Key Takeaways:
– Nicole Kidman wasn't the original choice for the role in Batman Forever.
– Directed by Joel Schumacher, he fought to have her on board due to his fascination with her since “Dead Calm.”
– Despite claimed unfit for the role initially, Kidman gave a memorable performance as Dr. Chase Meridian.
Established Hollywood actress and beauty queen, Nicole Kidman, known for her versatile roles across various genres, has successes spanning a career of over four decades, including in the superhero realm. Interesting tales from her role in the 1995's ‘Batman Forever' have recently surfaced, indicating that her original casting was never on the cards.
Prelude to “Batman Forever”
Kidman, known for her roles in big movies including the popular DCEU's Aquaman, once played Dr. Chase Meridian in the Batman franchise. This role, opposite Val Kilmer's Batman, was a significant one in the mid-90s. However, it turns out, this part was never meant for her, and the movie's director was instrumental in her casting.
Playing Dr. Chase Meridian was initially not in Kidman's stars, as it was another veteran actress, Rene Russo, who was selected. According to Schumacher, Russo's unavailability due to a scheduling conflict caused the need for a replacement, prompting Kidman's entry.
Making Way for Kidman
Despite Schumacher's initial decision that Kidman wasn't the perfect fit for the character, he eventually changed his mind. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Schumacher confessed that his determination to work with Kidman overpowered anything else. He was so smitten by her that he disregarded the original envision for Dr. Chase Meridian and cast Kidman.
In his words, he declared his rights as film's director, saying, “I know, I know, she doesn't look anything like a criminal psychiatrist. But it's my Gotham City and I can do what I want.”
Kidman went on to make her mark in the movie, perfectly portraying Dr. Chase Meridian, described as a criminal psychologist who continually tries to seduce Batman.
Joel Schumacher's Undying Fascination with Kidman
What perhaps is intriguing about this entire narrative is Schumacher's obsession with Kidman did not start overnight. He admitted he had his eyes on Kidman for a very long time, tracing his admiration back to her 1989 horror-action film, Dead Calm. Schumacher's adoration for Kidman grew over the years, with him even wishing he could feature her in all his films.
The director voiced his unabashed admiration for her telling Entertainment Weekly “I've had my eye on her since Dead Calm. You meet a lot of beautiful people in this business, but there's something almost luminous about her.”
Revelling in the Aftermath
Despite the initial disagreement on Kidman's casting, the actress has proven herself in the role, leaving a lasting impression in Kilmer's Dark Knight film. It's safe to say her portrayal as Dr. Chase Meridian played a crucial role in setting the tone of the entire Batman franchise.
In retrospect, Kidman's entry to the Batman series, albeit unexpected, added a twist to the tale and probably even upped the movie gear among the audiences. You can currently catch Batman Forever on Prime Video.
