Why didn't Val Kilmer return for Batman & Robin?

[The Borgified Corpse]

Captaindemotion wrote:

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Certainly, around the same time, The Island of Doctor Moreau, in which Kilmer also appeared, led to numerous stories about what a nightmare he was on set, so Shumacher may have had some point here.

Those interested in the behind-the-scenes of Hollywood sci-fi should check out the book The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Never Made by David Hughes. He does an entire chapter on The Island of Dr. Moreau.

[Admiral James Kirk]

According to Bill Goldman's Which Lie Did I Tell? the same thing happened on the set of The Ghost and the Darkness. At one point Michael Douglas takes Kilmer aside and says: "You want a career like Eric Roberts? You want a career like Mickey Rourke? You just keep it up then!"

Of course the anecdote isn't as biting since Rourke had his big comeback.

[Showdown]

I've read of a few theories

First was scheduling conflict. The Batman films are usually released at least 3 years a part, except for B&R. B&R was released 2 years after Batman Forever. Val Kilmer was unaware of the fast track production that the studio execs pushed for, and commited himself to the Saint.

Batman (1989)
Batman Returns (1992)
Batman Forever (1995)
Batman & Robin (1997) 2 yrs

Batman Begins (2005)
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Also heard that Val Kilmer and Joel Schumacher did not get along during Batman Forever. I remember hearing Joel said something like "I do not want to work with Val ever again, and I think the feeling is mutual." Val probably think he's lucky that he wasn't in B&R.

I think most of the problems of Batman & Robin came from executive meddling. Sequel rushed out the door and made to sell toys. It all reeks of profit maximization.

[Methos]

Dream wrote:

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Why didn't Val Kilmer return for Batman & Robin?

He possibly saw the script? lol

M

[Captaindemotion]

Admiral James Kirk wrote:

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According to Bill Goldman's Which Lie Did I Tell? the same thing happened on the set of The Ghost and the Darkness. At one point Michael Douglas takes Kilmer aside and says: "You want a career like Eric Roberts? You want a career like Mickey Rourke? You just keep it up then!"

Of course the anecdote isn't as biting since Rourke had his big comeback.

And Rourke and Kilmer both were lucky enough to be given the odd juicy character role from Tony Scott during their outcast years.