During Hollywood’s golden age, superhero films weren’t always about gritty realism or Oscar-worthy performances. At times, they were these neon-lit, campy films with over-the-top villains, and A-listers like Nicole Kidman and the late Val Kilmer were diving headfirst into projects like Batman Forever for the fun of it.
In the third installment of Warner Bros.’ Batman saga, we saw him playing the caped crusader for the first and the last time, while Kidman played his smoldering love interest. But she didn’t opt for the film due to the superhero’s status or the prospect of another possible hit, and her motivations were completely different!
Nicole Kidman’s reason for joining the chaos in Batman Forever
Nicole Kidman’s role in Batman Forever wasn’t just another title in her impressive filmography, instead, it was her chance of indulging into something purely fun. In an interview with L’Officiel, the actress revealed that she didn’t star in the movie for the money or the fame, and said:
Everyone’s like, ’Why are you doing that?’ I’m like, ‘Because I get to kiss Batman. The thing people don’t understand is, it’s not about the check. A lot of the mainstream big blockbusters that I do are hopefully different.
Kidman’s answer was delightful and simple, and it was clear that she wanted to step into the fantastical world for the thrill of it, where she brought a mix of intellect and charm. In the movie, she played Dr. Chase Meridian, a psychologist who was fascinated by Batman’s duality.
Val Kilmer’s Batman: A brief but memorable stint
Val Kilmer might not be everyone’s favorite Batman because he was a part of a film where the director embraced a flashier and more cartoonish aesthetic. Kilmer’s version of the character was suave and philanthropic, but the reviews from critics and the audience were a bit polarizing.
He shined in other projects like The Doors, Heat, and Western Tombstone. However, the actor who starred in some of the biggest movies has now passed away at the age of 65. As per reports from BBC, Kilmer died of pneumonia on April 1, 2025, and previously had other health issues, such as throat cancer, from which he recovered.
His love for acting was evident as he returned to the screen even after one surgery and joined Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. Perhaps this spirit made him take on experimental roles like the one in Batman Forever, and it was also why an actress of Nicole Kidman’s caliber wanted to work with him.
You can watch Batman Forever on HBO Max.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
