How Come Val Kilmer Did Not Come Back For "Batman & Robin"?

Question

Does anyone know for sure? I heard that it was because of a falling out with director Joel Schumacher over the campiness of the movie. Val wanted it to be more serious.

Is that true?

Answer 1

In February 1996, Kilmer decided not to return for a sequel, feeling that Batman was being marginalized in favor of the villains, much as Michael Keaton had when he vacated the role.[5] Kilmer went on to do The Saint with a salary of $6 million – triple the amount of his contract for Batman Forever.[5] When asked why he did not return for a fourth installment, Kilmer said he liked the characterization of Simon Templar better than Bruce Wayne. Kilmer commented, "Simon is a literary character who uses his wit, and not violence. Batman is a real screwed-up guy who has hustled an entire city, and now he's running around in a cape. What's it all about?"[6] Days later, George Clooney signed on to take over the part. Clooney was signed for three films, with a contract totaling $28 million.[5] Clooney backed out of the long-in-development Green Hornet motion picture in order to star in Batman & Robin.[7]

Answer 2

Because he sucked, as did every movie in that era, except for the original with Michael Keaton.

Answer 3

That could be, or perhaps Val was unavailable or wanted too money or george Clooney wanted to do the role more