Key Takeaways:
– Val Kilmer has gained notoriety for being troublesome on the set.
– Directors and actors have refused to work with Kilmer due to his difficult behavior.
– Batman Forever director Joel Schumacher publicly accused Kilmer of being “childish and impossible.”
– Kilmer did not return for the Batman & Robin sequel due to his unmanageable on-set attitude.
The Unraveling of the Caped Crusader’s Image
Val Kilmer was the heartbeat of the 1996 blockbuster Batman Forever, illuminating the silver screen with his portrayal of the indomitable superhero. However, his non-return for the sequel Batman & Robin, directed by Joel Schumacher, hinted at something awry behind the scenes.
The Strained Relationship with Joel Schumacher
Kilmer, renowned for his pivotal roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, came under public scrutiny for his prickly behavior. His consistent fallouts with Joel Schumacher during the production of the DC movie caricatured him far from the heroic persona he portrayed on-screen. This friction between Kilmer and Schumacher led to the latter labeling the actor’s conduct as petulant and immature.
Schumacher, during an interview with Independent, described his experience with Kilmer as “psychotic”. He disclosed that their relationship had deteriorated to the point where they stopped speaking on set. Schumacher, weary of defending Kilmer’s behavior, expressed his reluctance to work with him again.
Ripple Effect in Hollywood
Kilmer’s reputation as being difficult spread like wildfire in Hollywood, which resulted in directors and actors refusing to collaborate with him. His unpopularity rose despite his sterling performances in movies such as The Doors (1991) and Tombstone (1993). With an escalating reputation for unprofessionalism, Kilmer’s behavior risked overshadowing his commercial success in the $336M-grossing Batman Forever.
Voices Against Val
Various Hollywood professionals echoed Schumacher’s sentiments about Kilmer. Notably, filmmaker John Frankenheimer confessed to a pathological disagreement with Kilmer, highlighting their unending disputes and the actor’s unacceptable work ethics. Another professional, Kevin Jarre, highlighted a disturbing episode involving Kilmer and a locust to illustrate his peculiar side.
Schumacher also accused Kilmer of being “childish and impossible” in one testimonial. He described how Kilmer had frequent altercations with the crew, leading to a challenging working environment. Eventually, Kilmer’s unprofessional conduct resulted in his dismissal from Batman & Robin – a departure that Schumacher lightheartedly termed as a ‘bliss’.
A Wasted Hollywood Talent
Val Kilmer’s behavior created a toxic environment for fellow industry professionals, causing them to voice their dissatisfaction and reluctance to collaborate with him. Despite his talent as an actor, Kilmer’s inappropriate and unprofessional conduct ultimately overshadowed his achievements. The narrative around Kilmer serves as a stark reminder of the importance of professional ethics in the movie industry and beyond.
