12 Crazy Comic Book Movie Rumours That Thankfully Never Happened

Comic book movies are some of the hottest properties in Hollywood right now. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Amazing Spider-Man franchise, Fox's X-Men (and soon to be Fantastic Four) continuity, Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy and the new DC Cinematic Universe all include films that have grossed hundreds of millions - and even billions in some cases - of dollars in recent years. As a result, comic book movies have become a genre with a good reputation. Huge, top class and award winning actors, including the likes of Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Andrew Garfield, Chris Cooper, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Jamie Bell, Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Ben Affleck and Amy Adams, have signed on for roles in them - something that would have been unheard of as recently as twenty or so years ago. However, the genre could have looked so different and could have taken such a different turn had certain rumoured movies and casting decisions occurred over the years. In this article, we're going to take a look at some of the potential things that could have happened regarding the comic book movie genre in recent history. Here are twelve ridiculous comic book movie rumours that thankfully never happened...

12. Michael Jackson As The Riddler In Batman Forever

Although this wasn't a rumour prior to the release of Batman Forever in 1995, it has come to light since its release that a certain king of pop campaigned quite vigorously for the role of the Riddler that ultimately went to Jim Carrey. That's right, the late Michael Jackson wanted to play Edward Nigma in Joel Schumacher's Val Kilmer-led superhero movie. In a 2003 interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, the director was asked if he was still in touch with Michael Jackson (having worked together in 1978's "The Wiz") and his reply was as follows:

He's called me a few times. He wanted to play the Riddler in "Batman Forever" and they wanted me to do his "Scream" music video. There was really no role for him in "Batman Forever," and I was working on something else when the "Scream" video came out.

So, essentially, Jackson was rejected as the Riddler - and we're glad for that. It would have been insane casting.