20 Things You Didn't Know About Batman Forever

20. Robin Williams Was Too Bitter To Participate

When it was first announced that producer/Barbara Steisand's hairdresser Jon Peters had acquired the rights to Batman, there was a frenzy of actors chomping at the bit for roles. Most notably, Robin Williams actively campaigned to play Jack Napier AKA The Joker in Tim Burton's 1989 film. He felt a connection to the role and appeared to be excited to get an offer.

Later, however, he learned producers had their hearts set on Jack Nicholson, who had refused initially. They had pushed Williams forward as bait to attract Nicholson back to the role, a casting decision they were so devoted to they ensured top billing. When Williams learned he was just being dangled like a shiny object in front of a dog, it left a bitter taste in his mouth.

So when he was approached more seriously for Batman Forever to play The Riddler - a role for which he'd be infinitely more well-suited - he outright refused without an apology from the studio for past behaviour that never came.