Move over Snyder Cut, it’s time to discuss the Schumacher Cut! Namely, Joel Schumacher’s “darker” cut of “Batman Forever” that apparently exists even though no one knew about it until very recently.
According to Variety, the Schumacher Cut of “Batman Forever” does in fact exist, but it’s unclear if it will ever see the light of day. The discussion over this new version of the ‘90s superhero film directed by Schumacher first blew up thanks to writer Marc Bernardin tweeting something about a darker, longer version of “Batman Forever” that Schumacher cut together before the film was released. However, as we know, the version of the film that hit theaters is actually pretty campy, especially serving as a follow-up to the dark, gothic tone that Tim Burton presented in the previous ‘Batman’ features.
READ MORE: Remembering Joel Schumacher: The Essential Films
And now, Variety confirms that the cut is an actual thing, though it may not ever be released, for a number of reasons. First, and perhaps foremost, unlike Zack Snyder’s campaign to get his version of “Justice League” released, there isn’t a filmmaker pushing for a new version of “Batman Forever,” considering the recent, tragic passing of Schumacher. In addition, the footage that was cut together has been lying dormant for more than two decades and no one knows what the status of the film actually is. Perhaps it was preserved and is in decent shape, or maybe the cut has been sitting on a shelf and deteriorated over time. And finally, as the report lays out, there’s the small issue of money. You see, even if the cut exists and Warner Bros. is ready to release it, there would need to be money set aside for post-production efforts to help ensure the cut of the film is watchable.
The report also discusses what made Schumacher’s 170-minute cut of the film darker than the original that was released. The bulk of the new cut apparently focuses on the emotional trauma that is wreaking havoc on Bruce Wayne (the man is full of mental illness, obviously). There are also scenes showing Two-Face escaping from Arkham Asylum and an extended version of the Riddler’s infiltration of the Bat Cave, using his cane as a weapon.
READ MORE: Joel Schumacher on ‘Batman Forever’ Star Val Kilmer: “He Was Psychotic”
Though not nearly as campy as Schumacher’s final ‘Batman’ film, “Batman & Robin,” the Val Kilmer-led “Batman Forever” is still viewed as a missed opportunity and one of the least acclaimed superhero films of the past three decades.
So, Snyder Cut faithful, how about you focus on getting the Schumacher Cut released?
