It's 1969. After the Batman TV series starring Adam West fizzles out, DC decides to reboot Batman to attract a new audience, spearheaded by writer Dennis O'Neil and artit Neal Adams. Meanwhile, the company has just been purchased by Warner Communications, who are looking to exploit the company's stable of super-heroes for big cinematic bucks. WB looks to the still-popular Batman, and decides to create a more serious, mature big-budget film series to mirror the success of the Bond movies from MGM. Everyone in Hollywood seems to think it's a bad idea until rising young director William Friedkin comes on board as director, and 39-year-old Clint Eastwood, then working his way out of his TV career to break into films himself, agrees to star as Batman. The first film is a huge hit, leading to several more sequels over the next 15 years or so from different directors such as John Milius, Alan J Pakula, Brian De Palma, and even Eastwood himself. The series yeilds a respectable 7 films, running from 1970 to 1984.
Clint Eastwood as Batman
Though pushing 40, Eastwood proves an effective match for both the brooding, brutal caped crusader and womanizing playboy Bruce Wayne (who turns out to have quite a bit in common with Eastwood's off-camera personality anyway). As the franchise progresses and Eastwood's star rises (assisted also by a little franchise called Dirty Harry), he gradually asserts more control over the films creatively, including directing a couple and cutting himself a larger percentage of the profits.
David Niven as Alfred Pennyworth
William Holden as Commissioner James Gordon
Malcolm McDowell as The Joker
McDowell proves to be a match for the Joker, able to play his manic personality with sinister undertones, pairing nicely with his role the following year in Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange.'
Faye Dunaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman
Having already made a name for herself with 'The Thomas Crown Affair' and 'Bonnie and Clyde,' Dunaway is just the right fit for Batman's femme fatale nemesis/love interest.
Harvey Keitel as Harvey Dent/Two-Face
Having just starred in Scorsese's 'Mean Streets', Keitel is the man for the job of balancing the crusading Gotham D.A. with his bifurcated alter-ego.
Raquel Welch as Poison Ivy
Ivy made her debut in the comics just a few years earlier, just at the same time Welch was starring in 'One Million Years BC.' Welch turns out to be perfect for adding more star power and sex appeal to Batman's rogues gallery.
Donald Pleasence as Oswald Cobblepot/Penguin
To help ride the success of the Bond movies, the producers take to casting actors from that franchise in the Batman movies. Donald Pleasence, who played Blofeld in 'You Only Live Twice' brings the fancy-but-sinister Penguin to life.
Gene Wilder as Edward Nygma/Riddler
To contrast with the Joker, the filmmakers reimagine Riddler as more of an intellectual. Then famous for his work with Mel Brooks and playing Willy Wonka, Gene Wilder fits right into the role of the egomaniacal, snappily-dressed and puzzle-obsessed Riddler.
Tim Curry as Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow
Coming off his success in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' the ham-tastic Curry signs on to bring Gotham's Master of Fear to life.
Telly Savales as Mr. Freeze
Like Riddler, Mr. Freeze gets a makeover in the films, becoming more of a tragic figure. They decide to cast another Bond alum, Telly Savales, who takes a break from his series 'Kojak' to play the scientist-turned-supervillain.
Kurt Russell as Dick Grayson/Robin
Still only in his 20s, the young Russel signs on to play Robin to try to grow out of the kid-friendly Disney movies he was best known for at the time (but only on the condition he doesn't wear shorts.)
Richard Keil as Killer Croc
As the franchise winds down, another Bond nemesis joins the cast to play a brand new character just introduced in the comics. The 7' tall Richard Keil (The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker) signs on to play the hulking, monstrous Killer Croc.
Roddy McDowall as Jervis Tetch/The Mad Hatter
A lesser-known villain at the time, the Mad Hatter character gets a facelift, becoming a nebbishy scientist with a specialty in mind control. To play him, WB calls on Roddy McDowall, then best known for the Planet of the Apes movies.
Christopher Lee as Ra's Al Ghul
To ramp up the scope of the series, the producers adapt O'Neil's popular storyline introducing Ra's Al Ghul. Christopher Lee (Man With the Golden Gun, Three Musketeers, and the Dracula films from Hammer) is the perfect fit for the immortal conqueror.
Carole Bouquet as Talia Al Ghul
Bouquet, another Bond alum from 'For Your Eyes Only' is paired with Lee to play Ra's daughter and Batman's new love interest, Talia.
Kate Jackson as Barbara Gordon/Batgirl
To appeal more to a female demographic, the producers incorporate Batgirl into the series, much as the TV show had done. They seek out Kate Jackson for the role, though she's very busy playing Sabrina on 'Charlie's Angels' at the time, though she does agree to appear as Barbara in a small role until her TV contract runs out. Once it does, she's ready to suit up as Batgirl.