BATMAN: What Tim Burton's 'Robin' Costume Could've Looked Like
Costume designer Bob Ringwood worked on Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992) and the third Batman film that Tim Burton was originally planning to direct, before Warner Bros. had him replaced with Joel Schumacher. Here's his 'Robin' concept art.
After 1992's Batman Returns came out Tim Burton began working on a third Batman film that he would direct. Michael Keaton would've reprised his role and the storyline would've featured 'Robin' joining up with the Caped Crusader to defeat The Riddler. It got so far into production that Rene Russo ("In the Line of Fire") had been cast as Bruce Wayne's love interest and Scary Movie star Marlon Wayans was cast as 'Robin.' He was even fitted for his Boy Wonder costume. No images of him in a 'Robin' costume have ever surfaced.
Things went south when Warner Bros. requested that Burton tone down the darker elements as they didn't want a repeat of Batman Returns. They felt as though that film was too dark for families and hindered its performance at the box office and its sale of toys. Burton didn't backdown and WB replaced him with Joel Schumacher ("The Lost Boys"). Burton stayed on as a producer. Schumacher ditch a lot of what Burton had planned and because of that Michael Keaton ("Mr. Mom") exited the project as he didn't like Schumacher's new direction. Marlon Wayans was replaced by Chris O'Donnell ("Scent of a Woman"), but was paid in full. When Val Kilmer was brought on board Schumacher felt as though Russo was too old to be Kilmer's love interest so she was also let go. In the end, we got 1995's Batman Forever.
All we are left with of Tim Burton's Batman 3 is a few pieces of concept art that have surfaced here and there over the years. On the right, is a piece of concept art that costume designer Bob Ringwood created for the 'Robin' costume. Was this what Marlon Wayans' 'Robin' would've worn in the film if it had been made? Maybe, maybe not. It's a possibility. What do you think of the design?
Riddle me this, riddle me that, you'll adventure on the wings of bat! Brace for excitement as Val Kilmer (Batman), Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face), Jim Carrey (the Riddler), Nicole Kidman (Dr. Chase Meridian) and Chris O'Donnell (Robin) star in the third spectacular film in Warner Bros.' Batman series. Joel Schumacher (The Client) directs and Tim Burton co-produces this thrill-ride of a movie that thunders along on Batmobile, Batwing, Batboat, Batsub and bold heroics. Hang on!
Actors: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O'Donnell
Director: Joel Schumacher
Writers: Akiva Goldsman, Bob Kane, Janet Scott Batchler, Lee Batchler