George Clooney discusses his son’s reaction to his Batman role, revealing some candid family humor around his turn as the caped crusader in 1997’s Batman and Robin. During a recent interview, Clooney shared that his young son isn’t convinced by his portrayal, echoing widespread skepticism toward this unique entry in the Batman franchise.
Clooney’s Son Reacts to His Batman Performance
George Clooney opened up about his child’s obsession with Batman and how that impacted their conversation about his own history with the character.
“My son, his new guy that he loves is Batman,”
Clooney told Entertainment Tonight. When he tried to impress his son with his past on-screen heroics, Clooney recounted,
“I said to him, ‘I was Batman,’ and he was like, ‘not really,’ and I was like, ‘you have no idea how right you are.”
—George Clooney, Actor
The actor’s response signals a self-aware take on his brief tenure as Bruce Wayne, evoking both humor and resignation considering the film’s cultural reputation.
The History and Legacy of Batman and Robin
Clooney starred in Joel Schumacher’s Batman and Robin, the fourth and final film in the series that began with Tim Burton’s iconic take starring Michael Keaton. Val Kilmer preceded Clooney in the role, but Clooney’s film faced criticism for its over-the-top aesthetic and lackluster performance at the box office. This 1997 movie, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, marked the end of a franchise cycle, as poor reviews and slipping ticket sales led Warner Bros. to abandon the direction. For Gen Xers and millennials, the campy tone still carries nostalgic appeal, even as modern audiences and younger viewers like Clooney’s son remain unmoved by its quirks.
Recent Reflections on Batman’s Evolution
The Batman franchise has seen further shifts since Clooney’s appearance. Ben Affleck, another actor to don the cowl, described his own time in Zack Snyder’s DC movies as challenging, citing conflicting expectations and creative misalignment. Writer-director James Gunn has also publicly addressed Batman as a pressing issue for DC, even suggesting that bringing back actors like Robert Pattinson is not entirely out of the question as the company reconsiders its direction for the character.
Interest in the Batman legacy remains high, with actors such as Michael Keaton returning in multiverse storylines like The Flash, where Clooney also made a brief cameo. However, controversy and mixed critical reception surrounding these newer adaptations have underscored the enduring challenges in finding a tone and portrayal that resonates across generations.
Batman’s Place in Pop Culture Today
While Batman and Robin may not impress kids today, longtime fans continue to find entertainment in its bold, absurd style—something unlikely to be repeated in future superhero films. With the original movie currently streaming, nostalgia for this period of comic book cinema endures, even as modern interpretations and new cinematic visions strive to capture today’s audience.
The discussion sparked by George Clooney’s familial banter illustrates how past portrayals of the Dark Knight remain a topic of critique, humor, and reflection—shaping the ongoing narrative of Batman and his impact on pop culture. As DC plans new movies and shows, curiosity grows over who will next take up the mantle and whether they will win over both seasoned fans and skeptical “kiddos.”
