Key Takeaways:
– Robert Pattinson finds Danny DeVito’s role as the Penguin in Batman Returns ‘disturbing’
– Pattinson expresses his admiration for DeVito’s performance during a BBC Radio 1 interview.
– Batman Returns faced criticism for its violent and sexual elements and alienated family audiences.
– Backlash from the film led to Warner Bros. replacing Tim Burton with Joel Schumacher as the director for the next Batman film.
– Tim Burton partners with Michael Keaton again in the sequel to their 1988 classic, Beetlejuice.
A Twisted Take on Gotham’s Defenders
Batman ranks among the best-known characters in DC comics, with actors from George Clooney to Ben Affleck donning the bat suit. Robert Pattinson follows this lineage, starring as the title role in The Batman, a film we all anticipate eagerly. Aside from this, another Batman casting remains undisclosed for James Gunn’s DC Universe.
Interestingly, Pattinson finds the 1992 Batman Returns film a disturbing masterpiece. The reason lies in Danny DeVito’s portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot, also known as Penguin. Batman Returns stands as the second Batman film of Michael Keaton, taking a darker and more terrifying turn than its predecessor.
DeVito, The Penguin, Disturbs Pattinson
DeVito offered a chilling portrayal of the deformed man abandoned in the sewers as an infant. Plotting to control Gotham City by running for Mayor, the raucous bird of prey roots deep in young fans’ nightmares and leaves an imprint of trepidation for life. Pattinson counts among these affected fans, as he recently revealed in an interview with BBC Radio 1.
He bestowed high praise on the film, as a “masterpiece”, but also confessed perceiving DeVito’s Penguin as one of the most disturbing things he has ever seen. Fused with elements of violence and sexual implications, the film received backlash from groups and partners promoting the film to a younger audience. Despite these critiques, the impressive performances by Keaton, DeVito, and Michelle Pfeiffer accepted widespread acclaim.
The Dark Knight and the Change of Guard
The reaction to Batman Returns brought a change in Warner Bros.’ studio. They opted to replace Tim Burton with Joel Schumacher as the new Batman series director, expecting a family-friendly shift. Keaton, who developed a rapport with Burton after successful collaborations on various projects, including the acclaimed 1988 Beetlejuice, took issue with the change.
One factor citing the Burton-Keaton union charm was the Batman film’s greenlight incident. Burton was onboard to direct the first Batman film in 1986. However, the studio withheld their approval until Beetlejuice achieved tremendous success.
Return to Beetlejuice
The Burton-Keaton duo reunites for Beetlejuice 2, the sequel to their cult-classic horror comedy. The film recently released its teaser trailer, featuring returning stars Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton, and a new addition, Jenna Ortega. Donning his ghastly Betelgeuse attire, Keaton terrorizes the audience, leaving a promising first look.
The film also includes Schitt’s Creek actress Catherine O’Hara reprising her role as Delia Deetz, and stars Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux in significant roles. Despite some recent box-office disappointments, and Keaton’s unsuccessful reprising of his Batman role in 2023’s The Flash, Burton sees a glimmer of success directing the Netflix series, Wednesday. Beetlejuice 2 is scheduled for release on September 6, 2024.
Robert Pattinson’s perspective brings a new layer to Batman’s portrayal. Meanwhile, Burton-Keaton’s reunion for Beetlejuice 2 sparks anticipation among fans. The dark world of Gotham City and the ghoulish universe of Beetlejuice promises to leave us all at the edge of our seats.
