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For many years, Robin Williams was the vibrant embodiment of humor in Hollywood, captivating audiences with his boundless comedic energy. Whether through zany physical antics or razor-sharp wit, Williams had a unique gift for comedy. However, as his career evolved, he also showcased his dramatic prowess, earning acclaim as a serious actor. Despite his diverse talents, Williams harbored a particular fascination with the Batman universe, consistently striving to portray one of the iconic villains from the Dark Knight’s legendary rogues’ gallery. Unfortunately, this dream remained unfulfilled, but not due to a lack of effort on his part.
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Williams’ interest in the Batman franchise dates back to the 1980s when he aspired to take on the role of the Joker in what would become Tim Burton’s legendary “Batman” film. Years later, he was considered for the role of the Riddler in “Batman Forever,” even after Michael Keaton opted not to reprise his role as Batman. As late as 2005, Williams was still actively seeking a part in Christopher Nolan’s reboot, “Batman Begins,” having previously collaborated with Nolan on “Insomnia.”
Even as far back as the 1980s, Williams wanted in on a role in what eventually became Tim Burton’s iconic “Batman” film, hoping to play the Joker. Years later, he was in line for the Riddler in “Batman Forever” (even after Michael Keaton refused to return to play Batman). And as late as 2005, Williams once again was campaigning for a role in the then-upcoming reboot film, “Batman Begins,” from director Christopher Nolan, whom he’d worked with on “Insomnia” a few years earlier.Â
Despite his persistent efforts to secure a role in the Batman films from 1989 through 2005, Williams never joined the ranks of Gotham’s villains on screen. The closest he came was in 1994 when he was reportedly set to portray the Riddler in Joel Schumacher’s “Batman Forever.” Screenwriter Akiva Goldsman recalled Williams’ involvement, noting a memorable day spent in Williams’ San Francisco kitchen discussing the character. Goldsman described Williams’ creative genius as almost otherworldly, likening it to a cosmic revelation flowing through him.
Regrettably, creative differences ultimately derailed Williams’ participation, though Goldsman clarified that he was not the obstacle. “Ultimately, [Robin] and Joel didn’t see eye to eye,” Goldsman explained. The role eventually went to Jim Carrey, a rising star in the ’90s, fresh from his success in three comedic hits: “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber.” While Williams’ exclusion was disheartening, it may have been serendipitous. His absence from “Batman Forever,” a film that faced critical backlash, allowed him to star in “Jumanji,” a beloved family adventure that later developed into a blockbuster franchise.
Joel Schumacher cost Robins Williams the role of the Riddler
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Despite campaigning for multiple roles in multiple “Batman” films — from 1989 to 2005 — Robin Williams never got the chance to join the world of the Dark Knight. The closest he got, however, was in 1994, when he was apparently officially onboard to play the Riddler in Joel Schumacher’s threequel, “Batman Forever.” According to screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, Williams was also heavily involved in the story.
“I remember sort of this extraordinary day where Joel [Schumacher] sent me to San Francisco, and I spent the day in Robin’s kitchen … just talking about the Riddler,” Goldsman told The Playlist in 2023. “And he was like, genius is not the right word. It was as if … he had opened up his head and the universe would just talk into it. It was so beautiful and so kind.”
Unfortunately, it seems that creative differences left Williams on the outs, but it wasn’t Goldsman who got in the way. “Ultimately, [Robin] and Joel didn’t see eye to eye,” Goldsman acknowledged. In the end, the studio got an even hotter star, Jim Carrey, one of the most popular actors in the ’90s who was just coming off three blockbuster comedies: “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber.” But while Williams and his fans may lament him losing out, it’s probably all for the best — “Batman Forever” was roasted by critics and fans and would have prevented him from starring in the action-comedy family classic “Jumanji,” which eventually became an unexpected blockbuster franchise.
