In 1988, Warner Bros. began production on the first Batman , directed by Tim Burton.
For the role of the Joker, the studio settled on Jack Nicholson, who seemed to them to be the absolutely ideal choice. Only Jack Nicholson is not interested and rejects the proposal.
Warner then decides to play on Nicholson’s ego by setting a trap for him.
Another actor is interested in the role: Robin Williams. He’s a Batman fan and will do anything to land the role of the Joker. Warner then offered him the role and announced the news to Jack Nicholson.
The trap works. Jack Nicholson’s pride is touched. Robin Williams, a rising figure in cinema, who exploded in Good Morning Vietnam but is not yet a headliner, is chosen to replace him. Is this a sign that Nicholson is over the Hill, on the downward slope? Was he wrong to pass up this role in a blockbuster that proved he was still relevant in Hollywood?
Nicholson then changes his mind and accepts the role of the Joker. Robin Williams, who had been promised the role, was rejected.
He also held a great grudge against those in charge of the Warner studio, whom he decided to boycott until he was apologized for.
Warner ended up apologizing and, years later, in 1994, when Batman Forever was being started, Robin Williams agreed to compete for the role of the Riddler, always very motivated to participate in a Batman project.
However, once again, Robin Williams will not get the role. Director Joel Schumacher prefers Jim Carrey. Robin Williams will hold a particularly bitter resentment.
In a 2013 interview with Empire Magazine about his possible participation in a Batman film with Christopher Nolan, the actor said:
“I would work with Chris again in a heartbeat, regardless of the role. I would play the Riddler in the next Batman, although I would have a hard time doing better than Heath Ledger as the big bad, and I’m also too hairy to wear tights… Besides, the Batman franchise has already screwed me twice in the past. They offered me the role of the Joker and then gave it to Jack Nicholson, then they offered me the Riddler and finally gave it to Jim Carrey. If they offered me a role again, I would say, “Okay, is this a real offer? If so, I accept. But don’t hurt me again, you bastards!” »