George Clooney, an acclaimed actor and two-time Oscar winner, has candidly addressed his enduring regret over starring in the 1997 film Batman & Robin, a subject that resurfaces often as he discusses his decades-long career. While promoting his latest movie Jay Kelly, Clooney spoke openly about his wish for a second chance regarding his choice to participate in Batman & Robin, highlighting how the film remains a heavy weight on his legacy and sparking renewed interest in the topic among fans of George Clooney Batman and Robin.
The conversation arose during an interview about Jay Kelly, which debuted in select theaters on November 14 and began streaming on Netflix on December 5. With Jay Kelly exploring themes of redemption and new beginnings, Clooney was prompted to reflect on his own career missteps. When asked which moment he most wished he could revisit, Clooney immediately named Batman & Robin, expressing that with hindsight, he would have rejected the script if given another chance.
His feelings about the film’s legacy are so strong that they even impact his interactions with his children. Clooney shared an anecdote about his son choosing to dress as Batman for Halloween. The actor remarked to his son,
“’You know, I was Batman.’ He’s like, ‘Not really.’ I was like, ‘You have no idea how right you are.’”
How Batman & Robin Became a Notorious Film in Hollywood
Batman & Robin, guided by Joel Schumacher’s direction and Akiva Goldsman’s screenplay, featured a distinguished ensemble including Chris O’Donnell, Uma Thurman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alicia Silverstone, and Michael Gough. Despite its star-studded cast, the film performed poorly relative to its soaring $160 million budget, grossing just over $238 million worldwide. Critics delivered harsh reviews, and audiences echoed the sentiment, with the film earning a mere 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and only slightly better approval from moviegoers.
Over time, however, Batman & Robin has developed a peculiar sort of appreciation. Rather than defended as a misunderstood cinematic gem, it is often embraced in the “so-bad-it’s-good” tradition, drawing comparisons to cult favorites like The Room and the unique works of Neil Breen. The film, while never truly rehabilitated in critical circles, has found a dedicated if tongue-in-cheek audience that enjoys its camp value.
A Surprising Admirer Among Hollywood’s Elite
Unexpectedly, Batman & Robin includes among its fans one of the newest stars to take up the Batman mantle. During an audition for Matt Reeves‘ The Batman, Robert Pattinson had the chance to wear the bat-masks from previous actors, including Clooney’s. Pattinson was struck by how well Clooney’s bat-cowl smelled compared to the others. When told of this during the interview, Clooney responded humorously:
“Oh, you see, I have a good-smelling Bat-cowl, and I have great rubber nipples too.”
– George Clooney, Actor
The Enduring Impact of Batman & Robin on Clooney’s Career
Despite Clooney’s vast filmography, which includes beloved titles such as Fantastic Mr. Fox, Ocean’s Eleven, and Burn After Reading, his role as Batman continues to be a focal point for both media discussion and personal reflection. The actor’s willingness to publicly acknowledge and even joke about his regrets demonstrates a level of candor that resonates with longtime fans and critics of Batman & Robin. The film’s legacy remains controversial, yet it has managed to spawn a unique cultural footprint, influencing conversations about superhero films and Hollywood excess for decades since its release.
With Batman & Robin’s reputation cemented in Hollywood history, George Clooney’s openness about missteps highlights the importance of reflection and second chances, themes that are echoed in his current projects and might encourage others to navigate their own career pitfalls with humor and honesty. As the actor continues to explore new roles and directorial efforts, his experience with Batman & Robin stands as a reminder of both failure’s sting and the strange longevity of cinematic misfires.
