, Ledger died of a sleeping pill overdose, leading to intense attention from the press and more people showing interest in the film. Warner Bros. had created a viral marketing campaign for The Dark Knight, developing promotional websites and trailers highlighting screen shots of Ledger as the Joker, but after Ledger's death, the studio refocused its promotional campaign.[77][78] The film was released on July 16, 2008; prior to its box office debut in North America, record numbers of advance tickets were sold for The Dark Knight. It was greeted with extremely positive reviews upon release, and became the second film ever to earn more than $500 million at the United States box office, setting numerous other records in the process.[79][80]

[edit] Future

Warner Bros. president of production Jeff Robinov hopes a third film will be released in 2011.[81] Nolan is not committed to another sequel, explaining that he does not normally line up projects after completing a film, noting "Is there a story that's going to keep me emotionally invested for the couple of years that it will take to make another one? That’s the overriding question. On a more superficial level, I have to ask the question: How many good third movies in a franchise can people name?"[82] Gary Oldman is confident Nolan will return,[83] and Bale said he would return if Nolan did.[84] Oldman hinted in the third film Gordon would have to "hunt down Batman".[85] He has also speculated that the villain of the upcoming film may be the Riddler.[86] Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, he is not including Robin in the franchise because Bale is still portraying a "young Batman", which meant "Robin's not for a few films".[87] In addition, Nolan considers 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."[88]

Kate Beckinsale has expressed interest in playing Catwoman,[89] while rumors are spreading that Angelina Jolie is reported to be Catwoman. Julie Newmar, who played Catwoman in the Batman series from 1966 to 1967, said "Angelina would own the part."[90] David Tennant and Brian Austin Green wish to portray the Riddler.[91][92] Prior to the release of The Dark Knight in 2008, David S. Goyer said in an interview that they may use villains that have not been portrayed in film thus far, like they did in Batman Begins, which would exclude characters like Riddler, Catwoman, or the Penguin. However, he did not rule out any characters that have been featured in previous Batman films.[93] Aaron Eckhart had expressed his enthusiasm that he would reprise his role for a sequel if asked, although he later confirmed that, in talks with Nolan before Heath Ledger's death, the director considers Two-Face to be dead[94] Michael Caine commented that a studio executive was interested in casting Johnny Depp as the Riddler, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin.[95] Hoffman later denied the rumor.[96]

[edit] Recurring characters

Main article: List of Batman films cast members

[edit] Reception

[edit] Box office performance

Film Release date Box office revenue Box office ranking Reference
United States Worldwide United States Outside US Worldwide All time US All time worldwide
Batman June 12, 1989 June 23, 1989 $251,188,924 $160,160,000 $411,348,924 #44 #92 [97]
Batman Returns June 19, 1992 June 19, 1992 $162,831,698 $104,000,000 $266,831,698 #143 #224 [98]
Batman Forever June 16, 1995 June 16, 1995 $184,031,112 $152,500,000 $336,531,112 #101 #150 [28]
Batman & Robin June 20, 1997 June 20, 1997 $107,325,195 $130,881,927 $238,207,122 #340 #268 [99]
Batman Begins June 15, 2005 June 15, 2005 $205,343,774 $166,510,009 $371,853,783 #81 #111 [74]
The Dark Knight July 18, 2008 July 16, 2008 $529,325,841 $465,800,000 $995,125,841 #2 #4 [80]
Batman film series $1,438,663,514 $1,178,376,456 $2,627,784,981

[edit] Critical reaction

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic Yahoo! Movies
Overall Top Critics
Batman 69% (49 reviews)[100] 57% (7 reviews)[101] 66% (17 reviews)[102] B- (5 reviews)[103]
Batman Returns 79% (43 reviews)[22] 57% (7 reviews)[104] B (5 reviews)[105]
Batman Forever 43% (49 reviews)[29] 69% (13 reviews)[106] 51% (23 reviews)[107] B- (9 reviews)[108]
Batman & Robin 12% (58 reviews)[34] 20% (15 reviews)[109] 28% (21 reviews)[110] C- (9 reviews)[111]
Batman Begins 84% (249 reviews)[75] 62% (42 reviews)[112] 70% (41 reviews)[113] B+ (15 reviews)[114]
The Dark Knight 94% (261 reviews)[79] 90% (40 reviews)[115] 82% (36 reviews)[116] A- (14 reviews)[117]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Bill "Jett Ramey (2005-11-08). "An Interview With Michael Uslan - Part 1", Batman-on-Film. Retrieved on 4 May 2008. 
  2. ^ Bill "Jett" Ramey (2005-11-11). "An Interview With Michael Uslan - Part 2", Batman-on-Film. Retrieved on 4 May 2008. 
  3. ^ a b c Nancy Griffin; Kim Masters (1997). "Hit Men". Hit & Run: How Jon Peters and Peter Guber Took Sony For A Ride In Hollywood, Simon & Schuster. pp.158-174. ISBN 0-684-80931-1. 
  4. ^ a b Alan Jones (November 1989). "Batman in Production", Cinefantastique, pp. 75-88. Retrieved on 13 May 2008. 
  5. ^ a b Michael Uslan, Benjamin Melniker, Peter Guber, Tom Mankiewicz, Sam Hamm, Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight—The Road to Gotham City, 2005, Warner Home Video
  6. ^ a b c d Alan Jones (November 1989). "Batman", Cinefantastique, pp. 55-67. Retrieved on 2 May 2008. 
  7. ^ Stax (2001-12-01). "The Stax Report Special Edition: Script Review of The Batman", IGN. Retrieved on 24 October 2008. 
  8. ^ Taylor L. White (July 1989). "Batman", Cinefantastique, pp. 33-40. Retrieved on 2 May 2008. 
  9. ^ a b c d Mark Salisbury; Tim Burton (2006). "Batman". Burton on Burton. London: Faber and Faber. pp.70-83. ISBN 0-571-22926-3. 
  10. ^ Ken Hanke (1999). "Going Batty in Britain". Tim Burton: An Unauthorized Biography of the Filmmaker, Renaissance Books. pp.75-85. 1-58063-162-2. 
  11. ^ "Batman". Steve Englehart.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-25.
  12. ^ Stephen Rebello (November 1989). "Sam Hamm - Screenwriter", Cinefantastique, pp. 34-41. Retrieved on 12 May 2008. 
  13. ^ Iain Johnstone (August 1989). "Dark Knight in the City of Dreams", Empire, pp. 46-54. Retrieved on 14 May 2008. 
  14. ^ Joe Morgenstern (1989-04-09). "Tim Burton, Batman and The Joker", The New York Times. Retrieved on 26 October 2008.
  15. ^ Salisbury, Burton, p.145
  16. ^ Geoff Boucher (2008-10-15). "Tim Burton talks about Johnny Depp, 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Dark Knight'", Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on 19 October 2008. 
  17. ^ Jeffrey Resner (August 1992). "Three Go Mad in Gotham", Empire, pp. 39—46. Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  18. ^ Judy Sloane (August 1995). "Daniel Waters on Writing", Film Review, pp. 67—69. Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  19. ^ David Hughes (2003). "Batman". Comic Book Movies, Virgin Books. pp.33—46. ISBN 0753507676. 
  20. ^ "Big-Game Hunting", Entertainment Weekly (1991-08-09). Retrieved on 14 August 2008. 
  21. ^ a b Salisbury, Burton, p.102-114
  22. ^ a b "Batman Returns". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
  23. ^ Olly Richards (September 1992). "Trouble in Gotham", Empire, pp. 21—23. Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  24. ^ Michael Fleming (1993-06-17). "Dish", Variety. Retrieved on 14 August 2008. 
  25. ^ a b "Batman 3", Entertainment Weekly (1993-10-01). Retrieved on 16 August 2008. 
  26. ^ Jeff Gordinier (1994-07-15). "Next at Batman", Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 16 August 2008. 
  27. ^ Benjamin Svetkey (1996-07-12). "Holy Happy Set!", Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 16 August 2008. 
  28. ^ a b "Batman Forever (1995)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
  29. ^ a b "Batman Forever". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
  30. ^ Michael Fleming (1997-02-21). "Helmer's 3rd At Bat", Variety. Retrieved on 11 November 2008. 
  31. ^ Degen Pener (1996-09-13). "Holy Hearsay", Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 11 November 2008. 
  32. ^ Anita M. Busch (1997-01-10). "Schumacher on 'Popcorn'", Variety. Retrieved on 11 November 2008. 
  33. ^ Michael Mallory; Michael Fleming (1997-03-05). "Holy caped caper, IV", Variety. Retrieved on 11 November 2008. 
  34. ^ a b "Batman & Robin". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2008-07-18.
  35. ^ Dave Karger (1997-07-11). "Big Chill", Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 11 November 2008. 
  36. ^ Joel Schumacher, Peter MacGregor-Scott, Chris O'Donnell, Val Kilmer, Uma Thurman, John Glover, Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight Part 6-Batman Unbound, 2005, Warner Home Video
  37. ^ "1998 Razzie Awards". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on 2008-11-14.
  38. ^ "Comix Worst to Best: Batman & Robin (1997)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved on 2008-11-14.
  39. ^ David Fear. "Men in Tights". MSN Movies. Retrieved on 2008-11-14.
  40. ^ Michael Mallory; Michael Fleming (1997-03-05). "Holy caped caper, IV", Variety. Retrieved on 11 November 2008. 
  41. ^ Michael Fleming (1997-02-21). "Helmer's 3rd At Bat", Variety. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  42. ^ Brian Linder (2000-07-27). "Rumblings From Gotham", IGN. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  43. ^ Michael Fleming (1997-11-11). "Schumacher trims sails", Variety. Retrieved on 11 November 2008. 
  44. ^ a b c d e David Hughes (March 2004). "The Dark Knight Strikes Out". Tales From Development Hell. London: Titan Books. pp.192—211. ISBN 1-84023-691-4. 
  45. ^ a b c Jeff Jensen (1998-12-04). "Winging It", Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  46. ^ a b c Bill "Jett" Ramey (2005-07-28). "Interview: Lee Shapiro", Batman-on-Film. Retrieved on 18 October 2008. 
  47. ^ Brian Linder (2000-03-09). "Rosenberg Won't Penn Batman 5", IGN. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  48. ^ a b Dana Harris (2000-09-21). "WB sends Pi guy into the Bat Cave", Variety. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  49. ^ Brian Linder (2000-10-16). "The Bat-Men Speak", IGN. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  50. ^ Brian Linder (2000-12-06). "Aronofsky Talks Batman: Year One...Again", IGN. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  51. ^ Andrew O. Thompson (2000-11-08). "Matthew Libatique", Variety. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  52. ^ Adam Smith (July 2005). "The Original American Psycho", Empire, pp. 74–80, 82, 84, 87. 
  53. ^ Michael Fleming (2001-04-02). "WB: Judd purr-fect as Cat", Variety. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  54. ^ Dana Harris (2002-06-30). "WB: fewer pix, more punch", Variety. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  55. ^ David Hughes (2003). Comic Book Movies, Virgin Books. pp.p.21-2. ISBN 0753507676. 
  56. ^ Mike White. "Superman: Grounded", Cashiers du Cinemart. Retrieved on 3 February 2008. 
  57. ^ a b Daniel Fierman; Nancy Miller; Brian M. Raftery (2003-03-14). "Stallville?", Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 8 February 2008. 
  58. ^ a b Brian M. Raftery; Nancy Miller (2002-07-09). "Dynamic Duel", Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 4 February 2008. 
  59. ^ Brian Linder (2001-08-09). "More Batman, Superman Insanity at WB", IGN. Retrieved on 4 February 2008. 
  60. ^ Akiva Goldsman (2002-06-21). "Batman vs Superman 2nd Draft" (PDF), Daily Scripts. Retrieved on 11 October 2007. 
  61. ^ Stax (2002-08-13). "Batman vs. Superman Shelved!", IGN. Retrieved on 4 February 2008. 
  62. ^ Brian Linder (2002-07-09). "Batman vs. Superman in '04", IGN. Retrieved on 4 February 2008. 
  63. ^ A.C. Ferrante (2007-09-18). "Profile: Wolfgang Petersen Reinvents Troy for DVD With New Director's Cut", If Magazine. Retrieved on 4 February 2008. 
  64. ^ Clint Morris (2006-07-07). "Singer considering Batman Vs. Superman?", Moviehole. Retrieved on 4 February 2008. 
  65. ^ "Joss Whedon Pitched a Batman Film", Superhero Hype! (2003-12-02). Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  66. ^ Casey Seijas (2008-08-11). "Joss Whedon Talks About His Batman Movie That Never Was", MTV. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  67. ^ a b Michael Flemming (2003-01-27). "Batman captures director Nolan", Variety. Retrieved on 17 October 2008. 
  68. ^ Claude Brodesser; Cathy Dunkley (2003-03-26). "Inside Move: WB jump starts Batmobile", Variety. Retrieved on 2 November 2006. 
  69. ^ Marc Graser; Cathy Dunkley (2004-02-08). "The bat and the beautiful", Variety. Retrieved on 2 November 2006. 
  70. ^ "`Batman Begins' goes to the source", The Kansas City Star (June 25, 2004). 
  71. ^ "35 East Wacker Drive". Emporis (2007). Retri