Val Kilmer on Batman as actor touches upon his experience as the iconic superhero.
In a ridiculously detailed in-depth interview with The New York Times Val Kilmer discusses his career, his cancer battle, Tom Cruise and Hollywood in general.
Kilmer very briefly touched upon his role as Batman in the 90’s. He discussed how he feels about the character and his decision to walk away from the role.
Val Kilmer on Batman
Playing the role of Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever Kilmer strapped on the cape and cowl in this incredibly underrated Joel Schumacher version of the caped crusader. A movie that divides fans even now as much as it did when it was released.
Kilmer stepped down from the role before Batman & Robin, the next Batman movie in the works began pre-production.
In the interview he discusses the time Warren Buffett and his grandchildren visited the set. They were playing with all the props and riding in the Batmobile.
Kilmer states in that moment he knew anyone could wear the mask as the children were more interested in the gadgets than the man himself.
He says:
That’s why it’s so easy to have five or six Batmans. It’s not about Batman. There is no Batman.
He didn’t like the idea of playing a person whose job it was to be nonspecific, anonymous, unknown. He notoriously complained about the costume and how uncomfortable it was. When Val took the suit off, he finally felt free.
During the production Kilmer was reported to be purposely going out of his way to taint the movie which included discussing the unpleasant filming process.
Kilmer said:
Everyone has to work out their own salvation. How to live and by what morality, and I found that the part that I feel bad about is hurting somebody in the process.
You can read the full interview with Val Kilmer HERE.
If you’ve got some time to check it out it’s well worth the read!
