Its relatively widely known that the late, great David Bowie was once on the shortlist of potential Jokers for Tim Burtons 1989 Batman movie. But the fact that he came very close to appearing in Batman Returns is far from common knowledge. The Labyrinth actor was apparently the first choice to portray Penguin-manipulating business tycoon/Selina Kyles boss Max Shreck. Bowie decided not to be in the film, and instead opted for a role in David Lynchs cinematic Twin Peaks prequel Fire Walk With Me. Christopher Walken ended up taking the role, and brought his own eye-catching debonair flair to the part. This was the second time hed taken a role intended for Bowie, with the first being the part of Max Zorin in 1985 Bond flick A Few To A Kill. Walkens turn as Max Shreck earned much adoration from film critics, and made a lasting impression on cinemagoers. Sadly, fans of David Bowie and comic book movies will never get to see what the combination of The Thin White Duke and superhero cinema would have looked like. So, there you have it. Batman Returns was a film that ruffled the feathers of parents and fast-food chains, as well as pushing one if its stars to her physical limits. It was nearly a very different movie, but Id wager that theres not much about it that fans would like to see changed. Whats your favourite fact about Batman Returns? Let us know in the comments
