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{{Short description|1992 superhero film by Tim Burton}}
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{{Infobox film
| name           = Batman Returns
| image          = Batman returns poster2.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster by [[John Alvin]]
| director       = [[Tim Burton]]
| producer       = {{Plain list|
* [[Denise Di Novi]]
* Tim Burton
}}
| screenplay     = [[Daniel Waters (screenwriter)|Daniel Waters]]
| story          = {{Plain list|
* Daniel Waters
* [[Sam Hamm]]
}}
| based_on       = {{Plain list|
* {{Based on|[[Batman characters]] created by [[Bob Kane]] and [[Bill Finger]]}}
* {{Based on|and published by [[DC Comics]]}}{{efn-lr|Although [[Bob Kane]] received sole credit for Batman and his associated characters in ''Batman Returns'', it was established in 2015 that writer [[Bill Finger]] was jointly involved in the creation of Batman as well as The Penguin and Catwoman, among others. He received equal credit to Kane in future adaptations of the Batman comic books.<ref name="BillFingerCBR"/><ref name="BillFingerForbes"/><ref name="BillFingerWired"/><ref name="BillFingerEW"/>}} 
}}
| starring       = {{Plain list|
* [[Michael Keaton]]
* [[Danny DeVito]]
* [[Michelle Pfeiffer]]
* [[Christopher Walken]]
* [[Michael Gough]]
* [[Pat Hingle]]
* [[Michael Murphy (actor)|Michael Murphy]]
}}
| music          = [[Danny Elfman]]
| cinematography = [[Stefan Czapsky]]
| editing        = [[Chris Lebenzon]]
| studio         = {{ubl|[[Warner Bros. Pictures|Warner Bros.]]|[[PolyGram Filmed Entertainment|PolyGram Pictures]]}}
| distributor    = Warner Bros.
| released       = {{Film date|1992|06|16|Hollywood, California|1992|06|19|United States}}
| runtime        = 126 minutes
| country        = United States
| language       = English
| budget         = $50–80{{nbsp}}million
| gross          = $266.8{{nbsp}}million
}}
'''''Batman Returns''''' is a 1992 American [[superhero film]] directed by [[Tim Burton]] and written by [[Daniel Waters (screenwriter)|Daniel Waters]]. Based on the [[DC Comics]] character [[Batman]], it is the sequel to ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' (1989) and the second installment in the [[Batman (1989 film series)|1989–1997 ''Batman'' series]]. In the film, Batman comes into conflict with wealthy industrialist Max Shreck and malformed crime boss [[Oswald Cobblepot (Batman Returns)|Oswald Cobblepot / The Penguin]], who seek power regardless of the cost to [[Gotham City]]. Their plans are complicated by Shreck's former secretary, [[Selina Kyle (1989 film series character)|Selina Kyle]], who seeks revenge against him as Catwoman. The cast includes [[Michael Keaton]], [[Danny DeVito]], [[Michelle Pfeiffer]], [[Christopher Walken]], [[Michael Gough]], [[Pat Hingle]], and [[Michael Murphy (actor)|Michael Murphy]].

Burton had no interest in making a sequel to ''Batman'', believing that he was creatively restricted by the expectations of [[Warner Bros.]] He agreed to return in exchange for creative control, including replacing original writer [[Sam Hamm]] with Daniel Waters, and hiring many of his previous creative collaborators. Waters's script focused on characterization over an overarching plot, and [[Wesley Strick]] was hired to complete an uncredited re-write which, among other elements, provided a master plan for the Penguin. Filming took place between September 1991 and February 1992, on a $50–80{{nbsp}}million budget, on sets and sound stages at [[Warner Bros. Studios Burbank|Warner Bros. Studios]] and the [[Universal Studios Lot]] in California. Special effects primarily involved practical applications and makeup, with some animatronics and [[computer-generated imagery]].

The film's marketing campaign was substantial, including brand collaborations and a variety of merchandise, aiming to repeat ''Batman''{{'s}} financial success. Released on June 19, 1992, ''Batman Returns'' broke several box-office records and earned $266.8{{nbsp}}million worldwide. However, it failed to replicate the success or longevity of ''Batman'' ($411.6{{nbsp}}million); this was blamed on the darker tone as well as violent and sexual elements, which alienated family audiences and led to a backlash against marketing partners for promoting the film to young children. Reviews were polarized about the film, but praised most of the main cast.

After the relative failure of ''Batman Returns'', Burton was replaced as director of the third film, ''[[Batman Forever]]'' (1995), with [[Joel Schumacher]] to take the series in a family-friendly direction. Keaton chose not to reprise his role, disagreeing with Schumacher's vision. ''Batman Forever'' and its sequel, ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'' (1997), were financial successes but fared less well critically. ''Batman Returns'' has been reassessed as one of the best ''Batman'' films in the decades since its release, and its incarnations of Catwoman and Penguin are considered iconic. A comic book, ''[[Batman '89 (comic book)|Batman '89]]'' (2021), continued the narrative of the original two Burton films, and Keaton reprised his version of Batman in ''[[The Flash (film)|The Flash]]'' (2023).

== Plot ==
<!--Per [[WP: FILMPLOT]], aspects of the narrative are told out of chronological order to make it easier to read and plot summaries for feature films are 400 to 700 words. -->
In [[Gotham City]], two wealthy [[socialite]]s, dismayed at the birth of their malformed and feral son [[Penguin (character)|Oswald]], discard the infant in the sewers, where he is adopted by a family of penguins. Thirty-three years later, during the Christmas season, wealthy industrialist Max Shreck is abducted by the Red Triangle gang—a group of former circus workers connected to child disappearances across the country—and brought to their hideout in the Arctic exhibit at the derelict Gotham Zoo. Their leader, Oswald—now named the Penguin—blackmails Shreck with evidence of his corruption and murderous acts to compel his assistance in reintegrating Oswald into Gotham's elite. Shreck orchestrates a staged kidnapping of the mayor's infant child, allowing Oswald to rescue it and become a public hero. In exchange, Oswald requests access to the city's birth records, ostensibly to learn his true identity by researching Gotham's first-born sons.

Shreck attempts to murder his timid secretary, [[Selina Kyle (Batman Returns)|Selina Kyle]], by pushing her out of a window after she accidentally uncovers his scheme to construct a power plant that would secretly drain and store Gotham's electricity. Selina survives, returns home, angrily crafts a costume and adopts the name Catwoman. To Shreck's surprise, Selina returns to work with newfound confidence and assertiveness, immediately capturing the attention of visiting billionaire Bruce Wayne. As his alter ego, the vigilante Batman, Wayne investigates Oswald, suspecting a connection to the Red Triangle gang. To remove obstacles to his power plant, Shreck persuades Oswald to run for mayor and undermine the incumbent by unleashing Red Triangle on Gotham. Batman's attempts to stop the chaos lead to a confrontation with Catwoman. Meanwhile, Selina and Wayne start dating, while Catwoman teams up with Oswald to tarnish Batman's reputation.

During Gotham's Christmas-tree lighting, Oswald and Catwoman kidnap Gotham's beauty queen, the Ice Princess, and lure Batman to a rooftop above the ceremony. Oswald pushes the Ice Princess to her death with a swarm of bats, framing Batman. When Catwoman objects to the murder and rebuffs Oswald's romantic advances, he attacks her, sending her crashing through a glasshouse. Batman escapes in the [[Batmobile]], unaware that the Red Triangle gang has sabotaged it, allowing Oswald to take it on a remote-controlled rampage. Before regaining control, Batman records Oswald's insulting tirade against Gotham's citizens and plays it during Oswald's mayoral rally, destroying his public image and forcing him to retreat to Gotham Zoo. There, Oswald renounces his humanity, fully embracing his identity as the Penguin, and sets his plan in motion to abduct and kill Gotham's first-born sons as revenge for his own abandonment.

Selina attempts to kill Shreck at his charity ball, but Wayne intervenes, and they accidentally discover each other's secret identities. Penguin crashes the event, intending to kidnap Shreck's son, Chip, but Shreck offers himself instead. Batman disrupts the Red Triangle gang and halts the kidnappings, forcing the Penguin to unleash his missile-equipped penguin army to destroy Gotham. However, Batman's butler, [[Alfred Pennyworth]], overrides the control signal, redirecting the penguins back to Gotham Zoo. As the missiles obliterate the zoo, Batman unleashes a swarm of bats, causing the Penguin to fall into the contaminated waters of the Arctic exhibit. Catwoman arrives to confront Shreck, rejecting Batman's plea to abandon her quest for vengeance and leave with him. Shreck shoots her four times, but she seems unaffected, claiming she has [[Cat#Superstitions and rituals|two of her nine lives]] left. Catwoman electrocutes Shreck, causing a power surge that appears to kill them both; however, Batman finds only Shreck's charred remains. The Penguin emerges one last time but succumbs to his injuries before he can attack Batman. His penguins lay him to rest in the water.

Sometime later, as Alfred drives Wayne home, he spots Selina's silhouette but finds only a cat, which he takes with him. The [[Bat-Signal]] shines above the city as Catwoman gazes up at it.

==Cast==
{{multiple image
| total_width = 500
| direction = horizontal
| align = right
| footer = [[Michael Keaton]] (in 2002), [[Danny DeVito]] (in 2013), and [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] (in 2007)
| image1 = Michael Keaton Cannes.jpg
| alt1 = A formally-dressed Michael Keaton
| image2 = Danny DeVito cropped and edited for brightness.jpg
| alt2 = A smiling Danny DeVito
| image3 = Michelle Pfeiffer 2007.jpg
| alt3 = A smiling Michelle Pfeiffer
}}
* [[Michael Keaton]] as [[Batman (1989 film series character)|Bruce Wayne / Batman]]: A billionaire businessman who operates as Gotham's vigilante protector<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="Vulture2017"/>
* [[Danny DeVito]] as [[Penguin (character)|Oswald Cobblepot / Penguin]]: A malformed crime boss<ref name="Vulture2017"/>
* [[Michelle Pfeiffer]] as [[Selina Kyle (1989 film series character)|Selina Kyle / Catwoman]]: A meek assistant turned vengeful villainess<ref name="Vulture2017"/><ref name="ReviewEW"/>
* [[Christopher Walken]] as Max Shreck: A ruthless industrialist<ref name="Vulture2017"/><ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TheRinger2022"/>
* [[Michael Gough]] as [[Alfred Pennyworth]]: Wayne's butler and surrogate father<ref name="DOGAlfred"/>
* [[Pat Hingle]] as [[Jim Gordon (character)|James Gordon]]: The Gotham City police commissioner and Batman's ally<ref name="CBRGordon"/>
* [[Michael Murphy (actor)|Michael Murphy]] as the Mayor:  The city's incumbent mayor<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="ReviewEbert"/>

The cast of ''Batman Returns'' includes [[Andrew Bryniarski]] as Max's son Charles "Chip" Schreck and [[Cristi Conaway]] as the Ice Princess, Gotham's beauty queen-elect.<ref name="CastChip"/><ref name="CastIcePrincess"/><ref name="CastBFI"/> [[Paul Reubens]] and [[Diane Salinger]] appear as Tucker and Esther Cobblepot, Oswald's wealthy, elite parents.<ref name="CastTheCobblepots"/> [[Sean Whalen]] appears as a paperboy; [[Jan Hooks]] and [[Steve Witting]] play Jen and Josh, Oswald's mayoral [[image consulting|image consultants]].{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="CastBFI"/><ref name="CastComicsAlliance"/><ref name="CastNyTimes"/><ref name="CastVanityFair"/>}}

The Red Triangle gang includes the monkey-toting Organ Grinder ([[Vincent Schiavelli]]), the Poodle Lady ([[Anna Katarina]]), the Tattooed Strongman ([[Rick Zumwalt]]), the Sword Swallower (John Strong), the Knifethrower Dame (Erika Andersch), the Acrobatic Thug ([[Gregory Scott Cummins]]), the Terrifying Clown ([[Branscombe Richmond]]), the Fat Clown (Travis Mckenna), and the Thin Clown ([[Doug Jones (actor)|Doug Jones]]).<ref name="CastBFI"/><ref name="CastIGN"/><ref name="CastCollider"/>

==Production==

===Development===
[[File:Tim Burton Frankenweenie 2012 3.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|alt=A smiling Tim Burton, dressed in black|Director [[Tim Burton]] (in 2012)]]
Following the success of ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' (1989), which became the fifth-highest-grossing film of its time, a sequel was considered inevitable. [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] was confident in its potential, with discussions about a follow-up beginning by late 1989 and plans to start filming in May of the next year.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/>{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>}} The studio wanted [[Robin Williams]] and Danny DeVito to play the rogues [[Riddler]] and Penguin, respectively,{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}} and had also invested $2{{nbsp}}million in acquiring the Gotham City sets at [[Pinewood Studios]] in England, intending to use them for at least two more sequels. These sets were kept under 24-hour surveillance as it was more cost-effective to maintain them than to build new ones.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}} Despite pressure from Warner Bros. to finalize a script and begin production, director [[Tim Burton]] was hesitant about returning for a sequel.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/>{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> He called the idea "dumbfounded," particularly before analyzing the performance of the first film.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> Burton was generally skeptical of sequels, believing they were only worthwhile if they offered a chance to explore something new and different.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="TCM"/>

''Batman'' writer [[Sam Hamm]]'s initial story idea expanded the character of district attorney [[Harvey Dent]], played in ''Batman'' by [[Billy Dee Williams]], and his descent into the supervillain [[Two-Face]]. Warner Bros. wanted the main villain to be the Penguin, however, whom Hamm believed the studio saw as Batman's most prominent enemy after the [[Joker (character)|Joker]]. Catwoman was added because Burton and Hamm were interested in the character.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Hamm's drafts continued directly from ''Batman'', focusing on the relationship between Wayne and Vicki Vale ([[Kim Basinger]]) and their engagement.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The Penguin was written as an avian-themed criminal who uses birds as weapons; Catwoman was more overtly sexualised, wore "bondage" gear, and nonchalantly murdered groups of men.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The main narrative teamed Penguin and Catwoman to frame Batman for the murders of Gotham's wealthiest citizens in their pursuit of a secret treasure. Their quest leads them to Wayne Manor, and reveals the Waynes's secret history. Among other things, Hamm originated the Christmastime setting and introduced [[Robin (character)|Robin]], Batman's sidekick, although his idea for [[assault rifle]]-wielding [[Santa Claus|Santa]]s was abandoned. Hamm ensured that Batman did not kill anyone and focused on protecting Gotham's homeless.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The two drafts produced by Hamm failed to renew Burton's interest,<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> and Burton concentrated on directing ''[[Edward Scissorhands]]'' (1990) and writing ''[[The Nightmare Before Christmas]]'' (1993) instead.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/>

Burton was confirmed to direct the sequel in January 1991, with filming scheduled to begin later that year for a 1992 release date.<ref name="LAtimesJan1991"/> He agreed to return in exchange for creative control on the sequel; Burton considered ''Batman'' the least favorite of his films, describing it as occasionally boring.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}} According to [[Denise Di Novi]], his long-time producer, "Only about 50% of ''Batman'' was [Burton]"; the studio wanted ''Batman Returns'' to be "more of a Tim Burton movie{{nbsp}}... [a] weirder movie but also more hip and fun."{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}}

Burton replaced key ''Batman'' crew with some of his former collaborators, including cinematographer [[Stefan Czapsky]], production designer [[Bo Welch]], creature-effects supervisor [[Stan Winston]], makeup artist [[Ve Neill]], and art directors Tom Duffield and Rick Henrichs.{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}} [[Daniel Waters (screenwriter)|Daniel Waters]] was hired to replace Hamm because Burton wanted someone with no emotional attachment to ''Batman'' and liked Waters's script for the dark comedy ''[[Heathers]]'' (1988), which matched Burton's intended tone and creative direction.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}} Burton reportedly disliked ''Batman'' producer [[Jon Peters]], demoted him to executive producer of ''Batman Returns'', and effectively barred him from the set.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/> Warner Bros. was the production company and distributor, with production assistance from executive producer [[Peter Guber]]'s and Peters's [[Polygram Pictures]].<ref name="BFIBatmanReturns"/><ref name="LATimesPolygram"/>
{{Clear}}

===Writing===
[[File:Dan Waters.jpg|thumb|alt=Daniel Waters, seated at a table and speaking into a microphone|Writer [[Daniel Waters (screenwriter)|Daniel Waters]] (in 2008) was hired by Tim Burton to revise [[Sam Hamm]]'s initial draft.]]
Waters began writing his first draft in mid-1990.{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=32}} Burton's only instructions were that the script have no connection to ''Batman'', outside of a singular reference to Vale as Wayne's ex-girlfriend, and that Catwoman have a greater characterization than sexy vixen.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> Waters did not like the 1989 film, and had no interest in following its narrative threads, acknowledging the comic-book histories of ''Batman Returns''{{'}} characters, or considering the opinions of their fans, saying: "We were really just about the art."<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> Unlike Hamm, Waters was not opposed to Batman killing people, believing the character should reflect contemporary, darker times, and that the idea of a hero leaving captured villains for the authorities was outdated.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Even so, Waters only had Batman kill when necessary so it would be more meaningful; he was unhappy with some of the unscripted on-screen deaths in the finished film, such as Batman blowing up a Red Triangle member.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> Much of Waters's "bitter and cynical" dialogue for Batman (such as Gotham City not deserving protection) was removed because Keaton said that Batman should rarely speak in costume and Burton wanted Batman to be driven by trauma not nihilism.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/>{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=62}}}}

As a result, the script focused on villains. Burton said that he initially struggled to understand the appeal of the Penguin's comic-book counterpart; Batman, Catwoman, and the Joker had clear psychological profiles, but the Penguin was "just this guy with a cigarette and a top hat."<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The initial draft made the character resemble a stereotypical DeVito character (an abrasive gangster), but Waters and Burton agreed to make him more "animalistic".{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=32}} They decided to make the Penguin a tragic figure, abandoned as an infant by his parents—a reflection of Batman's childhood trauma of losing his parents.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Political and social satire was added, influenced by two episodes of the 1960s television series, ''[[Batman (TV series)|Batman]]'', ("Hizzoner the Penguin" and "Dizhonner the Penguin") in which the Penguin runs for mayor.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Waters changed Hamm's Catwoman from a "fetishy sexual fantasy" ''[[femme fatale]]'' to a working-class, disenchanted secretary, writing her as an allegory of contemporary feminism.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> Although the character is influenced by feline mythology (such as cats having nine lives), Waters and Burton never intended the supernatural elements to be taken literally and planned for Catwoman to die with Shreck during the electrical explosion in the film's denouement.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="CBRCatwomanNineLives"/>

Waters created Max Shreck—an original character named in honor of actor [[Max Schreck]]—to take the place of Harvey Dent/Two-Face.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> Shreck was written satirically as an evil industrialist who orchestrates the Penguin's mayoral run, in order to convey the message that true villains do not always wear costumes. In one version of the script, Shreck was the Penguin's more-favored brother.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> With four central characters to depict, Waters and Burton decided to remove Robin, a garage mechanic who helps Batman after Penguin crashes the Batmobile. They were not particularly interested in retaining the character, whom Waters described as worthless.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}} The Red Triangle gang, initially conceived as a troupe of performance artists, were changed to circus clowns at Burton's request.<ref name="ColliderRedTriangle"/>

Waters said that his 160-page first draft was too outlandish and would have cost $400{{nbsp}}million to produce, leading him to become more restrained.{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=32}} His fifth (and final draft) focused more on characterization and interaction than on plot.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/>{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=30}}}} Burton and Waters eventually fell out over disagreements about the script and Waters's refusal to implement requested changes. Burton hired [[Wesley Strick]] to refine Waters's work, streamline dialogue, and lighten the tone.{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=62}} Warner Bros. executives mandated that Strick introduce a master plan for the Penguin, resulting in the addition of the plot to kidnap Gotham's first-born sons and threaten the city with missiles.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=9}} Waters said that the changes to his work were relatively minor, but he was baffled by the Penguin's master plan.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/>{{sfn|Shapiro|1992|p=62}} He made a final revision to Strick's shooting screenplay and, although Strick was on set for four months of filming and agreed-upon rewriting, Waters was the only screenwriter credited.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="VultureWaters"/><ref name="Diabolique"/>

===Casting===
[[File:Christopher Walken Feb 2008 (2).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|alt=A photograph of a smiling Christopher Walken|[[Christopher Walken]] (in 2008) based his performance on moguls such as [[Sol Hurok]] and [[Samuel Goldwyn]].]]
Keaton reprised his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman for $10{{space}}million, double his salary for ''Batman''.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="EWOct1993"/> Burton wanted to cast [[Marlon Brando]] as the Penguin, but Warner Bros. preferred [[Dustin Hoffman]]. [[Christopher Lloyd]] and [[Robert De Niro]] were also considered, but Danny DeVito became the frontrunner when Waters re-envisioned the character as a deformed human-bird hybrid.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="MTVBrando"/> DeVito was initially reluctant to accept the role until he was convinced by his close friend, [[Jack Nicholson]], who played the [[Joker (Jack Napier)|Joker]] in ''Batman''.<ref name="TCM"/><ref name="MTVBrando"/> To convey his vision, Burton gave DeVito a picture he had painted of a diminutive character sitting on a red-and-white striped ball with the caption, "my name is Jimmy, but my friends call me the hideous penguin boy."<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=9}}

Casting Selina Kyle / Catwoman was difficult.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=9}} [[Annette Bening]] initially secured the role, but had to drop out after becoming pregnant. Actresses lobbying for the part then included [[Ellen Barkin]], [[Cher]], [[Bridget Fonda]], [[Jennifer Jason Leigh]], [[Madonna]], [[Julie Newmar]], [[Lena Olin]], [[Susan Sarandon]], [[Raquel Welch]], and Basinger. The most prominent candidate, however, was [[Sean Young]] (who was cast as Vale in ''Batman'' before she was injured).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="EWAug91991"/>}} Young went to the Warner Bros. lot in a homemade Catwoman costume for an impromptu audition for Burton, who reportedly hid under his desk (although Keaton and producer [[Mark Canton]] briefly met with her). She shared video of her efforts with ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]''. She also pitched in costume on ''[[The Joan Rivers Show]]''. Warner Bros. said that Young did not fit their vision for Catwoman.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="EWOddwoman"/><ref name="LATimeseanYoung"/>}}

The role went to Pfeiffer who was described as a proven actress who got along with Burton (although some publications said that it would stretch her acting abilities).<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="EWAug91991"/> Pfeiffer had also been considered for Vale in ''Batman'', but Keaton vetoed the casting because they had been romantically involved and he believed that her presence would interfere with attempts to reconcile with his wife.<ref name="THRWuhl"/> She received a $3{{nbsp}}million salary ($2{{nbsp}}million more than Bening), plus a percentage of the gross profits.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="EWAug91991"/>{{sfn|Resner|1992}}}} Pfeiffer trained for months in kickboxing with her stunt double, [[Kathy Long]], mastering the whip and becoming proficient enough to perform her own stunts with the weapon.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="EWKickboxing"/><ref name="LATimesKathyLong"/>}}

Shreck's appearance was modeled on [[Vincent Price]] in an (unnamed) older film, and Walken based his performance on moguls such as [[Sol Hurok]] and [[Samuel Goldwyn]].<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> He said, "I tend to play mostly villains and twisted people. Unsavory guys. I think it's my face, the way I look."<ref name="NYTimesWalken"/> [[Burgess Meredith]] (who played the Penguin in the 1960s TV series) was scheduled to make a cameo appearance as Penguin's father, Tucker Cobblepot, but became ill during filming. He was replaced by Paul Reubens; Diane Salinger played his wife, Esther. Both had starred in Burton's feature-film debut, ''[[Pee-wee's Big Adventure]]'' (1985).<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="LATimesFilmingDate"/>

Although Robin was removed from the screenplay, the character's development was far enough along that [[Marlon Wayans]] was cast in the role (Burton had specifically wanted an African-American Robin) and costumes, sets, and action figures were made. In a 1998 interview, Wayans said that he still received residual checks as part of the two-film contract he signed.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}<ref name="EWOct1993"/><ref name="CastWayans"/>}} Early reports suggested that Nicholson had been asked to return as the Joker, but refused to film in England because of the salary tax on foreign talent. Nicholson denied being asked, however, believing that Warner Bros. would not want to replicate his generous compensation for ''Batman''.<ref name="LATimesNicholson"/><ref name="LATimesNicholson2"/><ref name="LATimesNicholsonQnA"/>
{{Clear}}

===Filming===
[[File:Batman Returns set.jpg|thumb|alt=Film set with a tall evergreen tree and many people|[[Gotham City]] Square set built inside Studio 16 at Warner Bros. Studios]]
[[Principal photography]] began on September 3, 1991.<ref name="NYTimesWalken"/><ref name="LATimesFilmingDate"/><ref name="LATimestartDate"/> Burton wanted to film in the United States with American actors because he believed that ''Batman'', which had been filmed in the United Kingdom, had "suffered from a British subtext."{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}<ref name="LATimesPremiere"/>}} The economics of filming ''Batman'' in the United Kingdom had also changed, making it more cost-effective to remain in the U.S.{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}} This meant abandoning the Pinewood Studios sets in favor of Burton's new design. ''Batman Returns'' was filmed entirely on up to eight soundstages at [[Warner Bros. Studios Burbank|Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank]], California, including Stage 16 (which housed the expansive Gotham Plaza set).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}{{sfn|Resner|1992}}<ref name="LATimesPremiere"/>}} An additional soundstage, Stage 12 at the [[Universal Studios Lot]], was used for the Penguin's Arctic-exhibit lair.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}<ref name="LATimesPremiere"/> }}

Some sets were kept very cold for the live [[Emperor penguin|Emperor]], [[African penguin|black-footed]], and [[King penguin|King]] penguins.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="TCM"/> The birds were flown in on a refrigerated airplane for filming, and had a chilled waiting area containing a swimming pool stocked with half a ton of ice daily and fresh fish.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TCM"/> DeVito said that he generally liked being on set but disliked the cold conditions, and was the only person somewhat comfortable because of his costume's heavy padding.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> To create the penguin army, the live penguins were supplemented with puppets, forty Emperor-penguin suits worn by little people, and [[Computer-generated imagery]] (CGI).<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/> [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]] (PETA) protested the use of real penguins, objecting to the birds being moved from their natural environment. Although the organization had reportedly said that the penguins were not mistreated during filming, it later complained that the birds did not get fresh drinking water{{snd}}just a small, chlorinated pool.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="Peta"/> PETA also objected to the penguins being fitted with appliances representing weapons and gadgets, which Warner Bros. said were lightweight plastic.<ref name="PetaCSM"/> Burton said that he did not like using real animals because he had an affinity for them, and ensured that the penguins were treated with care.{{sfn|Salisbury|Burton|2006|p=111}}

Walken described the filming as very collaborative, recalling that his suggestion to add a blueprint for Shreck's power plant resulted in a model being built within a few hours.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> The scene of Catwoman putting a live bird in her mouth was performed live, with no CGI enhancements. Pfeiffer said that, in retrospect, she would not have done the stunt as she had not considered the risks of injury or disease involved.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> For a scene in the sewers, monkey handlers positioned above and below managed the organ grinder monkey as it descended a set of stairs with a note for Penguin. When it saw DeVito in full costume and makeup, it leapt at his testicles. DeVito said, "The monkey looked at me, froze, and then leapt right at my balls{{nbsp}}...Thank god it was a padded costume."<ref name="DeVitoMonkey"/> A scene of Shreck's superstore exploding caused minor injuries to four stuntmen.<ref name="AFICatalog"/> Principal photography ended on February 20, 1992, after 170 days.<ref name="AFICatalog"/>

===Post-production===
[[Chris Lebenzon]] edited ''Batman Returns''{{'}} 126-minute theatrical cut.<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="Lebenzon"/><ref name="BBFC"/> The final scene of Catwoman looking up at the Bat Signal was filmed during post-production, only two weeks before the film's release. Warner Bros. mandated the scene (depicting that the character survived) after [[test audience]]s responded positively to Pfeiffer's performance. Pfeiffer was unavailable to film the scene, and a stand-in was used.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="EndingTheWrap"/><ref name="EndingAVClub"/><ref name="ENdingPolygon"/><ref name="EndingScreenRant"/>}} A scene of Penguin's gang destroying a store filled with Batman merchandise was removed.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Warner Bros. provided a final budget for ''Batman Returns'' of $55{{nbsp}}million, although it has been reported (or estimated) as $50, $65, $75, or $80{{nbsp}}million.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/><!--90 million--><!-- 65 million --><ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><!-- 50 million --><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/><ref name="NYTimesApril131992"/><!-- 50 million --><ref name="Macleans"/><!-- 65 million --><ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><!-- 55 million and 75 million --><ref name="BOMNAOriginalRelease"/><!-- 80 million -->}}{{efn-lr|The 1992 budget of $50–$80{{nbsp}}million  is equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|50000000|1992}}}}–${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|90000000|1992}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}.}}

===Music===
{{main|Batman Returns (soundtrack)}}
{{Listen|filename=Batman Returns The Finale Part 1 by Danny Elfman.ogg|title=''Danny Elfman—The Finale Part 1''|description=Danny Elfman conveyed his sympathy for the Penguin during the character's death scene.|format=[[ogg]]}}
[[Danny Elfman]] was initially reluctant to score ''Batman Returns'' because he was unhappy that his ''Batman'' score was supplemented with pop music by [[Prince (musician)|Prince]].<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> Elfman built on many of his ''Batman'' themes, and said that he enjoyed working on the Penguin's themes the most because of the character's sympathetic aspects, such as his abandonment and death.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="RollingStoneElfman"/> Recorded with a studio orchestra on the Sony Scoring Stage in Los Angeles, Elfman's score includes vocals, harps, bells, xylophones, flutes, pianos, and chimes.<ref name="IGNElfman"/><ref name="Filmtracks"/>

The song "[[Face to Face (Siouxsie and the Banshees song)|Face to Face]]", played during the costume-ball scene, was co-written and performed by the British rock band [[Siouxsie and the Banshees]].<ref name="Filmtracks"/> Burton and Elfman fell out during production due to the stress of finishing ''Batman Returns'' on time, but reconciled shortly afterward.<ref name="SMHerald"/>

==Design and effects==
''Batman'' production designer [[Anton Furst]] was replaced by Bo Welch, who understood Burton's visual intentions after previous collaborations on ''[[Beetlejuice]]'' (1988) and ''[[Edward Scissorhands]]'' (1990).<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> Furst, already occupied on another project, committed suicide in November 1991.<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> Warner Bros. maintained a high level of security for ''Batman Returns'', requiring the art department to keep their window blinds closed. Cast and crew had to wear ID badges with the film's [[working title]], ''Dictel'', a word coined by Welch and Burton meaning "dictatorial"; they were unhappy with the studio's "ridiculous gestapo" measures.<ref name="EWSetsAppeal"/> Welch designed the [[Batboat]] vehicle, a programmable [[batarang]], and the Penguin's weaponized umbrellas. He added features to the Batmobile, such as detaching much of its exterior to fit through tighter spaces; this version was called the "Batmissile".<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=11}}

===Sets===
The sets were redesigned in Welch's style, including the Batcave and Wayne Manor. They were spread across seven soundstages on the Warner Bros. lot (the largest of which had {{cvt|70|ft|m}} ceilings) and the largest set owned by Universal Pictures.{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}}<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> ''Batman Returns'' was filmed on sets, although some panoramic shots (such as the camera traveling from the base of Shreck's department store to its cat-head-shaped office) were created with detailed miniatures.<ref name="EWSetsAppeal"/>

Welch found it difficult to create something new without deviating from Furst's award-winning work. The designs were intended to appear as a separate district of Gotham; if ''Batman'' took place on the East Side, ''Batman Returns'' was set on the West Side.<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> Welch was influenced by [[German Expressionism]], neo-fascist architecture (including [[Nazi Germany]]-era styles), American [[precisionism]] painters, and photos of the homeless living on the streets in affluent areas. He incorporated Burton's rough sketch of Catwoman, which had a "very S&M kind of look", by adding chains and steel elements which would appear to hold together a city on the verge of collapse.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=11}} The key element for Welch came early in design, when he realized that he wanted to manipulate spaces to convey specific emotions (emphasizing vertical buildings to convey a "huge, overwhelmingly corrupt, decaying city" filled with small people): "The film is about this alienating, disparate world we live in."<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> The wintertime setting took advantage of the contrast between black and white scene elements, influenced by ''[[Citizen Kane]]'' (1941) and ''[[The Third Man]]'' (1949).{{sfn|White|1992|p=11}}

Welch's concept designs began by carving out building shapes from cardboard with images of fascist sculptures and [[depression era]] machine-age art. The resulting {{cvt|1|by|4|ft|m}}-tall rough model represented Gotham Plaza, described as a futuristic, oppressive, and "demented caricature" of [[Rockefeller Center]].<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> It was designed overbuilt, emphasizing the generic-but-oppressive heart of Gotham's corruption. Despite complaints from the film's financiers about its necessity, Burton insisted on the location with a detailed church overshadowed by plain surroundings.<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/><ref name="EWSetsAppeal"/>

Designs attempted to create the illusion of space; the Wayne Manor set was partially built (consisting primarily of a large staircase and fireplace) with a scale which implied that the rest of the structure was massive.<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> Penguin's base was initially scheduled to be built in a standard {{cvt|35|ft|m}} tall Warner Bros. soundstage, but Welch thought that it lacked "majesty" and did not create enough contrast between itself and the "evil, filthy, little bug of a man". A {{cvt|50|ft|m}}-tall Universal stage was acquired for the production, its raised ceilings making it seem more realistic and less like a set.<ref name="EWSetsAppeal"/> Minor modifications were made to the set throughout the film to make it appear to be gradually deteriorating.<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> The location featured a water tank filled with {{cvt|500000|USgal|liter}} of water surrounding a faux-ice island.{{sfn|Resner|1992}} Selina Kyle's apartment had a large steel beam running through its center to appear as if it had been built around a steel girder, which Welch said made it depressing and ironic.<ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> The wood used to build the sets was donated to [[Habitat for Humanity]] to help build low-cost homes for the poor.<ref name="AFICatalog"/>

==={{anchor|Costumes and make-up}}Costumes and makeup===
[[File:Batman Returns Penguin Makeup.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A collage of photos depicting the application of makeup and prosthetics to Danny DeVito's face to play the Penguin|To transform into the Penguin, [[Danny DeVito]] wore a combination of prosthetics and makeup which covered much of his face.]]
[[Bob Ringwood]] and Mary E. Vogt were the costume designers.<ref name="Escapist2020"/> They refined the Batsuit to create the illusion of mechanical parts built into the torso, intending Batman to resemble [[Darth Vader]].<ref name="AFICatalog"/> Forty-eight foam-rubber Batsuits were made for ''Batman Returns''.<ref name="AFICatalog"/>{{sfn|Fennell|1992|p=40}} They had a mechanical system of bolts and spikes beneath the breast plate to secure the cowl and cape because "otherwise, if [Keaton] turned around quickly the cape would stay where it was", due to its weight.{{sfn|Fennell|1992|p=40}} Costumer Paul Barrett-Brown said that the suit had a "generous codpiece" for comfort,{{sfn|Fennell|1992|p=40}} and initially included a [[Fly (clothing)|zippered fly]] to allow Keaton to use the bathroom; the actor declined, however, because it could be seen by the camera from some angles.<ref name="AFICatalog"/> As with the ''Batman'' costume, Keaton could not turn his head; he compensated by making bolder, more powerful movements with his lower body.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/>

The Catwoman outfit was made from latex because it was designed to be "black and sexy and tight and shiny".<ref name="AnotherMagCatwoman"/> The material was chosen because of its association with "erotic and sexual" situations, reflecting the character's transition from a repressed secretary to an extroverted, erotic female.{{sfn|Fennell|1992|p=40}} Padding was added because Pfeiffer was less physically endowed than Bening; this worked to Pfeiffer's advantage, however, since Barrett-Brown said that if it was too tight it "would reveal the genital area so thoroughly that you'd get an [[X rating|X certificate]]."{{sfn|Fennell|1992|p=40}} Ringwood and Vogt thought that if the latex material tore it would not be difficult to repair; forty to seventy backup Catwoman suits were made by [[Western Costume]], the Warner Bros. costume department, and Los Angeles-based clothing manufacturer Syren at a cost of $1,000 each.{{sfn|Fennell|1992|p=40}}<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="AnotherMagCatwoman"/> Other versions, made for Pfeiffer from a cast of her body, were so tight that she had to be covered in baby powder to wear them.<ref name="AnotherMagCatwoman"/> Barrett-Brown said that because of the material, it was possible to get into the suit when dry; they could not re-use them, however, because of sweat and body oils.{{sfn|Fennell|1992|p=40}} [[Vin Burnham]] constructed Catwoman's headpiece and mask.<ref name="AFICatalog"/>

Burton was influenced to add stitching by [[calico cat]]s, but the stitching came apart. Ringwood and Vogt struggled with adding stitching to latex. They tried to sculpt stitching and glue it on, but did not like the look and went over the suit with liquid silicon while it was worn (which added a shine to everything).<ref name="AnotherMagCatwoman"/> Pfeiffer said that the suit was like a second skin, but when worn for long periods it was uncomfortable; there was no way to use the restroom and it would stick to her skin, occasionally causing a rash. She found the mask similarly confining, describing it as choking her or "smashing my face", and would catch the claws on nearby objects.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="Macleans"/>

Stan Winston Studio created an "over-the-top Burtonesque" visual for the Penguin, without obscuring DeVito's face. Concept artist Mark McCreery drew a number of sketches for the look, from which [[Legacy Effects]] built noses on a [[Lifecasting|lifecast]] of DeVito's face. Winston was unhappy with the "pointy nose" shapes and began sculpting ideas with clay, influenced by his work on ''[[The Wiz (film)|The Wiz]]'' (1978) (which involved a forehead and brow prosthetic appliance for large-beaked creatures). The final makeup included a T-shaped appliance which went over DeVito's nose, lip and brow as well as crooked teeth, whitened skin and dark circles under his eyes. Ve Neill applied the makeup, made by [[John Rosengrant]] and [[Shane Mahan]].<ref name="StanWinstonPenguin"/> The several pounds of facial prosthetics, body padding, and prosthetic hands took four-and-a-half hours to apply to DeVito, but was reduced to three hours by the end of filming.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="MTVBrando"/> An air bladder was added to the costume to help reduce its weight.{{sfn|Fennell|1992|p=40}} DeVito helped create the Penguin's black saliva with the makeup and effects teams, using a mild mouthwash and food coloring which he squirted into his mouth before filming, and said its taste was acceptable.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> Burton described DeVito as completely in-character in costume, and he "scared everybody". While [[Automated dialogue replacement|re-dubbing some of his dialogue]], DeVito struggled to get into character without the makeup and had it applied to improve his performance.<ref name="StanWinstonPenguin"/> Because of the secrecy surrounding his character's appearance before marketing, DeVito was not allowed to discuss it with others (including his family).<ref name="TCM"/><ref name="MTVBrando"/> A photo leaked to the press, and Warner Bros. employed a firm of private investigators in a failed attempt to track down the source.{{sfn|Resner|1992}}

===Penguins===
[[Stan Winston|Stan Winston Studio]] provided animatronic penguins and costumes to supplement Penguin's army. Thirty animatronic versions were made: ten each of the {{convert|18|in|cm|adj=on}} black-footed, {{convert|32|in|cm|adj=on}} King, and {{convert|36|in|cm|adj=on}} Emperor penguins.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="StanWinstonPenguinArmy"/> Costumes worn by little people were slightly larger than the animatronics; the actors controlled walking, the mechanized heads were remote-controlled and the wings were puppeteered.<ref name="StanWinstonPenguinArmy"/> Dyed black chicken feathers were used for the penguin bodies.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/> McCreery's designs for the penguin army initially included a flamethrower, which was replaced with a rocket launcher. Mechanical-effects designers Richard Landon and Craig Caton-Largent supervised the manufacture of the animatronics, which required nearly 200 different mechanical parts to control the head, neck, eyes, beak, and wings.<ref name="StanWinstonPenguinArmy"/> [[Boss Film Studios]] produced the CGI penguins.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/>

==Release==
===Context===
{{See also|1992 in film}}
By the theatrical summer of 1992 (beginning the last week of May), the film industry was struggling with low ticket sales, rising production costs, and several box-office failures the previous year.<ref name="NYTimesMay241992"/> Eighty-nine films were scheduled for release during the season, including ''[[A League of Their Own]]'', ''[[Alien 3]]'', ''[[Encino Man]]'', ''[[Far and Away]]'', ''[[Patriot Games (film)|Patriot Games]]'', and ''[[Sister Act]]''.<ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><ref name="NYTimesApril131992"/><ref name="NYTimesMay241992"/> Studios had to carefully schedule their releases to avoid competition from anticipated [[blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]]s, such as ''[[Lethal Weapon 3]]'' and ''Batman Returns'', as well as the [[1992 Summer Olympics]].<ref name="NYTimesApril131992"/> ''Batman Returns'' was predicted to be the summer's biggest success, and other studios were reportedly concerned about releasing their films within even a few weeks of its premiere.<ref name="NYTimesApril131992"/><ref name="LATimesGorilla"/> [[Paramount Pictures]] increased the budget of ''Patriot Games'' by $14{{nbsp}}million just to make it more competitive with ''Batman Returns'' and ''Lethal Weapon 3''.<ref name="NYTimesApril131992"/><ref name="NYTimesMay241992"/>

===Marketing===
Franchising had not been considered an important aspect of ''Batman'' prior to its release. However, after merchandise contributed about $500{{nbsp}}million to its $1.5{{nbsp}}billion total earnings, it was prioritized for ''Batman Returns''.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/> Warner Bros. delayed major promotion until February 1992, to avoid over-saturation and the risk of driving away audiences.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=11}}<ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/><ref name="NYTimesMarketing"/>}} A 12-minute promotional reel debuted at [[WorldCon]] in September 1991, alongside a black-and-white poster of a silhouetted Batman, which was called "mundane" and uninspiring. A trailer was released in 5,000 theaters in February 1992 with a new poster of a snow-swept Batman logo.<ref name="AFICatalog"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=11}} The campaign focused on the three central characters (Batman, Penguin, and Catwoman), which Warner Bros. believed would offset the loss of the popular Nicholson.<ref name="NYTimesMay241992"/><ref name="NYTimesMarketing"/> Over two-thirds of the 300 posters Warner Bros. installed in public places were stolen. Warner Bros. eventually offered 200 limited-edition posters for $250, signed by Keaton, who donated his earnings to charity.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="NYTimesMarketing"/><ref name="LATIMesPoster2"/>

Over $100{{nbsp}}million was expected to be spent on marketing, including $20{{nbsp}}million by Warner Bros. for commercials and trailers, and $60{{nbsp}}million by merchandising partners. The partners, which included [[McDonald's]], [[Ralston Purina]], [[Kmart]], [[Target Corporation]], [[Venture Stores]], and [[Sears]], planned to host about 300 in-store Batman shops.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/><ref name="NYTimesMarketing"/> McDonald's converted 9,000 outlets into Gotham City restaurants, offering Batman-themed packaging and a cup lid which doubled as a flying disc.<ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/> [[CBS]] aired a television special, ''The Bat, The Cat, The Penguin{{nbsp}}... Batman Returns'', and [[Choice Hotels]] sponsored the hour-long ''The Making of Batman Returns''.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/> Television advertisements featured Batman and Catwoman fighting over a can of [[Diet Coke]], and the Penguin (and his penguins) promoted Choice Hotels. Advertisements also appeared on billboards and in print (three consecutive pages in some newspapers), targeted at older audiences.<ref name="NYTimesMarketing"/>

===Box office===
''Batman Returns'' premiered on June 16, 1992, at [[Grauman's Chinese Theatre]] in Hollywood. Two [[city block|blocks]] of [[Hollywood Boulevard]] were closed for over 3,000 fans, 33 TV film crews, and 100 photographers. A party was held afterwards on the Stage 16 Gotham Plaza set for guests who included Keaton, Pfeiffer, DeVito, Burton, Di{{nbsp}}Novi, [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]], [[Faye Dunaway]], [[James Caan]], [[Mickey Rooney]], [[Harvey Keitel]], [[Christian Slater]], [[James Woods]], and Reubens.<ref name="LATimesPremiere"/>

The film had a limited, preview release in the U.S. and Canada on Thursday, June 18, earning $2{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><ref name="BOMNAOriginalRelease"/> It had a wide release the following day, and was shown on an above-average 3,000 screens in 2,644 theaters.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><ref name="BOMNAWeekend1"/> ''Batman Returns'' earned $45.7{{nbsp}}million during its opening weekend (an average of $17,729 per theater), and was the number-one film—ahead of ''Sister Act''{{'s}} fourth weekend ($7.8{{nbsp}}million) and ''Patriot Games''{{'}} third ($7.7{{nbsp}}million). This figure broke the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend, set by ''Batman'' ($42.7{{nbsp}}million).<ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><ref name="BOMNAWeekend1"/><ref name="BOM1992NABO"/> The film held this record until the release of  ''[[Jurassic Park (film)|Jurassic Park]]'' ($50.1{{nbsp}}million) the next year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Weekend Box Office: Universal's Monster Smash |date=June 15, 1993 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-15-ca-3201-story.html |access-date=February 17, 2007 |first=David J. |last=Fox |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517224728/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-15-ca-3201-story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Initial performance analysis suggested that ''Batman Returns'' could become one of the all-time highest-grossing films; Warner Bros. executive [[Robert Friedman (producer)|Robert Friedman]] said, "We opened it the first real weekend when kids are out of school. The audience is everybody, but the engine that drives the charge are kids under 20."<ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/> According to ''Patriot Games'' producer [[Mace Neufeld]], other films benefited from overflow audiences for ''Batman Returns'' who did not want to wait in long lines or were turned away from sold-out screenings.<ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/>

''Batman Returns'' earned $25.4{{nbsp}}million in its second weekend (a 44.3-percent drop) and was the number-one film again, ahead of the premiering ''[[Unlawful Entry (film)|Unlawful Entry]]'' ($10.1{{nbsp}}million) and ''Sister Act'' ($7.2{{nbsp}}million).<ref name="BOMNAWeekend2"/><ref name="WAPOBO"/> By the film's third weekend, it was the second=fastest film to gross $100{{nbsp}}million (11 days), behind ''Batman'' (10 days).<ref name="NYTimesTwoattheWheel"/> It remained the number-one film with a gross of $13.8{{nbsp}}million (a 45.6-percent drop), ahead of the premiering ''A League of Their Own'' ($13.7{{nbsp}}million) and ''[[Boomerang (1992 film)|Boomerang]]'' ($13.6{{nbsp}}million).<ref name="WAPOBO"/><ref name="BOMNAWeekend3"/> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' called its week-over-week drops troublesome, and industry analysis suggested that ''Batman Returns'' would not replicate the longevity of ''Batman''{{'}}s theatrical run.<ref name="WAPOBO"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/> ''Batman Returns'' never regained the number-one position after falling to number{{nbsp}}four over its fourth weekend, and left the top-ten highest-grossing films by its seventh. The film left theaters in late October after 18 weeks, with a total gross of $162.8{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="BOMNAWeekend4"/><ref name="BOMNAAllWeekends"/> It became the third-highest-grossing film of 1992, behind ''[[Home Alone 2: Lost in New York]]'' ($173.6{{nbsp}}million) and ''[[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]'' ($217.3{{nbsp}}million).<ref name="BOM1992NABO"/>

''Batman Returns'' earned an estimated $104{{nbsp}}million outside the U.S. and Canada, including a record-setting £2.8{{nbsp}}million opening weekend in the United Kingdom. This broke the record set by ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' (1991), making it the first film to gross more than £1{{nbsp}}million in a single day.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="WAPOBO"/><ref name="BOM1992Worldwide"/>{{sfn|Groves, A|1992|p=37}}{{sfn|Groves, B|1992|pp=2–3}}{{sfn|Groves, C|1992|p=14}}{{sfn|Groves|1993|p=18}}{{sfn|McBride|1992|p=20}}}} Worldwide, ''Batman Returns'' grossed $266.8{{nbsp}}million,{{efn-lr|The 1992 theatrical box office gross of $266.8{{nbsp}}million  is equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|266800000|1992}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}.}} making it the sixth-highest-grossing film of 1992, ahead of ''[[A Few Good Men]]'' ($243.2{{nbsp}}million) and behind ''Lethal Weapon 3'' ($321.7{{nbsp}}million).<ref name="BOM1992Worldwide"/>

==Reception==
===Critical response===
[[File:Michelle Pfeiffer 01.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|alt=Black-and-white photo of a smiling Michelle Pfeiffer|[[Michelle Pfeiffer]] in 1985. Although critics were polarized by many aspects of ''Batman Returns'', Pfeiffer's performance received near-unanimous praise.]]
''Batman Returns'' had a polarized reception from professional critics.<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="TCM"/> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of B on an A+-to-F scale.<ref name="CinemaScore"/>

Several reviewers compared ''Batman Returns'' and ''Batman''; some suggested that the sequel had faster pacing and more comedy and depth, avoiding ''Batman''{{'s}} "dourness" and "tedium".{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/><ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/><ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy"/><ref name="ReviewEWBurr"/>}} Critics generally agreed that Burton's creative control made ''Batman Returns'' a more personal work than ''Batman'', something "fearlessly" different which could be judged on its own merits.<ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/><ref name="ReviewTribuneKehr"/> Critics such as [[Kenneth Turan]], however, said that Burton's innovative, impressive visuals made ''Batman Returns'' feel cheerless, claustrophobic and unexciting, and were often emphasized at the expense of the plot.<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><ref name="ReviewEWBurr"/> According to [[Owen Gleiberman]], Burton's fantastic elements were undermined because he did not establish a base of normality.<ref name="ReviewEW"/>

The plot had a mixed response. Some reviewers praised the first and second acts and interesting characters who could evoke audience emotion.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/><ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy"/>}} Others said that it lacked suspense, thrills, or clever writing, overwhelmed by too many characters and near-constant banter.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="ReviewEbert"/><ref name="ReviewReaderRosenbaum"/><ref name="ReviewWaPoKempley"/>}} The ending was criticized for lackluster action and failing to bring the separate character threads to a satisfactory conclusion.<ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/><ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/> According to [[Janet Maslin]], Burton cared mainly about visuals and plot was a secondary consideration.<ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/> [[Gene Siskel]] said that the emphasis on characterization was detrimental; the sympathetic villains left him hoping that Batman would not win, and each character would find emotional peace.<ref name="ReviewSiskel"/>

Reviewers generally agreed that despite Keaton's abilities, his character was ignored by the script in favor of the villains; scenes without him were among the best.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="ReviewEbert"/><ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/><ref name="NYTimesCarynJames"/><ref name="VarietyNosferatu"/>}} [[Todd McCarthy]] described Batman as a symbol of good rather than a psychologically complete character, and Ebert wrote that ''Batman Returns'' depicts being Batman as a curse instead of a heroic power fantasy.<ref name="ReviewEbert"/><ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy"/><ref name="NYTimesCarynJames"/> [[Peter Travers]], however, said that Keaton's "manic depressive hero" was a deep, realized character in spite of the film's faster pace.<ref name="ReviewRSTravers"/> DeVito was praised for his energy, unique characterization, and ability to convey his character's tragedy despite the costumes and prosthetics. [[Desson Howe]] said that Burton's focus on the Penguin indicated his sympathy for the character.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/><ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/><ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy"/><ref name="ReviewWaPoKempley"/><ref name="NYTimesCarynJames"/><ref name="ReviewRSTravers"/>}} Some reviewers considered DeVito an inferior followup to Nicholson's Joker, who evoked sympathy without instilling fear.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="ReviewEbert"/><ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><ref name="ReviewReaderRosenbaum"/>}}

Pfeiffer received near-unanimous praise for the film's standout performance as a passionate, sexy, ambitious, intelligent, intimidating, and fierce embodiment of feminism who offered the only respite from the otherwise-dark tone.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewEW"/><ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/><ref name="ReviewTribuneKehr"/><ref name="NYTimesCarynJames"/><ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy"/><ref name="ReviewRSTravers"/>}} [[Jonathan Rosenbaum]], however, said that she did not live up to Nicholson's villain.<ref name="ReviewReaderRosenbaum"/> Turan called the scenes shared by Batman and Catwoman the film's most interesting, and Travers said that when they take off their masks at the end they look "lost and touchingly human". Burr described the ballroom scene (in which they realize each other's secret identities) as more emotional than anything in ''Batman''.<ref name="ReviewEWBurr"/> Ebert noted that their sexual tension seemed to have been undercut for a younger audience.<ref name="ReviewEbert"/><ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><ref name="ReviewRSTravers"/> Walken's performance was described as "wonderfully debonair", funny and engaging, a villain who could have carried ''Batman Returns'' alone.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/><ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/><ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy"/><ref name="ReviewRSTravers"/>}}

Welch's production design was generally praised, offering a sleeker, brighter, more authoritarian visual style than Furst's "brooding", oppressive aesthetic.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran"/><ref name="ReviewTribuneKehr"/><ref name="ReviewWaPoKempley"/><ref name="ReviewRSTravers"/><ref name="ReviewEmpire"/>}} McCarthy described Welch's ability to realize Burton's imaginative universe as an achievement, although Gene Siskel described Welch as a "toy shop window decorator" compared to Furst.<ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy"/><ref name="ReviewSiskel"/> The costumes and makeup effects were also praised, with Maslin saying that those images would linger in the imagination long after the narrative was forgotten.<ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/><ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/> Czapsky's cinematography was well-received, even giving a "lively" aesthetic to the subterranean sets.<ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/> The film's violent, mature, sexual content, such as kidnappings and implied child murder, was criticized as inappropriate for younger audiences.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin"/><ref name="ReviewEWBurr"/><ref name="WAPOCrit"/>}}

===Accolades===
At the [[46th British Academy Film Awards]], ''Batman Returns'' was nominated for [[BAFTA Award for Best Makeup and Hair|Best Makeup]] (Ve Neill and Stan Winston) and [[BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects|Best Special Visual Effects]] (Michael Fink, Craig Barron, John Bruno, and Dennis Skotak).<ref name="AwardsBafta"/> For the [[65th Academy Awards]], ''Batman Returns'' received two nomations: [[Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling|Best Makeup]] (Neill, Ronnie Specter, and Winston) and [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Best Visual Effects]] (Fink, Barron, Bruno, and Skotak), but lost both awards to ''[[Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992 film)|Bram Stoker's Dracula]]'' and ''[[Death Becomes Her]]'' respectively.<ref>{{cite news |last=Weinrub |first=Bernald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-oscars-night-start/123764249/ |title=Oscar's night started at noon in Hollywood |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429231955/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-oscars-night-start/123764249/ |date=March 30, 1993 |access-date=April 29, 2023 |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |page=9 |work=The New York Times |publisher=[[The Orlando Sentinel]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="AwardsAcademy"/> Neill and Winston received the [[Saturn Award for Best Make-up|Best Make-up]] award at the [[19th Saturn Awards]]. The film received four other Saturn Award nominations for [[Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film|Best Fantasy Film]], [[Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] (DeVito), [[Saturn Award for Best Director|Best Director]] (Burton), and [[Saturn Award for Best Costume Design|Best Costume Design]] (Bob Ringwood, Mary Vogt, and [[Vin Burnham]]).<ref name="AwardSaturn"/> DeVito was nominated for Worst Supporting Actor at the [[13th Golden Raspberry Awards]], and Pfeiffer for Most Desirable Female at the [[1993 MTV Movie Awards]].<ref name="AwardRazzie"/><ref name="AwardMTV"/> ''Batman Returns'' was nominated for a [[Hugo Award]] for Best Dramatic Presentation.<ref name="AwardHugo"/>

=={{anchor|Post-release}}After release==
===Performance analysis and aftermath===
The U.S. and Canadian box offices underperformed in 1992, with admissions down by up to five percent and about 290{{nbsp}}million tickets sold (compared to over 300{{nbsp}}million in each of the preceding four years). Industry professionals blamed the drop on the lack of quality of the films being released, considering them too derivative or dull to attract audiences. Even films considered successful had significant box-office drops week over week from apparently-negative word of mouth. Industry executive [[Frank Price]] said that the releases were not attracting the younger audiences and children which were vital to a film's success. Rising ticket prices, competition from the Olympics, and an [[Early 1990s recession|economic recession]] were also considered contributing factors to the declining figures.<ref name="NYTimesummerRetro"/> ''Batman Returns'' and ''Lethal Weapon 3'' contributed to Warner Bros.{{'}} best first half-year in its history, and were expected to [[Film distribution|return over $200{{nbsp}}million to the studio]] from the box office. ''Batman Returns'' was considered a disappointment as a sequel to the fifth-highest-grossing film ever made, however, and fell about $114.8{{nbsp}}million short of ''Batman''{{'}}s $411.6{{nbsp}}million theatrical gross.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="EWOct1993"/><ref name="NYTimesTwoattheWheel"/><ref name="BOM1992Worldwide"/><ref name="NYTimesummerRetro"/><ref name="BOMBatman1989"/><ref name="NYTimesDisappointment"/>}} By July 1992, anonymous Warner Bros. executives reportedly said about the film, "It's too dark. It's not a lot of fun."<ref name="Escapist2020"/>

Despite its [[Motion Picture Association film rating system#Addition of the PG-13 rating|PG-13 rating]] from the [[Motion Picture Association]], warning parents that a film may contain strong content unsuitable for children, Warner Bros. received thousands of complaint letters from audiences, particularly parents, who disliked ''Batman Returns''{{'}} violent and sexualized content.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="EWOct1993"/><ref name="NYTimesummerRetro"/> Waters recalled the aftermath of one screening: "It's like kids crying, people acting like they've been punched in the stomach and like they've been mugged."<ref name="Escapist2020"/> He had anticipated, and enjoyed, some backlash, but acknowledged he may have made some mistakes.<ref name="DOGBatman3"/> McDonald's was criticized for its child-centered promotion and toys, and discontinued its ''Batman Returns'' campaign in September 1992.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="TCM"/><ref name="DOGBatman3"/><ref name="PolygonRetro"/>}} Burton said that he preferred ''Batman Returns'' to ''Batman'', and thought it was less dark than its predecessor, despite the backlash.{{sfn|Salisbury|Burton|2006|p=113}} Although much of Hamm's work was replaced, he defended Burton and Waters, saying that except from the merchandise, ''Batman Returns'' was never presented as child-friendly.<ref name="DOGBatman3"/>

Warner Bros. decided to continue the series without Burton (described as "too dark and odd for them"), replacing him with [[Joel Schumacher]].<ref name="EWOct1993"/> A rival studio executive said, "If you bring back Burton and Keaton, you're stuck with their vision. You can't expect ''Honey, I Shrunk the Batman''" (referring to the 1989 science-fiction comedy, ''[[Honey, I Shrunk the Kids]]'').<ref name="PolygonRetro"/> Warner Bros. was sued by executive producers [[Benjamin Melniker]] and [[Michael Uslan]], who alleged that they had originally purchased the film-adaptation rights to the Batman character but were denied their share of the profits from ''Batman'' and ''Batman Returns'' by the studio's [[Hollywood accounting]]: a method used by studios to artificially inflate a film's production costs, making it appear unprofitable and limiting royalty (or tax) payments. The court decided in the studio's favor, citing a lack of evidence.<ref name="WAPOLawsuit"/><ref name="DOGLawsuit"/>

=== Home media ===
''Batman Returns'' was released on [[VHS]] and [[LaserDisc]] on October 21, 1992.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="NYTimesHomeVideoOct15"/><ref name="NYTimesHomeVideoDec13"/> Its VHS version had a lower-than-average price, to encourage sales and rentals. The film was expected to sell millions of copies and be a well-performing rental, but its success would be restricted by its content, which would appeal less to children (the main audience driving purchases).<ref name="NYTimesHomeVideoOct15"/> Elfman's score was released in 1992 on [[compact disc]] (CD), and an expanded soundtrack was released in 2010.<ref name="Filmtracks"/>

''Batman Returns'' was released on [[DVD-Video|DVD]] in 1997, with no additional features.<ref name="HomeMediaIGNAnthologyBR"/><ref name="HomeMediaTribute"/> An anthology DVD [[box set]] was released in October 2005, with all the films in the Burton-Schumacher Batman film series. The ''Batman Returns'' segment had commentary by Burton, ''The Bat, The Cat, and The Penguin'' special about the making of the film, part four of the documentary ''Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight'', notes on the development of costumes, make-up and special effects, and the music video for "Face to Face".<ref name="HomeMediaIGNAnthologyDVD"/>

The same anthology was released on [[Blu-ray]] in 2009 with a standalone ''Batman Returns'' Blu-ray release.<ref name="HomeMediaIGNAnthologyBR"/><ref name="HomeMediaDOG"/> A [[4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]] version was released in 2019; restored from the original 35mm negative, it included the anthology's special features.<ref name="Ebert4k"/><ref name="HomeMediaUltraHD"/> A 4K collector's edition was released in 2022 with a [[Optical disc packaging#SteelBook|SteelBook]] case (with original cover art), character cards, a double-sided poster, and previously released special features.<ref name="HomeMediaWBCollectors"/>

===Other media===
{{see also|Batman Returns (video games)|Batman '89 (comic book)|Batman: The Ride}}
[[File:Vertical Velocity (Six Flags Great America).jpg|thumb|alt=A distant shot of Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Great America|[[Batman: The Ride]] at Six Flags Great America was opened in 1992 with ''Batman Returns''.]]
About 120 products were marketed with ''Batman Returns'', including action figures and toys by [[Kenner Products]], Catwoman-themed clothing, toothbrushes, roller skates, T-shirts, underwear, sunglasses, towels, beanbags, mugs, weightlifting gloves, throw pillows, cookie cutters, commemorative coins, playing cards, costume jewelry, cereal, a radio-controlled Batmobile, and tortilla chips shaped like the Batman logo.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/><ref name="NYTimesMarketing"/> Although there were about the same number of products marketed for ''Batman'', there were fewer licensees so Warner Bros. could have more oversight.<ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/><ref name="NYTimesMarketing"/> The release of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' later in 1992 was anticipated to extend merchandising success long after ''Batman Returns'' had left theaters. Warner Bros. used holographic labels developed by American Bank Note Holographics to detect counterfeit products.<ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/>

The film's novelization, by [[Craig Shaw Gardner]], was published in July 1992.<ref name="CastTheCobblepots"/><ref name="AmazonNovel"/> A roller coaster ([[Batman: The Ride]]) was built at [[Six Flags Great America]] at a cost of $8{{nbsp}}million, and was later replicated at other Six Flags parks with a Batman stunt show.<ref name="AFICatalog"/><ref name="LATimesMarketing120"/> Several video-game adaptations titled ''[[Batman Returns (video games)|Batman Returns]]'' were released by a number of developers on almost all available platforms; the [[Batman Returns (SNES video game)|Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] version was the most successful.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="IGNVideoGameLynx"/><ref name="GRadarVideoGame"/><ref name="IGNVideoGame"/><ref name="VentureBeatVideoGame"/>}}

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Penguin's first comic-book appearance, DeVito wrote "Bird Cat Love" a 2021 comic book story about the Penguin and Catwoman falling in love and ending the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="CatBirdLovePolygon"/><ref name="CatBirdLoveGuardian"/> ''[[Batman '89 (comic book)|Batman '89]]'', a comic-book series first released in 2022, continues the narrative of Burton's original two films and ignores the Schumacher sequels. Set a few years after the events of ''Batman Returns'', ''Batman '89'' depicts the transformation of district attorney Harvey Dent into Two-Face and introduces Robin. The series was written by Hamm, with art by Joe Quinones.<ref name="DOGBatman89"/> The Red Triangle Gang made their first appearance outside ''Batman Returns'' in the 2022 comic book ''Robin'' #15.<ref name="RedTriangleComics"/><ref name="RedTriangleComics2"/> A holiday book was released in 2022, ''Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve: The Illustrated Holiday Classic'', by Ivan Cohen.<ref name="ChristmasBook"/>

==Thematic analysis==

===Duality===
<!-- Didn't check Crow's quote, but "duality" is a mathematical term; think the appropriate term here is "dualism". -->
Critic David Crow called duality a major aspect of ''Batman Returns'', and Catwoman, Penguin, and Shreck represent warped, reflected aspects of Batman.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="ReviewWaPoKempley"/> Like Wayne (Batman), Selina (Catwoman) is driven by trauma and conflicted about her principles and desires; unlike Batman (who seeks justice), however, she seeks vengeance.<ref name="Vulture2017"/><ref name="ReviewTribuneKehr"/> Although Catwoman agrees with Batman's appeal that they are "the same, split right down the center", they still differ too much to be together.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Critics Darren Mooney and Betsy Sharkey suggested that Penguin reflects Batman's origin; each lost their parents at an early age. Shreck says that if not for his abandonment, Cobblepot and Wayne might have traveled in the same social circles. Batman is content in his loneliness, however; the Penguin wants acceptance, love and respect, despite his quest for revenge.<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="NYTimesWelch"/> To Mooney, ''Batman Returns'' hints that Batman's issues with Penguin are personal rather than moral; Batman is quietly proud of being a "freak" (unique), and resents Penguin for displaying his "freakishness".<ref name="Escapist2020"/> Shreck represents Wayne's public persona if it was driven by greed, vanity, and self-interest: a populist industrialist who wins favor with cheap presents tossed into a crowd.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>

===Commercialism and loneliness===
Crow saw ''Batman Returns'' as a denouncement of Batman's real-world cultural popularity and merchandising (especially in the wake of the previous film), and noted that a scene of a store filled with Batman merchandise being destroyed was removed from the film.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Crow and Mooney wrote that ''Batman Returns'' is "saturated with Christmas energy"; it rejects the season's conventional norms and becomes an anti-Christmas film, however, critiquing its over-commercialism and lack of true goodwill. Shreck cynically exploits Christmas tropes for his own ends (falsely portraying himself as selfless and benevolent), and the perversions of Penguin's Red Triangle gang are a more overt rejection of the holiday.<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>

The film focuses on loneliness and isolation during Christmastime; Wayne is introduced sitting alone in his vast mansion, inert until the Bat-Signal shines in the sky. He makes a connection with Kyle, but what they share cannot overcome their differences and he ends the film as he began it{{snd}}alone.<ref name="Escapist2020"/> Critic [[Todd McCarthy]] identified isolation as a theme common to much of Burton's work, which is emphasized in the three main characters.<ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy"/>

Rebecca Roiphe and Daniel Cooper wrote that ''Batman Returns'' was not [[Antisemitism|antisemitic]], but had antisemitic imagery. The Penguin, they believed, embodied [[Jewish stereotypes]] such as "{{nbsp}}... his [[Jewish nose|hooked nose]], pale face and lust for herring" and was "unathletic and seemingly unthreatening but who, in fact, wants to murder every [[Firstborn (Judaism)|firstborn]] child of the [[gentile]] community." The character joins forces with Shreck (who has a Jewish-sounding name) to disrupt and taint Christmas and Christian traditions.<ref name="ScreenRantAnti"/><ref name="NYTimesAnti"/>

===Sexuality and misogyny===
''Batman Returns'' has overtly sexual elements. Critic Tom Breihan described Catwoman's vinyl catsuit as "pure [[BDSM]]", including the whip she wields as a weapon. The dialogue is replete with [[double entendre]]s, particularly by Penguin and Catwoman; in her fights with Batman, she sensuously licks his face.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="AVClub2022"/> Selina / Catwoman is marginalized by the central male characters, however; Shreck pushes her out of a window, the Penguin tries to kill her when she spurns his advances, and Batman attempts to capture her. She fashions a catsuit to regain order, sanity, and power, but it is gradually damaged over the course of the film and her sanity decays with it. Catwoman's final choice is to reject Batman's offer of a happy ending by 
abandoning her revenge against Shreck; to surrender herself to Batman's will would allow another man to control her.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>

===Power and politics===
Power is a central theme for several characters; Shreck says, "There's no such thing as too much power; if my life has a meaning that's the meaning."<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> He uses his money to gain power, and Batman uses his fortune to fund his war against crime (unlike Penguin, who was abandoned because he did not fit the image expected by his wealthy parents).<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Kyle gains power by donning the Catwoman costume and embracing her anger and sexuality.<ref name="ReviewEWBurr"/><ref name="ReviewTribuneKehr"/>

Shreck convinces Penguin to run for mayor to further his own goals, and the Penguin seeks out the acceptance and respect it would give him. Critic Caryn James wrote that ''Batman Returns'' has "sharp political jabs" which implies that money and image are more important than anything else.<ref name="NYTimesCarynJames"/> In ''Batman'', the Joker buys citizen support by throwing them piles of money; in the sequel, Shreck and Penguin gain the support of the populace with spectacle, pandering, and corporate showmanship. The Penguin describes how he and Shreck are both seen as monsters, but Shreck is a "well-respected monster and I, to date, am not." James said that the Penguin wants to change the superficial perception of himself because he wants to be accepted, but has no interest in being lovable.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="NYTimesCarynJames"/> Only when the fickle voters turn on him, however, does he resort to his plan to kill infants who had the chances he never had. Crow believed that Burton was the most sympathetic to Penguin, and spent the most time on the character.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>

==Legacy==
===Cultural influence===
[[File:Dragon Con 2015 - Oswald Cobblepot & Selina Kyle (21716989458).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|alt=A photograph of cosplayers{{snd}}a man dressed as the Penguin and a woman dressed as Catwoman|[[Cosplayers]] at the 2015 [[Dragon Con]] dressed as the ''Batman Returns'' versions of Penguin and Catwoman]]
Retrospectives in the 2010s and 2020s noted that ''Batman Returns'' had developed an enduring legacy since its release, with ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' describing it as the most iconic comic-book film ever made. Although initially criticized for its mix of the superhero and [[film noir]] genres, the film established trends toward dark tones and complex characters which have since become an expectation of many blockbusters.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="CBRLegacy"/> Some writers said that its "disturbing imagery", exploration of morality, and satire of corporate politics seemed even more relevant in the present day, as did the themes of prejudice and feminism explored in Catwoman.<ref name="ScreenRantBestBat20"/><ref name="CBRLegacy"/> Burton said that he believed ''Batman Returns'' was exploring new territory at the time, but it might be considered "tame" by modern standards.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> According to ''[[The Ringer (website)|the Ringer]]'', Burton's "weird and unsettling" sequel enabled future auteurs such as [[Christopher Nolan]], [[Peter Jackson]], and [[Sam Raimi]] to move into mainstream films.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/>

''[[Collider (website)|Collider]]'' described the film as the first "anti-blockbuster", defying expectations and delivering a superhero film with little action set during Christmas (despite its July release).<ref name="ColliderRetro"/> The film's performances, score, and visual aesthetic are considered iconic, influencing Batman-related media and incarnations of the characters for decades (such as the ''[[Batman Arkham]]'' video games).<ref name="CBRLegacy"/><ref name="ScreenRantBestBat20"/> ''[[The Batman (film)|The Batman]]'' (2022) director [[Matt Reeves]] and Batman actor [[Robert Pattinson]] called ''Batman Returns'' their favorite ''Batman'' film, with Reeves ranking it alongside ''[[The Dark Knight]]'' (2008),<ref name="PattinsonLooper"/><ref name="PattinsonSR"/><ref name="ReevesIGN"/> and director [[Robert Eggers]] said that it visually inspired his film ''[[Nosferatu (2024 film)|Nosferatu]]'' (2024).<ref name="Eggers"/>

Pfeiffer's Catwoman is considered iconic, a feat of characterization and performance which influenced subsequent female-superhero-led films.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="NYTimesCarynJames"/><ref name="AVClub2022"/><ref name="CBRLegacy"/><ref name="CatwomanIconicNerd"/><ref name="CatwomanIconicVarietyandKravitz"/><ref name="CatwomanIconicBuzz"/><ref name="CatwomanIconicCollider"/>}} Her performance is generally regarded as the best cinematic adaptation of the character (influencing future portrayals such as [[Zoë Kravitz]]'s in ''The Batman''),{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="CatwomanIconicNerd"/><ref name="CatwomanIconicVarietyandKravitz"/><ref name="CatwomanIconicBuzz"/><ref name="CatwomanIconicCollider"/><ref name="CatwomanIconicMarySue"/><ref name="CatwomanBestCatwomanVariety"/><ref name="CatwomanBestIGNUser"/><ref name="CatwomanBestScreenRant"/><ref name="CatwomanBestCBR"/><ref name="CatwomanBestComingSoon"/><ref name="CatwomanBestLATimes"/>}} one of the best comic book film characters, and among the greatest cinematic villains.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="AVClub2022"/><ref name="BestVillainsCatTime"/><ref name="BestVillainsCatSR"/><ref name="BestVillainsCatPengVulture"/>}} In 2022, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' ranked Pfeiffer's Catwoman as the second-best superhero performance of the preceding fifty years, behind [[Heath Ledger]].<ref name="VarietyBestof50"/> DeVito's performance as the Penguin is also considered iconic,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="PenguinIconicIndependent"/><ref name="PenguinIconicScreenRant"/><ref name="PenguinIconicIGN"/><ref name="PenguinIconicGameSpot"/><ref name="PenguinIconicMovieWeb"/><ref name="PenguinIconicMarySue"/><ref name="PenguinIconicCBR"/><ref name="PenguinIconicFarOut"/>}} and has been listed by some publications as one of the best cinematic Batman villains.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="BestVillainsCatPengVulture"/><ref name="PenguinBestBatmanVilColli"/><ref name="PenguinBestBatmanVilVariety"/><ref name="PenguinBestBatmanVilGSpot"/>}}

===Modern reception===
In the years since its release, ''Batman Returns'' has been  positively reappraised.<ref name="CBRLegacy"/><ref name="ScreenRantReappraised"/> It is now regarded as among the best superhero films ever made,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="BestSuperheroTheRinger"/><ref name="BestSuperheroRS"/><ref name="BestSuperheroEmpire"/><ref name="BestSuperheroEsquire"/><ref name="BestSuperheroSFXMag"/><ref name="BestSuperheroParade"/><ref name="BestSuperHeroPaste"/><ref name="BestSuperheroTechRadar"/>}} the best sequels,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="BestSequelEmpire13"/><ref name="BestSequelRT95"/><ref name="BestSequelEmpire16"/><ref name="BestSequelVulture41"/>}} and the best ''Batman'' films made.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="BestBatmanCollider2"/><ref name="BestBatmanPolygon2"/><ref name="BestBatmanVulture3"/><ref name="BestBatmanWrap3"/><ref name="BestBatmanTHR3"/><ref name="BestBatmanSlash4"/><ref name="BestBatmanEmpire4"/><ref name="BestBatmanTime5"/><ref name="BestBatmanIGN6"/><ref name="BestBatmanRT6"/>}}<ref name="BestBatmanEsquire10"/> ''[[Screen Rant]]'' called it the best Batman film of the 20th century<ref name="ScreenRantBestBat20"/> and, in 2018, ''[[Total Film]]'' named it the best Batman film.<ref name="TotalFilmBestBat"/> ''Batman Returns'' was number{{nbsp}}401 on ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]''{{'}}s 2008 list of the 500 greatest movies of all time.<ref name="Empire500"/> Some publications have identified ''Batman Returns'' as part of Burton's unofficial Christmas trilogy, bookended by ''Edward Scissorhands'' and ''The Nightmare Before Christmas'', and it has become an alternative-holiday film along with films such as ''[[Die Hard]]'' (1988).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Escapist2020"/><ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="CBRLegacy"/><ref name="ColliderRetro"/>}} Some publications have also listed it as one of the best Christmas films.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="XmasVariety"/><ref name="XmasEmpire"/><ref name="LastingRTXmas"/><ref name="XmasCountry"/><ref name="XmasTimeOut2019"/><ref name="XmasTimeOut2023"/><ref name="XmasTelegraph"/>}}

The film's writer Daniel Waters recalled being told that ''Batman Returns'' was a "great movie for people who don't like Batman".<ref name="VultureWaters"/><ref name="ColliderRetro"/> Although the film was criticized for depicting Batman killing people, Waters said, "To me, Batman not killing [the [[Joker (The Dark Knight)|Joker]] (played by Heath Ledger)] at the end of ''The Dark Knight'' after proving he can get out of any prison, it's like 'Come on. Kill Heath Ledger.{{'"}}<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> He believed that the reception to ''Batman Returns'' was improving with time, especially after the release of ''The Batman'' in 2022.<ref name="VultureWaters"/>

Critic Brian Tallerico said that the elements which originally upset critics and audiences are what makes it still "revelatory{{nbsp}}... It's one of the best and strangest movies of its kind ever made."<ref name="Ebert4k"/> Review aggregator [[Rotten Tomatoes]] has an {{RT data|score}} approval rating from reviews by {{RT data|count}} critics, with an average score of {{RT data|average}}. According to the website's critical consensus, "Director Tim Burton's dark, brooding atmosphere, Michael Keaton's work as the tormented hero, and the flawless casting of Danny DeVito as The Penguin and Christopher Walken as, well, Christopher Walken make the sequel better than the first."<ref name="RottenTomatoesScore"/> The film has a score of 68 out of 100 on [[Metacritic]] (based on 23 critics), indicating "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="MetacriticScore"/>

==Sequels==
{{main|Batman Forever|Batman & Robin (film)|Catwoman (film)|The Flash (film)|}}
Following the reception of ''Batman Returns'', Warner Bros. intended to continue the series without Burton.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="EWOct1993"/><ref name="DOGBatman3"/> Burton considered making a third film, but the studio encouraged him to make something else and he realized they did not want him to return for a sequel.<ref name="DOGBatman3"/><ref name="THRReturnsat25"/> The studio replaced Burton with Schumacher, who could make something more family- and merchandise-friendly.<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="EWOct1993"/><ref name="DOGBatman3"/> Although Burton and Keaton said they were supportive of the new director, Keaton also left the series because "[the film] just wasn't any good, man."{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="THRReturnsat25"/><ref name="EWOct1993"/><ref name="PolygonRetro"/><ref name="CBRSchumacher"/>}} Industry press suggested that Keaton had also asked for a $15{{nbsp}}million salary and a percentage of the profits, although his producing partner [[Harry Colomby]] said that money was not the issue.<ref name="DOGBatman3"/>

Burton was an executive producer for the third film, ''[[Batman Forever]]'' (1995), which had a more mixed reception than ''Batman Returns'' but was a financial success. The fourth and final film, ''[[Batman & Robin (film)|Batman & Robin]]'' (1997), was a financial and critical failure and is regarded as one of the worst [[Blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]] films ever made. It stalled the Batman film series for eight years until the reboot, ''[[Batman Begins]]'' (2005).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="DOGBatman3"/><ref name="PolygonRetro"/><ref name="NYTimeschumachObit"/><ref name="TheWrapSequels"/>}}

By the mid-1990s, Burton and Waters were signed to direct a Catwoman-centered film starring Pfeiffer.<ref name="VarietyCatwoman"/><ref name="VarietyCatwoman2"/> Waters's plot depicted Catwoman as an amnesiac after her injuries at the end of ''Batman Returns'', who ends up in the [[Las Vegas]]-like Oasisburg and confronts publicly-virtuous male superheroes who are secretly corrupt. Burton and Pfeiffer took on other projects in the interim, and lost interest in the film. Warner Bros. eventually developed ''[[Catwoman (film)|Catwoman]]'' (2004), starring [[Halle Berry]], which was critically panned and is considered one of the worst comic-book films ever made.<ref name="DogCatwomanFilm"/>

Keaton was scheduled to reprise his version of Batman in ''[[Batgirl (film)|Batgirl]]'', a proposed 2022 film that was filmed but cancelled by Warner Bros. parent company, [[Warner Bros. Discovery]].<ref name="ColliderBatgirl"/><ref name="BatgirlCancelled"/> He appeared as Batman in ''[[The Flash (film)|The Flash]]'' (2023).<ref name="TheWrapSequels"/><ref name="GuideFlash"/>

==Footnotes==
{{notelist-lr}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="BBFC">{{cite web |title=''Batman Returns'' |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/batman-returns-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zmjgxmjc |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=September 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903161847/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/batman-returns-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0zmjgxmjc |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AFICatalog">{{cite web |title=''Batman Returns'' (1992) |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/59187 |website=[[American Film Institute]] |access-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-date=March 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320185245/https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/59187 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AmazonNovel">{{cite web |title=Batman Returns Mass Market Paperback – 1 July 1992 |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Returns-Craig-Shaw-Gardner/dp/0446363030 |website=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]]  |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015033601/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Returns-Craig-Shaw-Gardner/dp/0446363030 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AnotherMagCatwoman">{{cite web|first=Hannah |last=Lack |title=Costume Designer Mary Vogt On Michelle Pfeiffer's Catsuit |url=http://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/2072/costume-designer-mary-vogt-on-michelle-pfeiffer-s-catsuit|website=[[Another Magazine]] |date=July 20, 2012 |access-date=July 5, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325012228/http://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/2072/costume-designer-mary-vogt-on-michelle-pfeiffer-s-catsuit |archive-date=March 25, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AVClub2022">{{cite web|first=Tom |last=Breihan |title=''Batman Returns'' Is A Relic Of An Age When Disgusting Monsters Only Ran For Office In The Movies |url=https://www.avclub.com/batman-returns-is-a-relic-of-an-age-when-disgusting-mon-1823811610 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=May 3, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621085727/https://www.avclub.com/batman-returns-is-a-relic-of-an-age-when-disgusting-mon-1823811610|archive-date=June 21, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AwardsAcademy">{{cite web |title= The 65th Academy Awards - 1993|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1993 |website=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] |date=March 29, 1993 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707004951/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1993 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AwardsBafta">{{cite web |title= Film In 1993|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/1993/film |website=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611202056/http://awards.bafta.org/award/1993/film |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AwardSaturn">{{cite web |title=1992 19th Saturn Awards |url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1992/1992sat.htm |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 8, 1993 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date= October 17, 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061017175755/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1992/1992sat.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AwardMTV">{{cite web |title= A Look Back At 1993 And The Second Annual MTV Movie Awards|url=https://uproxx.com/hitfix/a-look-back-at-1993-and-the-second-annual-mtv-movie-awards/ |website=[[Uproxx]] |date= April 14, 2013|access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602232649/https://uproxx.com/hitfix/a-look-back-at-1993-and-the-second-annual-mtv-movie-awards/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AwardRazzie">{{cite web|first=Yardena |last=Arar |title=''The Bodyguard'' Top Contender For 'Other' Film Awards |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/275623/THE-BODYGUARD-TOP-CONTENDER-FOR-OTHER-FILM-AWARDS.html |website=[[Deseret News]] |date=February 16, 1993 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023014855/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/275623/THE-BODYGUARD-TOP-CONTENDER-FOR-OTHER-FILM-AWARDS.html  |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="AwardHugo">{{cite web |title=1993 Hugo Awards |url=https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1993-hugo-awards/ |website=[[Hugo Award]] |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529035627/https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1993-hugo-awards/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name ="BatgirlCancelled">{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Umberto |date=August 2, 2022 |title=''Batgirl'' Won't Fly: Warner Bros. Discovery Has No Plans To Release Nearly Finished $90 Million Film |url=https://www.thewrap.com/batgirl-movie-dead-warner-bros-discovery-has-no-plans-to-release-nearly-finished-90-million-film/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802202744/https://www.thewrap.com/batgirl-movie-dead-warner-bros-discovery-has-no-plans-to-release-nearly-finished-90-million-film/ |archive-date=August 2, 2022 |access-date=August 2, 2022 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanCollider2">{{cite web|first=Adam |last=Chitwood |title=Every ''Batman'' Movie Ranked From Worst To Best |url=https://collider.com/best-batman-movies-ranked-worst-to-best/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=March 22, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date= June 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630140329/https://collider.com/best-batman-movies-ranked-worst-to-best/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanPolygon2">{{cite web|first1=Pete |last1=Volk |first2=Susan |last2=Polo |title=Polygon Ranks The ''Batman'' Movies |url=https://www.polygon.com/22976943/batman-movies-ranked-best |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=April 23, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617172201/https://www.polygon.com/22976943/batman-movies-ranked-best |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanVulture3">{{cite web|first1=Will |last1=Leitch |first2=Tim |last2=Grierson |title=Every ''Batman'' Movie, Ranked |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/best-batman-movies-ranked.html |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=March 4, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602112717/https://www.vulture.com/article/best-batman-movies-ranked.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanWrap3">{{cite web|first=Drew |last=Taylor |title= Every ''Batman'' Movie, Ranked (Photos) |url=https://www.thewrap.com/best-batman-movies-ranked/ |website=[[TheWrap]] |date=March 6, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325160547/https://www.thewrap.com/best-batman-movies-ranked/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanTHR3">{{cite web|first=Jordan |last=Mintzer |title=Critics' Picks: All 12 ''Batman'' Films Ranked Worst To Best |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/batman-movies-list-all-films-877852/batman-returns/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=March 23, 2016 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717145948/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/batman-movies-list-all-films-877852/catwoman/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanSlash4">{{cite web|first1=Shaun |last1=Stacy |first2=Rob |last2=Hunter |title=''Batman'' Movies Ranked From Worst To Best |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/621081/batman-movies-ranked-from-worst-to-best/ |website=[[/Film]]  |date=March 2, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707112210/https://www.slashfilm.com/621081/batman-movies-ranked-from-worst-to-best/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanEmpire4">{{cite web|first1=Ben |last1=Travis |first2=Alex |last2=Godfrey |first3=John |last3=Nugent |first4=James |last4=Dyer |first5=James |last5=White |title=Every ''Batman'' Movie Ranked |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/batman-movies-ranked/ |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=March 10, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608202809/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/batman-movies-ranked/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanTime5">{{cite web|first=Eliana |last=Dockterman |title=All The ''Batman'' Movies, Ranked |url=https://time.com/6151792/all-the-batman-movies-ranked/ |website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=March 2, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date= July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706203523/https://time.com/6151792/all-the-batman-movies-ranked/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanIGN6">{{cite web |title=Ranking The ''Batman'' Movies From Worst To Best |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ranking-the-batman-movies-from-worst-to-best |website= [[IGN]] |date=March 15, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709022010/https://www.ign.com/articles/ranking-the-batman-movies-from-worst-to-best |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanRT6">{{cite web |title=All ''Batman'' Movies Ranked |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/all-batman-movies-ranked/ |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date= June 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620052839/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/all-batman-movies-ranked/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestBatmanEsquire10">{{cite web|first1=Johnny |last1=Davis |first2=Tom |last2=Nicholson |title=Every Single Batman Movie, Ranked From Worst To Best |url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a39366284/every-batman-movie-ranked/ |website=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602112717/https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a39366284/every-batman-movie-ranked/  |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSequelEmpire13">{{cite web |title=The 50 Greatest Ever Movie Sequels |url=http://www.empireonline.com/50greatestsequels/default.asp?c=13 |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |access-date=July 11, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024042642/http://www.empireonline.com/50greatestsequels/default.asp?c=13 |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSequelRT95">{{cite web |title=The 100 Best Sequels Of All Time |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-sequels-of-all-time/|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918014707/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-sequels-of-all-time/|archive-date=September 18, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSequelEmpire16">{{cite web |title=The Greatest Movie Sequels |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/50greatestsequels/ |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=September 24, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005224642/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/50greatestsequels/ |archive-date=October 5, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSequelVulture41">{{cite web |first1= Alison |last1= Willmore|first2= Angelica Jade  |last2= Bastién|first3= Bilge  |last3= Ebiri|first4= Jen  |last4= Chaney|first5= Matt  |last5= Zoller Seitz|first6= Nate  |last6= Jones|first7= Roxana  |last7= Hadadi|first8= Rebecca  |last8= Alter|first9= Rachel  |last9= Handler|first10= Ashley  |last10= Shannon Wu|first11= Eric  |last11= Vilas-Boas|first12= Alex  |last12= Suskind|first13= Vikram  |last13= Murthi|first14= Robert |last14= Daniels|first15= Marya E.  |last15= Gates|first16= Keith  |last16= Phipps|first17= Walter  |last17= Chaw |author-link2=Angelica Jade Bastién |title=The 101 Best Movie Sequels Of All Time Whether They Come After, Before, Or Between Their Predecessors, These Films Have Their Own Indelible Legacies. |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/the-101-best-movie-sequels-of-all-time.html |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=April 25, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528130705/https://www.vulture.com/article/the-101-best-movie-sequels-of-all-time.html|archive-date=May 28, 2022 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSuperheroEmpire">{{cite web|first1=Chris |last1=Hewitt |first2=Owen |last2=Williams |first3=Phil |last3=De Semlyen |title=The Greatest Superhero Movies Of All Time |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/greatest-superhero-movies/ |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=March 10, 2015 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=August 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822062802/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/greatest-superhero-movies/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSuperheroEsquire">{{cite web|first=Brady |last=Langmann |title=The Best Superhero Movies Of All Time Show How Far The Genre Has Come |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g35509336/best-superhero-movies/ |website=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |date=February 23, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531024614/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g35509336/best-superhero-movies/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSuperheroSFXMag">{{cite web|first1=Alex |last1=Avard |first2=Bradley |last2=Russell |first3=Jack |last3=Shepherd |title=The 25 Best Superhero Movies Of All Time, Ranked! From ''Avengers: Endgame'' To ''The Dark Knight'' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-superhero-movies/2/ |website=[[SFX (magazine)|SFX]] |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]] |date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303224158/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-superhero-movies/2/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSuperheroRS">{{cite web|first1=David |last1=Fear |first2=Brian |last2=Hiatt |first3=Alan |last3=Sepinwall |first4=Mosi |last4=Reeves |first5=Joe |last5=Gross |first6=Stephen |last6=Garrett |title=50 Greatest Superhero Movies Of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/greatest-superhero-movies-of-all-time-1367814/batman-returns-1992-1368066/ |website=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713010428/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/greatest-superhero-movies-of-all-time-1367814/zack-snyders-justice-league-1368106/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSuperheroParade">{{cite web|first=Samuel R. |last=Murrian |title=We Ranked The 54 Best Superhero Movies Of All Time, From ''Wonder Woman'' To ''Shang-Chi'' |url=https://parade.com/1135800/samuelmurrian/best-superhero-movies/ |website=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]] |date=October 5, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714205315/https://parade.com/1135800/samuelmurrian/best-superhero-movies/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSuperHeroPaste">{{cite web|first1=Michael |last1=Burgin |first2=Dom |last2=Sinacola |first3=Jim |last3=Vorel |first4=Scott |last4=Wold |title=The 100 Best Superhero Movies Of All Time |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/superhero-movies/the-100-best-superhero-movies-of-all-time/#58-the-dark-knight-rises |website=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |date=March 10, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date= May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531040504/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/superhero-movies/the-100-best-superhero-movies-of-all-time/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSuperheroTechRadar">{{cite web|first=Tom |last=Power |title=Best Superhero Movies: 30 Great Comic Book Films To Watch Right Now |url= https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/best-superhero-movies-30-great-superhero-films-to-watch-right-now |website=[[TechRadar]] |date=July 8, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601232000/https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/best-superhero-movies-30-great-superhero-films-to-watch-right-now |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSuperheroTheRinger">{{cite web |title=The 50 Best Superhero Movies Of All Time |url= https://superheroes.theringer.com/ |website=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]  |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401083548/https://superheroes.theringer.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestVillainsCatTime">{{cite web|first=Richard |last=Corliss |author-link=Richard Corliss |title=Top 25 Greatest Villains |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2007/04/26/top-25-greatest-villains/slide/michelle-pfeiffer-as-catwoman/ |website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=April 25, 2007 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517064733/https://entertainment.time.com/2007/04/26/top-25-greatest-villains/slide/michelle-pfeiffer-as-catwoman/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestVillainsCatSR">{{cite web|first=Ben |last=Sherlock |title=10 Best Villain Performances In DC Movies |url=https://screenrant.com/dc-comics-movies-best-villain-performances-joker-lex-luthor/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=July 9, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710031207/https://screenrant.com/dc-comics-movies-best-villain-performances-joker-lex-luthor/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestVillainsCatPengVulture">{{cite web|first=Jesse |last=Hassenger |title=''Batman'' Movie Villains, Ranked |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/03/batman-movie-villains-ranked.html |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=March 8, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419052842/https://www.vulture.com/2022/03/batman-movie-villains-ranked.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="BillFingerCBR">{{cite web|first=Devin |last=Meenan |title=Batman: Bill Finger's 10 Most Important Contributions To The Character |url=https://www.cbr.com/bill-fingers-most-important-batman-contributions/ |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=January 24, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712093215/https://www.cbr.com/bill-fingers-most-important-batman-contributions/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="BillFingerForbes">{{cite web|first=Devin |last=Meenan |title=Batman's Co-Creator Bill Finger Finally Receives Recognition |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2015/09/19/batmans-co-creator-bill-finger-finally-receives-recognition/?sh=8604694287e3 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=January 24, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220719214036/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2015/09/19/batmans-co-creator-bill-finger-finally-receives-recognition/?sh=23d81a6c287e |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="BillFingerWired">{{cite web|first=Charlie Jane |last=Anders |title=Who Really Created Batman? It Depends What Batman Means To You |url=https://www.wired.com/2017/05/batman-and-bill-who-is-batman/ |website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=May 8, 2017 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712093215/https://www.wired.com/2017/05/batman-and-bill-who-is-batman/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BillFingerEW">{{cite web|first=Christian |last=Holub |title=Batman Co-Creator Bill Finger Finally Will Receive Writing Credit On ''Gotham'', ''Batman V Superman'' |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/09/18/batman-bill-finger-credit/ |website=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=September 8, 2017 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720183612/https://ew.com/article/2015/09/18/batman-bill-finger-credit/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BOM1992NABO">{{cite web | url =http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=releasedate&view=opening&yr=1992&p=.htm | title = 1992 Yearly Box Office Results | website= [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 8, 2022 | archive-date = December 9, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151209201035/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=releasedate&view=opening&yr=1992&p=.htm| url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="BOM1992Worldwide">{{cite web | url =https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/1992/| title =1992 Worldwide Grosses | website= [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 8, 2022 | archive-date = July 26, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120726204727/http://boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=1992&p=.htm | url-status = dead }}</ref>

<ref name="BOMBatman1989">{{cite web|title=''Batman'' (1989)|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0096895/|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=December 29, 2020|archive-date=June 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616234608/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0096895/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BOMNAAllWeekends">{{cite web | url =https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3544548865/weekend/?ref_=bo_rl_tab#tabs | title = ''Batman Returns''| website= [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 8, 2022 | archive-date = March 2, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220302165349/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3544548865/weekend/?ref_=bo_rl_tab | url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="BOMNAOriginalRelease">{{cite web | url =https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3544548865/ | title = ''Batman Returns'' | website= [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 8, 2022 | archive-date = June 17, 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220617153943/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3544548865/ | url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="BOMNAWeekend1">{{cite web | url =https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1992W25/?ref_=bo_rl_table_1 | title =Domestic 1992 Weekend 25 June 19-21, 1992| website= [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 8, 2022 | archive-date = July 8, 2022| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220708160648/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1992W25/?ref_=bo_rl_table_1 | url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="BOMNAWeekend2">{{cite web | url =https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1992W26/?ref_=bo_rl_table_2 | title =Domestic 1992 Weekend 26 June 26-28, 1992 | website= [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 8, 2022 | archive-date = July 8, 2022| archive-url = https://archive.today/20220708161805/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1992W26/?ref_=bo_rl_table_2 | url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="BOMNAWeekend3">{{cite web | url =https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1992W27/?ref_=bo_rl_table_3 | title =Domestic 1992 Weekend 27 July 3-5, 1992 | website= [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 8, 2022 | archive-date = July 8, 2022| archive-url = https://archive.today/20220708161933/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1992W27/?ref_=bo_rl_table_3 | url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="BOMNAWeekend4">{{cite web | url =https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1992W28/?ref_=bo_we_nav | title =Domestic 1992 Weekend 28 July 10-12, 1992 | website= [[Box Office Mojo]] | access-date = July 8, 2022 | archive-date = February 22, 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220222160707/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1992W28/?ref_=bo_we_nav | url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="BFIBatmanReturns">{{cite web|title=''Batman Returns'' (1992) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b7af94495 |website=[[British Film Institute]]  |access-date=July 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701170129/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b7af94495 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="CastComicsAlliance">{{cite web|first1=Chris |last1=Sims |first2=David |last2=Uzumeri |title=Comicsalliance Reviews ''Batman Returns'' (1992), Part Two |url=https://comicsalliance.com/batman-returns-1992-review/ |website=[[ComicsAlliance]] |access-date=July 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506072537/https://comicsalliance.com/batman-returns-1992-review/ |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CastNyTimes">{{cite web|first=Janet|last=Maslin |author-link=Janet Maslin |title=Review/Film: ''Batman Returns''; A Sincere Bat, A Sexy Cat And A Bad Bird |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/19/movies/review-film-batman-returns-a-sincere-bat-a-sexy-cat-and-a-bad-bird.html|website=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 19, 1992 |access-date=July 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085407/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/19/movies/review-film-batman-returns-a-sincere-bat-a-sexy-cat-and-a-bad-bird.html |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CastVanityFair">{{cite web|first=Katey |last=Rich  |title=''Saturday Night Live'' Alum Jan Hooks Dead At 57|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/10/jan-hooks-obituary |website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |date=October 9, 2014 |access-date=July 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021052553/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/10/jan-hooks-obituary|archive-date=October 21, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CastBFI">{{cite web |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b7af94495 |title=''Batman Returns'' (1992) |website=[[British Film Institute]] |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428023645/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b7af94495 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="CastChip">{{cite web|first=Matt |last=Fowler |title=Holy Bat OCD!: ''Batman Returns''{{'}} Chip Shreck |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/18/holy-bat-ocd-batman-returns-chip-shreck |website=[[IGN]] |date=March 18, 2009 |access-date=July 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520152239/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/18/holy-bat-ocd-batman-returns-chip-shreck |archive-date=May 20, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CastIcePrincess">{{cite web|first=Mark |last=Harris |title=What Is Cool 1992: Movies |url=https://ew.com/article/1992/06/26/what-cool-1992-movies/ |website=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=June 26, 1992 |access-date=July 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701192224/https://ew.com/article/1992/06/26/what-cool-1992-movies/ |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CastTheCobblepots">{{cite web|first=Padraig|last=Cotter |title=''Batman Returns'': Did The Penguin Murder His Parents Tucker & Esther? |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-penguin-murder-parents-paul-reubens-diane-salinger/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=November 7, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123034544/https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-penguin-murder-parents-paul-reubens-diane-salinger/ |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CastIGN">{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/18/holy-bat-ocd-batman-returns-fire-breather|title=Holy Bat OCD!: ''Batman Returns''{{'}} Fire Breather|date=March 18, 2019 |website=[[IGN]]  |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701165737/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/18/holy-bat-ocd-batman-returns-fire-breather |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="CastCollider">{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/doug-jones-interview-star-trek-discovery-shape-of-water/ |title=Doug Jones Takes Us from ''Batman Returns'' Clown To Sexy Fish-Monster To ''Star Trek'' Captain |date=October 30, 2020 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |last=Mancuso |first=Vinnie |access-date=December 22, 2020 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108073537/https://collider.com/doug-jones-interview-star-trek-discovery-shape-of-water/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="CastWayans">{{cite web| first = Nathan | last = Rabin | url =https://www.avclub.com/marlon-wayans-1798207843 | title = Wayans World | website= [[The A.V. Club]] | date = February 25, 1998 | access-date = July 3, 2022 | archive-date = February 7, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140207094508/http://www.avclub.com/article/marlon-wayans-13500 | url-status = live }}</ref>

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<ref name="CatBirdLoveGuardian">{{cite web|first=Alison |last=Flood |title=Unmasked: The Penguin Saves World From Covid In Danny Devito's ''Batman'' Story |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/01/unmasked-the-penguin-saves-world-from-covid-in-danny-devitos-batman-story |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=December 1, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date= June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627221148/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/dec/01/unmasked-the-penguin-saves-world-from-covid-in-danny-devitos-batman-story |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanIconicMarySue">{{cite web|first=Chelsea |last=Steiner |title=Things We Saw Today: Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman Remains Iconic |url=https://www.themarysue.com/things-we-saw-today-michelle-pfeiffers-catwoman-remains-iconic/ |website=[[The Mary Sue]] |date=February 20, 2021 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date= May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516080604/https://www.themarysue.com/things-we-saw-today-michelle-pfeiffers-catwoman-remains-iconic/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanIconicNerd">{{cite web|first=Eric |last=Diaz |title=Michelle Pfeiffer Shows Why She's Still The Best Catwoman |url=https://nerdist.com/article/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-whip/ |website=[[Nerdist]] |date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=June 10, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220610201027/https://nerdist.com/article/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-whip/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanIconicVarietyandKravitz">{{cite web|first=Will |last=Thorne |title=Zoe Kravitz Teases ''The Batman'' And Which Iconic Catwoman Performer Inspires Her |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/zoe-kravitz-batman-catwoman-1203471015/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=January 17, 2020 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date= June 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609045335/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/zoe-kravitz-batman-catwoman-1203471015/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanIconicBuzz">{{cite web|first=Brian |last=Galindo |title=Omg, Michelle Pfeiffer Found Her Iconic Catwoman Whip From ''Batman Returns'' |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/omg-michelle-pfeiffer-found-her-iconic-catwoman-whip-from |website=[[BuzzFeed]] |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=April 27, 2022  |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220427114718/https://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/omg-michelle-pfeiffer-found-her-iconic-catwoman-whip-from |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanIconicCollider">{{cite web|first=Madilyn |last=Ivey |title=From Zoë Kravitz To Michelle Pfeiffer: Every Live-action Catwoman, Ranked |url= https://collider.com/batman-catwoman-live-action-ranked-zoe-kravitz-michelle-pfeiffer/|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=March 8, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309063543/https://collider.com/batman-catwoman-live-action-ranked-zoe-kravitz-michelle-pfeiffer/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanBestCatwomanVariety">{{cite web|first1=Wilson |last1=Chapman |first2=Sasha |last2=Urban |title= Every Live-action Catwoman, Ranked From Worst To Best |url= https://variety.com/lists/catwoman-actors-ranked-batman-zoe-kravitz/michelle-pfeiffer-batman-returns-1992/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=March 14, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220317012603/https://variety.com/lists/catwoman-actors-ranked-batman-zoe-kravitz/lee-meriwether-batman-the-movie-1966/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanBestIGNUser">{{cite web|first=Joseph |last=Knoop |title=You Voted: Who Is The Best Catwoman From Movies And Series? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-catwoman-poll |website=[[IGN]] |date=February 23, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=March 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318235027/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-catwoman-poll |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanBestScreenRant">{{cite web|first=Stephanie |last=Holland |title= Catwoman: Every On-Screen Performance, Ranked|url=https://screenrant.com/catwoman-best-on-screen-performances/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date= April 26, 2022|access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617030510/https://screenrant.com/catwoman-best-on-screen-performances/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanBestCBR">{{cite web|first=Devin |last=Meehan |title=Batman: 10 Best Actresses Who've Played Catwoman, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-best-actresses-played-catwoman-ranked/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616121641/https://www.cbr.com/batman-best-actresses-played-catwoman-ranked/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanBestComingSoon">{{cite web|first=Nick |last=Perkins |title=Ranking Every Live Action Catwoman Performance |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1046777-ranking-every-live-action-catwoman-performance |website=[[Comingsoon.net]] |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date= February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204190945/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/1046777-ranking-every-live-action-catwoman-performance |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CatwomanBestLATimes">{{cite web|first=Tracy |last= Brown |title=''The Batman'' Villains, Ranked: Who Was The Best Catwoman, Penguin And Riddler? |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-03-04/batman-villains-ranked-catwoman-riddler-penguin |website= [[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 4, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220426194351/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-03-04/batman-villains-ranked-catwoman-riddler-penguin|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CBRGordon">{{cite web|first=Brandon |last=Zachary |title=''Batman '89'' Turns James Gordon into its Most Tragic Figure|url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-89-james-gordon-tragic/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=April 12, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429010220/https://www.cbr.com/batman-89-james-gordon-tragic/ |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CBRSchumacher">{{cite web|first=Nicholas |last=Grant |title=''Batman Forever'': Why Val Kilmer Replaced Michael Keaton As Bruce Wayne|url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-forever-why-val-kilmer-replaced-michael-keaton-bruce-wayne/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=November 21, 2020 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126180829/https://www.cbr.com/batman-forever-why-val-kilmer-replaced-michael-keaton-bruce-wayne/ |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CBRCatwomanNineLives">{{cite web|first=Ridley |last=Wright |title=''Batman Returns'': Does Catwoman Really Have Nine Lives? |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-returns-catwoman-supernatural-nine-lives-explained/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=December 14, 2021 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519225753/https://www.cbr.com/batman-returns-catwoman-supernatural-nine-lives-explained/ |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CBRLegacy">{{cite web|first=Richard |last=Craig |title=Why ''Batman Returns'' Is Still the Most Iconic Comic Book Movie 30 Years Later |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-returns-most-iconic-comic-book-movie-tim-burton/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=July 8, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711184031/https://www.cbr.com/batman-returns-most-iconic-comic-book-movie-tim-burton/|archive-date=July 11, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url=https://www.cinemascore.com/ |title=CinemaScore |publisher=[[CinemaScore]] |access-date=April 16, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= December 20, 2018  |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="ColliderRetro">{{cite web|first=William |last=Fischer |title= All The Ways 'Batman Returns' Was The Greatest Anti-blockbuster |url=https://collider.com/batman-returns-not-blockbuster-reasons-why-explained/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=December 19, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711221857/https://collider.com/batman-returns-not-blockbuster-reasons-why-explained/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ColliderRedTriangle">{{cite web|first=William |last=Fischer |title=''Batman Returns'' Shows Tim Burton's Love For Federico Fellini |url=https://collider.com/batman-returns-tim-burton-love-for-federico-fellini/|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=June 24, 2022 |access-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719130207/https://collider.com/batman-returns-tim-burton-love-for-federico-fellini/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ColliderBatgirl">{{cite web|first=Marcos|last=Melendez |title=''Batgirl'' Set Photos Reveal First Look at Michael Keaton's Batman |url=https://collider.com/batgirl-set-images-batman-michael-keaton/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=February 13, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508010148/https://collider.com/batgirl-set-images-batman-michael-keaton/ |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Diabolique">{{cite web|first=Andrew J. |last=Rausch |title=Screenwriter Wesley Strick Discusses Mike Nichols' 1994 Film ''Wolf'' |url=https://diaboliquemagazine.com/screenwriter-wesley-strick-discusses-mike-nichols-1994-film-wolf/ |website=Diabolique Magazine |date=May 19, 2021 |access-date=July 23, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521235216/https://diaboliquemagazine.com/screenwriter-wesley-strick-discusses-mike-nichols-1994-film-wolf/ |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DOGLawsuit">{{cite web|first=Simon |last=Brew |title=Who Are The Two Producers Credited On Every ''Batman'' Movie? |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/who-are-the-two-producers-credited-on-every-batman-movie/|website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=February 21, 2018 |access-date=July 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403185526/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/who-are-the-two-producers-credited-on-every-batman-movie/ |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro">{{cite web|first=David|last=Crow |title=How ''Batman II'' Became ''Batman Returns'' |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/how-batman-ii-became-batman-returns/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=December 1, 2019 |access-date=June 28, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617143147/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/how-batman-ii-became-batman-returns/ |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DOGAlfred">{{cite web|first1=David|last1=Crow |first2=Mike |last2=Cecchini |title=Alfred: The Many Faces Of Batman's Butler |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/alfred-the-many-faces-of-batmans-butler/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=February 1, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727052543/https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/alfred-the-many-faces-of-batmans-butler/ |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DOGBatman3">{{cite web|first=David|last=Crow |title=Why Tim Burton's Batman 3 Never Happened |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/why-tim-burtons-batman-3-never-happened/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=August 25, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627221212/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/why-tim-burtons-batman-3-never-happened/ |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DogCatwomanFilm">{{cite web|first=Simon |last=Brew |title=Whatever Happened To The Tim Burton ''Catwoman'' Movie? |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/whatever-happened-to-the-tim-burton-catwoman-movie/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=August 16, 2015 |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630192316/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/whatever-happened-to-the-tim-burton-catwoman-movie/ |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DOGBatman89">{{cite web|first=Mike |last=Cecchini |title=How ''Batman '89'' Fulfills Dark Knight Fan Dreams|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/how-batman-89-fulfills-dark-knight-fan-dreams/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707064402/https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/how-batman-89-fulfills-dark-knight-fan-dreams/ |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Ebert4k">{{cite web|first=Brian |last=Tallerico |title=''Batman'' Films On 4K Offer Interesting Contrast To Modern Superhero Movies |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/batman-films-on-4k-offer-interesting-contrast-to-modern-superhero-movies |website=[[RogerEbert.com]] |date=June 25, 2019 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date= March 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317051116/https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/batman-films-on-4k-offer-interesting-contrast-to-modern-superhero-movies |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Eggers">{{cite web|first=Eric |last=Diaz |title=''Nosferatu''{{'}}s Robert Eggers Reveals How ''Batman Returns'' Inspired The Film |url=https://nerdist.com/article/nosferatu-robert-eggers-batman-returns-gothic-winter-inspiration/ |website=[[Nerdist]] |date=January 29, 2025 |access-date=January 30, 2025 |archive-date=January 30, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130030249/https://nerdist.com/article/nosferatu-robert-eggers-batman-returns-gothic-winter-inspiration/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Empire500">{{cite web |title=The 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time - 401 |url=http://www.empireonline.com/500/19.asp |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=2008 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924011752/http://www.empireonline.com/500/19.asp |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="EndingTheWrap">{{cite web|first=Jeremy |last=Fuster |title=''Batman Returns'' 25th Anniversary: Look Back At Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman (Photos) |url=https://www.thewrap.com/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-batman-returns/ |website=[[TheWrap]] |date=June 15, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623124738/https://www.thewrap.com/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-batman-returns/ |archive-date=June 23, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="EndingAVClub">{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Schimkowitz |title=There's Something About Selina: Why Catwoman Still Tempts Batman After All These Years |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-batman-catwoman-1848603676 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=March 3, 2022 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626051931/https://www.avclub.com/the-batman-catwoman-1848603676 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ENdingPolygon">{{cite web|first=Daniel|last=Dockery |url=https://www.polygon.com/23165989/batman-returns-30th-anniversary-tim-burton |title=''Batman Returns'' Is The Most Anti-franchise Franchise Movie Ever Made|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 14, 2022 | access-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627184427/https://www.polygon.com/23165989/batman-returns-30th-anniversary-tim-burton |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="EndingScreenRant">{{cite web|first=Leon |last=Miller |title=15 Things You Didn't Know About Batman Returns |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-trivia-facts-catwoman/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=June 17, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2022  | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119091425/https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-trivia-facts-catwoman/ |archive-date=January 19, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Escapist2020">{{cite web|first=Darren|last=Mooney |title=Have Yourself A Weird, Horny, Lonely Little Christmas With ''Batman Returns'' |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/have-yourself-a-weird-horny-lonely-little-christmas-with-batman-returns/ |website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |date=December 25, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520155041/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/have-yourself-a-weird-horny-lonely-little-christmas-with-batman-returns/|archive-date=May 20, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="EWKickboxing">{{cite web| url = https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,310774,00.html | title = Flashes: Kicking, The Habit | website= [[Entertainment Weekly]]  | date = June 12, 1992 | access-date = July 3, 2022| first = Pat H. | last = Broeske | archive-date = December 7, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081207033016/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,310774,00.html | url-status = dead}}</ref>

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<ref name="EWSetsAppeal">{{cite web| first = Steve | last = Daly | url = https://ew.com/article/1992/06/19/designing-set-batman-returns/ | title = Sets Appeal: Designing ''Batman Returns'' | website= [[Entertainment Weekly]] | date = June 19, 1992 | access-date = July 3, 2022 | archive-date = October 10, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081010170405/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,310819,00.html | url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="DeVitoMonkey">{{cite web | url = https://ew.com/article/1992/06/19/designing-set-batman-returns/ | title = Danny Devito Recalls A Monkey Mishap On ''Batman Returns'': 'He Leapt Right At My Balls'| website= [[Entertainment Weekly]] | date = March 30, 2019| access-date = July 20, 2022 | archive-date = July 1, 2022 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220701225609/https://ew.com/movies/2019/03/30/danny-devito-batman-returns-monkey-attack/ | url-status = live}}</ref>

<ref name="Filmtracks">{{cite web|first=Christian |last=Clemmensen |title=''Batman Returns'' |url=https://www.filmtracks.com/titles/batman_returns.html |website=[[Filmtracks.com]] |date=September 24, 1996 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415182257/https://www.filmtracks.com/titles/batman_returns.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="TotalFilmBestBat">{{cite web|first=Jamie |last=Graham |title=Is It Just Me, Or Is ''Batman Returns'' The Best Bat-movie? |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/is-it-just-me-or-is-batman-returns-the-best-bat-movie/ |website=[[Total Film]] |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]] |date= April 6, 2018 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220711221857/https://www.gamesradar.com/is-it-just-me-or-is-batman-returns-the-best-bat-movie/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GRadarVideoGame">{{cite web|first=Shane |last=Patterson |title=A History Of Batman Games |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/batman-games/ |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |date=October 21, 2013 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=November 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131107071452/http://www.gamesradar.com/batman-games/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GuideFlash">{{cite news |last1=Casey |first1=Henry T. |title=The Flash movie cast, logo, release date, trailer, Michael Keaton as Batman and latest news |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/the-flash-movie-cast-logo-release-date-trailer-michael-keaton-as-batman-and-latest-news |work=Tom's Guide |date=January 7, 2022 |access-date=August 4, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="HomeMediaIGNAnthologyDVD">{{cite web|first=Todd |last=Gilchrist |title=''Batman'' DVD Anthology Due |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/01/batman-dvd-anthology-due |website=[[IGN]] |date=August 1, 2005 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710212002/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/01/batman-dvd-anthology-due |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="HomeMediaIGNAnthologyBR">{{cite web|first=Cindy |last=White |title=''Batman'': The Motion Picture Anthology Blu-ray Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/06/batman-the-motion-picture-anthology-blu-ray-review |website=[[IGN]] |date=March 6, 2009 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date= July 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709184002/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/06/batman-the-motion-picture-anthology-blu-ray-review |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="HomeMediaUltraHD">{{cite web|first=M. Enois |last=Duarte |title=''Batman Returns'' - 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray |url=https://ultrahd.highdefdigest.com/71563/batmanreturns4k.html |website=Hi-Def Digest |date=May 30, 2019 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723193341/https://ultrahd.highdefdigest.com/71563/batmanreturns4k.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

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<ref name="HomeMediaWBCollectors">{{cite web|title=Batman Returns Ultimate Collector's Edition 4K Ultra Hd Steelbook (4K Ultra Hd) (1992) |url=https://shop.warnerbros.co.uk/products/batman-returns-ultimate-collector-s-edition-4k-ultra-hd-1992 |website=[[Warner Bros.]]  |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220711183504/https://shop.warnerbros.co.uk/products/batman-returns-ultimate-collector-s-edition-4k-ultra-hd-1992 |url-status=live}}</ref>

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<ref name="IGNElfman">{{cite web|first=Spence |last=D. |title= Danny Elfman - ''Batman Returns'' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/24/danny-elfman-batman-returns-original-motion-picture-soundtrack |website=[[IGN]] |date=July 24, 2008 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220711183648/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/24/danny-elfman-batman-returns-original-motion-picture-soundtrack |url-status=live}}</ref>

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<ref name="IGNVideoGameLynx">{{cite web|first=Robert A. |last=Jung |title=''Batman Returns'' |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/01/batman-returns |website=[[IGN]] |date=July 1, 1999 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220711183939/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/07/01/batman-returns |url-status=live}}</ref>

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<ref name="LATimesNicholson">{{cite web|first=Robert W.|last=Welkos |title=2 Producers Of ''Batman'' Sue Warner : Entertainment: They Challenge The Contention That The Film Lost Money. The Studio Says It Observed The Contract.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-27-fi-4633-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 27, 1992 |access-date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085401/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-27-fi-4633-story.html |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesNicholson2">{{cite web|first=David |last=Gritten |title=Filmmakers Hope British Vote Will Revive Industry : Movies: Ten Years After The Screenwriter Of ''Chariots Of Fire'' Shouted 'The British Are Coming!' On Oscar Night, The Country's Film Industry Stands At An All-time Low. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-04-09-ca-432-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=April 9, 1992 |access-date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085314/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-04-09-ca-432-story.html |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesGorilla">{{cite web|first=Robert W. |last=Welkos |title=Movies : Mr. Nice Guy Dives Back Into Action : Harrison Ford Returns To The Genre That Made Him A Star. In ''Patriot Games'', He Inherits The Role Of The CIA Agent From Alec Baldwin, But The Production Is In Trouble With Author Tom Clancy. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-22-ca-7388-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 22, 1992 |access-date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085359/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-22-ca-7388-story.html |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesKathyLong">{{cite web|first=Davis |last=Miller |title=Movies : The Next Action Hero? : Kathy Long Is A Champion Kickboxer Whose Movie Moves Remind Some Of Norris And Van Damme |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-23-ca-7206-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=August 23, 1992 |access-date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085402/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-23-ca-7206-story.html |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

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<ref name="LATimestartDate">{{cite web|first=Beth |last=Kleid |title=Movies |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-09-03-ca-1951-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=September 3, 1991 |access-date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706212058/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-09-03-ca-1951-story.html |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesPremiere">{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Higgins |title=Batman Bash!|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-18-vw-872-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 18, 1992 |access-date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702224407/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-18-vw-872-story.html |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesMarketing120">{{cite web|first=David J.|last=Fox |title=Ready For A ''Batman'' Blitz? : More Than 120 Product Tie-ins Hit The Market|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-17-ca-572-story.html|website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 17, 1992 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702224407/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-17-ca-572-story.html |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LATIMesPoster2">{{cite web|first=Andy |last=Marx |title=A Look Inside Hollywood And The Movies. : Into The Belfry : What If We Just Wanted His Ears? |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-14-ca-975-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 14, 1992 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702224407/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-14-ca-975-story.html |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesPolygram">{{cite web|first=Robert W. |last=Welkos|title=2 Producers Of ''Batman'' Sue Warner : Entertainment: They Challenge The Contention That The Film Lost Money. The Studio Says It Observed The Contract.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-27-fi-4633-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=March 27, 1992 |access-date=July 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085404/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-27-fi-4633-story.html |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Lebenzon">{{cite web |first=Leigh |last=Bicica|title=Tim Burton's 10 Most Frequent Collaborators |url=https://screenrant.com/tim-burtons-frequent-collaborators/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707134605/https://screenrant.com/tim-burtons-frequent-collaborators/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Macleans">{{cite web|first=Brian D. |last=Johnson |title=Batman's Return|url=https://archive.macleans.ca/article/1992/6/22/batmans-return |website=[[Maclean's]] |date=June 22, 1992 |access-date=July 5, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725005400/https://archive.macleans.ca/article/1992/6/22/batmans-return|archive-date=July 25, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="MetacriticScore">{{cite web |title=''Batman's Return'' |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/batman-returns |website=[[Metacritic]]  |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419065225/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/batman-returns |archive-date=April 19, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="MTVBrando">{{cite web|first=Rick |last=Marshall |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2594967/did-marlon-brando-almost-play-the-penguin-in-batman-returns-not-exactly-says-tim-burton/|title=Did Marlon Brando Almost Play The Penguin In ''Batman Returns''? Not Exactly, Says Tim Burton.|website=[[MTV]]|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512083155/https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/widget_iframe.06c6ee58c3810956b7509218508c7b56.html?origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv.com|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesApril131992">{{cite web|first=Bernard |last=Weinraub |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/13/movies/the-talk-of-hollywood-2-titans-clash-and-all-of-filmdom-feels-shock-waves.html|title=The Talk Of Hollywood; 2 Titans Clash And All Of Filmdom Feels Shock Waves |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 13, 1992 | access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630225510/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/13/movies/the-talk-of-hollywood-2-titans-clash-and-all-of-filmdom-feels-shock-waves.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesMay241992">{{cite web|first=Suzanna |last=Andrews |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/24/archives/film-trying-to-put-the-sizzle-in-summer.html |title=Film; Trying To Put The Sizzle In Summer |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 24, 1992 | access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630225512/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/24/archives/film-trying-to-put-the-sizzle-in-summer.html|url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesMarketing">{{cite web|first=Stuart |last=Elliott |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/09/business/the-media-business-advertising-batman-returns-but-brings-far-fewer-t-shirts.html|title=The Media Business: Advertising; ''Batman Returns'', But Brings Far Fewer T-Shirts |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 9, 1992 | access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085314/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/09/business/the-media-business-advertising-batman-returns-but-brings-far-fewer-t-shirts.html|url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesTwoattheWheel">{{cite web|first=Bernard |last=Weinraub |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9F0CE7DF133FF936A35754C0A964958260.html |title=Two At The Wheel Of The Batmobile |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 5, 1992 | access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085314/https://archive.nytimes.com/query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage-9F0CE7DF133FF936A35754C0A964958260.html|url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesWalken">{{cite web|first=Bernard |last=Weinraub |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/24/garden/lunch-with-christopher-walken-new-york-actor-takes-stardom-with-grain-salt.html|title=At Lunch With: Christopher Walken; A New York Actor Takes Stardom With A Grain Of Salt |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 24, 1992 | access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=March 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326172020/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/24/garden/lunch-with-christopher-walken-new-york-actor-takes-stardom-with-grain-salt.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesWelch">{{cite web|first=Betsy|last=Sharkey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/14/archives/film-batmans-city-gets-a-new-dose-of-urban-blight.html|title=Film; Batman's City Gets A New Dose Of Urban Blight |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 14, 1992 | access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085405/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/14/archives/film-batmans-city-gets-a-new-dose-of-urban-blight.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesCarynJames">{{cite web|first=Caryn |last=James |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/28/movies/film-view-batman-returns-with-a-capeload-of-angst-and-ills.html|title=Film View; ''Batman Returns'' With A Capeload Of Angst And Ills|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 28, 1992 | access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085316/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/28/movies/film-view-batman-returns-with-a-capeload-of-angst-and-ills.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22">{{cite web|first=Bernard |last=Weinraub |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/22/movies/batman-is-back-and-the-money-is-pouring-in.html|title=''Batman'' Is Back, And The Money Is Pouring In |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 22, 1992 | access-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-date=January 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116073446/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/22/movies/batman-is-back-and-the-money-is-pouring-in.html|url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesummerRetro">
*{{cite web|first=Bernard |last=Weinraub |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/06/movies/film-what-hollywood-learned-at-summer-school.html|title=Film; What Hollywood Learned At Summer School |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=September 6, 1992 | access-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526052725/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/06/movies/film-what-hollywood-learned-at-summer-school.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |page=1}}
*{{cite web|first=Bernard |last=Weinraub |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/06/movies/film-what-hollywood-learned-at-summer-school.html?pagewanted=2|title=Film; What Hollywood Learned At Summer School |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=September 6, 1992 | access-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526052725/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/06/movies/film-what-hollywood-learned-at-summer-school.html?pagewanted=2 |url-status=live |url-access=limited|page=2}}
</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesHomeVideoOct15">{{cite web|first=Peter M.|last=Nichols |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/15/news/home-video-344792.html |title=Home Video |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=October 15, 1992 | access-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526054746/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/15/news/home-video-344792.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesHomeVideoDec13">{{cite web|first=Peter M.|last=Nichols |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/03/movies/home-video-763092.html |title=Home Video |website=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 3, 1992 | access-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526052255/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/03/movies/home-video-763092.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimeschumachObit">{{cite web| first = Jason| last =Bailey | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/movies/joel-schumacher-batman.html | title =Don't Forget That Joel Schumacher Briefly Saved Batman| website= [[The New York Times]]| date = June 23, 2020 | access-date = July 17, 2022 | archive-date = April 18, 2022 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220418232405/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/movies/joel-schumacher-batman.html | url-status = live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesDisappointment">{{cite web| first = Pat H.| last =Broeske | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/18/movies/film-from-the-comics-to-a-screen-near-you.html | title =Don't Forget That Joel Schumacher Briefly Saved Batman| website= [[The New York Times]]| date = October 18, 1992| access-date = July 19, 2022 | archive-date = February 3, 2019 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20190203090713/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/18/movies/film-from-the-comics-to-a-screen-near-you.html | url-status = live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesAnti">{{cite web| first1 = Rebecca| last1 = Roiphe  | first2=Daniel| last2= Cooper | url =https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/02/opinion/batman-and-the-jewish-question.html| title =Batman and the Jewish Question | website= [[The New York Times]]| date = July 2, 1992| access-date = July 23, 2022 | archive-date = June 29, 2022 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085315/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/02/opinion/batman-and-the-jewish-question.html| url-status = live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="PattinsonLooper">{{cite web| first = Conner| last =Reilly | url =https://www.looper.com/789163/the-batman-movie-that-robert-pattinson-calls-a-masterpiece/ | title =The ''Batman'' Movie That Robert Pattinson Calls A 'Masterpiece' | website= [[Looper.com|Looper]]| date =March 5, 2022 | access-date =October 30, 2022| archive-date =September 28, 2022 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220928081324/https://www.looper.com/789163/the-batman-movie-that-robert-pattinson-calls-a-masterpiece/| url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="PattinsonSR">{{cite web| first = Adam| last = Bentz  | url =https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-movie-robert-pattinson-opinion/ | title =Robert Pattinson Still Finds Tim Burton's ''Batman Returns'' Disturbing | website= [[Screen Rant]]| date = March 3, 2022| access-date = October 30, 2022| archive-date = October 23, 2022 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20221023211802/https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-movie-robert-pattinson-opinion/| url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinIconicIndependent">{{cite web|first=Annabel |last=Nugent |title=Danny Devito Weighs In On Colin Farrell Playing His Iconic Penguin Role In ''The Batman'' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/danny-devito-colin-farrell-the-batman-penguin-character-advice-robert-pattinson-a9684946.html |website=[[The Independent]] |date=August 4, 2020 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723122914/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/danny-devito-colin-farrell-the-batman-penguin-character-advice-robert-pattinson-a9684946.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinIconicScreenRant">{{cite web|first=Hannah |last=Boyens |title=How Tim Burton Convinced Danny DeVito To Play The Penguin |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-tim-burton-convinced-danny-devito-play-penguin-explained/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=April 23, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723123024/https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-tim-burton-convinced-danny-devito-play-penguin-explained/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinIconicIGN">{{cite web|first= Logan |last=Plant |title=Batman: Danny DeVito Wants To Reunite With Tim Burton To Reprise His Role As Penguin |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/danny-devito-tim-burton-penguin |website=[[IGN]] |date=December 1, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723123058/https://www.ign.com/articles/danny-devito-tim-burton-penguin |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinIconicGameSpot">{{cite web|first=Eric |last=Frederiksen |title=Danny DeVito Loved Colin Farrell's Penguin, But Likes Tim Burton's Style More |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/danny-devito-loved-colin-farrells-penguin-but-likes-tim-burtons-style-more/1100-6502466/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=April 13, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022  |archive-url= https://archive.today/20220723123218/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/danny-devito-loved-colin-farrells-penguin-but-likes-tim-burtons-style-more/1100-6502466/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinIconicMovieWeb">{{cite web|first=Michael |last=Heiskell |title=Why Danny DeVito's Penguin Was the Best Live-Action Batman Villain |url=https://movieweb.com/danny-devito-penguin-best-villain/ |website=[[MovieWeb]] |date=June 23, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723123307/https://movieweb.com/danny-devito-penguin-best-villain/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinIconicMarySue">{{cite web|first= Rachel|last=Leishman |title=Danny Devito Is Writing A Penguin Comic! Good Things Exist!!! |url=https://www.themarysue.com/danny-devito-penguin-comic/ |website=[[The Mary Sue]] |date=August 16, 2021 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date= July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723123440/https://www.themarysue.com/danny-devito-penguin-comic/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinIconicCBR">{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Shuster |title=Danny Devito Wants To Revisit Penguin Alongside Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer And Tim Burton |url=https://www.cbr.com/batman-danny-devito-want-penguin-return-keaton-pfeiffer-burton/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=December 1, 2021 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723123538/https://www.cbr.com/batman-danny-devito-want-penguin-return-keaton-pfeiffer-burton/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinIconicFarOut">{{cite web|first=Swapnil Dhruv  |last=Bose |title=Danny Devito Comments On Colin Farrell's Penguin In ''The Batman'' |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/danny-devito-colin-farrell-the-batman/ |website=[[Far Out Magazine]] |date=April 15, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723123726/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/danny-devito-colin-farrell-the-batman/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinBestBatmanVilColli">{{cite web|first=Usama |last=Masood |title=11 Best Live-Action Batman Villains, Ranked |url=https://collider.com/best-live-action-batman-villains-ranked/|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=March 5, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723141649/https://collider.com/best-live-action-batman-villains-ranked/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinBestBatmanVilVariety">{{cite web|first=J. Kim |last=Murphy |title=Batman Live-Action Movie Villains, Ranked |url=https://variety.com/lists/batman-movie-villains-ranking/the-penguin-danny-devito/ |website=[[Variety (website)|Variety]] |date=March 2, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723141830/https://variety.com/lists/batman-movie-villains-ranking/talia-al-ghul-marion-cotillard/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PenguinBestBatmanVilGSpot">{{cite web|first=Chris E. |last=Hayner |title=Every Live-Action Batman Movie Villain, Ranked From Truly Awful To Iconic |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/every-live-action-batman-movie-villain-ranked-from-truly-awful-to-iconic/2900-3955/#21 |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=March 3, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220723142103/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/every-live-action-batman-movie-villain-ranked-from-truly-awful-to-iconic/2900-3955/%231 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Peta">{{cite web |title=Exposé: Inside A Major Animal Supplier To Film And TV Businesses |url=https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/expose-inside-major-animal-supplier-film-tv-businesses/ |website=[[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]] |date=January 11, 2017 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220711183949/https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/expose-inside-major-animal-supplier-film-tv-businesses/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PetaCSM">{{cite web |title=Animal-rights Group Protests Use Of Peguins In ''Batman Returns'' |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1992/0618/18122.html |website=[[The Christian Science Monitor]] |date=June 18, 1992 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220711184036/https://www.csmonitor.com/1992/0618/18122.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PolygonRetro">{{cite web|first=David |last=Grossman |url=https://www.polygon.com/22866802/michael-keaton-batman-returns-casting-the-flash-batgirl-dc |title=Michael Keaton Explains Why He Walked Away From ''Batman''|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=January 4, 2022 | access-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403222855/https://www.polygon.com/22866802/michael-keaton-batman-returns-casting-the-flash-batgirl-dc|url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="RedTriangleComics">{{cite web|first=Grace |last=Del Pizzo |title=Joker's Biggest Contradiction Is Officially Being Called Out By DC |url=https://screenrant.com/joker-not-real-clown-red-triangle-gang-circus/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630194747/https://screenrant.com/joker-not-real-clown-red-triangle-gang-circus/ |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RedTriangleComics2">{{cite web|first=Timothy |last=Donohoo |title=What The DC Debut Of ''Batman Returns''{{'}} Scariest Villains Means For Gotham City |url=https://www.cbr.com/red-triangle-circus-gang-first-appearance-robin-dc/|website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630122817/https://www.cbr.com/red-triangle-circus-gang-first-appearance-robin-dc/ |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ChristmasBook">{{cite web|title=Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve: The Illustrated Holiday Classic |url=https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Batman-Returns-One-Dark-Christmas-Eve/Ivan-Cohen/Batman/9781647227548 |website=[[Simon & Schuster]] |access-date=November 20, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="ReevesIGN">{{cite web| first = Jim| last=Vejvoda | url =https://in.ign.com/movie/146665/news/director-matt-reeves-reveals-the-two-batman-movies-he-loves-most| title =Director Matt Reeves Reveals the Two Batman Movies He Loves Most | website= [[IGN]]| date = April 9, 2020 | access-date = October 30, 2022| archive-date = April 8, 2022 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220408234843/https://in.ign.com/movie/146665/news/director-matt-reeves-reveals-the-two-batman-movies-he-loves-most | url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewEbert">{{cite web|first=Roger |last=Ebert |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=''Batman Returns'' |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/batman-returns-1992 |website=[[RogerEbert.com]] |date=June 19, 1992 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621051901/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/batman-returns-1992 |archive-date=June 21, 2022  |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewEmpire">{{cite web|first=Philip |last=Thomas |title=''Batman Returns'' Review|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/batman-returns-review/ |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |date=January 1, 2000 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609195120/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/batman-returns-review/ |archive-date=June 9, 2022  |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewEW">{{cite web|first=Owen |last=Glieberman |author-link=Owen Glieberman |title=''Batman Returns'' Review |url=https://ew.com/article/1992/06/26/batman-returns-3/ |website=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=June 26, 1992 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415074917/https://ew.com/article/1992/06/26/batman-returns-3/ |archive-date=April 15, 2022  |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewLATimesTuran">{{cite web|first=Kenneth |last=Turan |author-link=Kenneth Turan |title=Movie Review : The Roar Of The Cat, Whimper Of The Bat |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-19-ca-418-story.html|website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=June 19, 1992 |access-date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629085316/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-19-ca-418-story.html |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewEWBurr">{{cite web|last=Burr|first=Ty|author-link=Ty Burr |title=Video Review: ''Batman Returns''|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,312091,00.html|access-date=April 17, 2012|website=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=October 23, 1992|archive-date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718230237/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,312091,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewNYTMaslin">{{cite web| url = https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E0CEFDF1539F93AA25755C0A964958260 | title =Review/Film: ''Batman Returns''; A Sincere Bat, A Sexy Cat And A Bad Bird|website=[[The New York Times]] | first = Janet| last = Maslin| author-link = Janet Maslin | date = June 19, 1992 | access-date =November 17, 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120219175204/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E0CEFDF1539F93AA25755C0A964958260 |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewRSTravers">{{cite web| url = https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/5949279/review/5949280/batman_returns | title = ''Batman Returns'' | website= [[Rolling Stone]] | first = Peter| last = Travers| author-link = Peter Travers | date = February 7, 2001 | access-date =August 14, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071104160020/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/5949279/review/5949280/batman_returns |archive-date = November 4, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe">{{cite web| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/batmanreturnspg13howe_a07fbb.htm | title = ''Batman Returns'' | website= [[The Washington Post]] | first = Desson | last = Howe |author-link=Desson Howe | date = June 19, 1992 | access-date = August 14, 2008 | archive-date = November 7, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121107051455/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/batmanreturnspg13howe_a07fbb.htm | url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewReaderRosenbaum">{{cite web | first = Jonathan | last = Rosenbaum | author-link = Jonathan Rosenbaum | title = Batman | website= [[Chicago Reader]] | url = http://onfilm.chicagoreader.com/movies/capsules/771_BATMAN_RETURNS | date = June 19, 1992 | access-date = August 14, 2008 | archive-date = December 8, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081208081824/http://onfilm.chicagoreader.com/movies/capsules/771_BATMAN_RETURNS | url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewSiskel">{{cite web | first = Gene| last =Siskel | author-link =Gene Siskel | title =Offbeat ''Batman Returns'' Is A Freudian Fairy Tale| website= [[Chicago Tribune]] | url =https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-06-19-9202240337-story.html | date = June 19, 1992 | access-date = July 12, 2022 | archive-date = May 30, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190530210235/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-06-19-9202240337-story.html | url-status = dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewTribuneKehr">{{cite web | first = Dave| last =Kehr | author-link =Dave Kehr | title =Caped Fear| website= [[Chicago Tribune]] | url =https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-06-19-9202240323-story.html| date = June 19, 1992 | access-date = July 12, 2022 | archive-date =September 21, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190921151240/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-06-19-9202240323-story.html| url-status = dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewWaPoKempley">{{cite web | first = Rita| last =Kempley  | title =	''Batman Returns''| website= [[The Washington Post]] | url =https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/batmanreturnspg13kempley_a07fba.htm | date = June 19, 1992 | access-date = July 17, 2022 | archive-date =December 16, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031313/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/batmanreturnspg13kempley_a07fba.htm | url-status = dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewVarietyMcCarthy">{{cite web| url = https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117901465.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0 | title = ''Batman Returns'' |website= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | first = Todd| last = McCarthy | author-link=Todd McCarthy |date = June 15, 1992 | access-date =August 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008033852/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117901465.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0|archive-date=October 8, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="RollingStoneElfman">{{cite web| url =https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-tim-burton-and-danny-elfman-talk-batman-score-36871/ | title =Watch Tim Burton And Danny Elfman Talk ''Batman'' Score | website= [[Rolling Stone]] | first = Kory | last =Grow | date =October 27, 2015 | access-date =July 27, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210802042010/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-tim-burton-and-danny-elfman-talk-batman-score-36871/ |archive-date = August 2, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RottenTomatoesScore">{{cite web| url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_returns | title = ''Batman Returns'' |website= [[Rotten Tomatoes]] | access-date =July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603223153/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_returns |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ScreenRantReappraised">{{cite web|first=Brad |last=Curran |title=''Batman Returns'': Why Danny DeVito's Penguin Is Both The Best AND The Worst Version |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-danny-devito-penguin-good-bad-why/|website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=February 28, 2022 |access-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425163722/https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-danny-devito-penguin-good-bad-why/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ScreenRantBestBat20">{{cite web|first=Dusty |last=Stowe |title=Why ''Batman Returns'' Is Better Than Tim Burton's Original |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-1989-original-compared-better-reason/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=March 10, 2021 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701180127/https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-1989-original-compared-better-reason/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ScreenRantAnti">{{cite web|first=Nickalus |last=Rupert |title=''Batman Returns'' Controversy Explained: Was Penguin Anti-Semitic? |url=https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-controversy-antisemitism-penguin-accusation-explained/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=November 28, 2020 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331231628/https://screenrant.com/batman-returns-controversy-antisemitism-penguin-accusation-explained/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SMHerald">{{cite web|first=Garry |last=Maddox |title=Danny Elfman Presents His Tim Burton Movie Scores At Adelaide Festival |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/danny-elfman-presents-his-tim-burton-movie-scores-at-adelaide-festival-20141016-116qbg.html|website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=October 16, 2014 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018183803/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/danny-elfman-presents-his-tim-burton-movie-scores-at-adelaide-festival-20141016-116qbg.html |archive-date=October 18, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="StanWinstonPenguin">{{cite web |title=''Batman Returns'' - Creating The Penguin |url=https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/blog/batman-returns-the-penguin-danny-devito-makeup |website=[[Stan Winston Studio]] |date=November 13, 2015 |access-date=July 18, 2022 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20220718194524/https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/blog/batman-returns-the-penguin-danny-devito-makeup |archive-date=July 18, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="StanWinstonPenguinArmy">{{cite web |title=''Batman Returns'' - Creating The Penguin's Army Of Penguins |url=https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/blog/batman-returns-behind-the-scenes-stan-winston-studio-the-penguin-army-of-penguins|website=[[Stan Winston Studio]] |date=November 6, 2018 |access-date=July 18, 2022 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20220718200354/https://www.stanwinstonschool.com/blog/batman-returns-behind-the-scenes-stan-winston-studio-the-penguin-army-of-penguins |archive-date=July 18, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="TCM">{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/152602|title=''Batman Returns''|website=[[Turner Classic Movies]] |access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=March 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326143851/http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/152602%7C0/Batman-Returns.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="TheRinger2022">{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Nayman|title=The Grotesque Beauty Of ''Batman Returns''|url=https://www.theringer.com/movies/2022/2/28/22950929/batman-returns-best-superhero-movie-tim-burton-michael-keaton |website=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] |date=February 28, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503200231/https://www.theringer.com/movies/2022/2/28/22950929/batman-returns-best-superhero-movie-tim-burton-michael-keaton |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="THRReturnsat25">{{cite web|first=Byron |last=Burton |title=''Batman Returns'' At 25: Stars Reveal Script Cuts, Freezing Sets And Aggressive Penguins |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/batman-returns-at-25-stars-reveal-script-cuts-freezing-sets-aggressive-penguins-1013942/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=June 19, 2017 |access-date=June 27, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624084018/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/batman-returns-at-25-stars-reveal-script-cuts-freezing-sets-aggressive-penguins-1013942/ |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="THRWuhl">{{cite web|first=Byron |last=Burton |title=The Battle To Make Tim Burton's ''Batman'' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/batman-michael-keaton-vetoed-michelle-pfeiffer-role-1989-film-1220139/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=June 21, 2019 |access-date=July 2, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613125803/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/batman-michael-keaton-vetoed-michelle-pfeiffer-role-1989-film-1220139/ |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="TheWrapSequels">{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Chitwood |title=Michael Keaton Explains Why He Didn't Return for ''Batman Forever''|url=https://www.thewrap.com/why-michael-keaton-didnt-return-for-batman-forever/ |website=[[TheWrap]] |date=January 4, 2022 |access-date=July 17, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312203450/https://www.thewrap.com/why-michael-keaton-didnt-return-for-batman-forever/|archive-date=March 12, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VarietyBestof50">{{cite web|first=Clayton|last=Davis|title=50 Best Superhero Movie Performances Of The Last 50 Years, From Ben Affleck To Zendaya |url=https://variety.com/lists/best-superhero-movies-performances-ranked/heath-ledger-the-dark-knight-2008-2/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date= July 19, 2022|access-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-date=September 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220902212041/https://variety.com/lists/best-superhero-movies-performances-ranked/michael-pena-ant-man-2015/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VarietyCatwoman2">{{cite web| first = Michael | last = Fleming | url = https://variety.com/1994/voices/columns/seagal-on-the-pulpit-may-be-too-much-for-wb-117395/ | title = Seagal on the pulpit may be too much for WB | website= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = January 13, 1994 | access-date = August 14, 2008 | archive-date = October 24, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121024095640/http://www.variety.com/article/VR117395 | url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="VarietyCatwoman">{{cite web| first = Michael | last = Fleming | url = https://variety.com/1993/voices/columns/another-life-at-wb-for-catwoman-and-burton-109036/ | title = Another Life At WB For ''Catwoman'' And Burton? |website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = July 22, 1993 | access-date = August 14, 2008 | archive-date = October 24, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121024095605/http://www.variety.com/article/VR109036 | url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="VarietyNosferatu">{{cite web |title=''Batman Returns'' |url=https://variety.com/1992/film/reviews/batman-returns-1200430018/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=June 15, 1992|access-date=July 2, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402140515/https://variety.com/1992/film/reviews/batman-returns-1200430018/ |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VentureBeatVideoGame">{{cite web|first=Jeff |last=Grubb |title= A Quick History Of ''Batman'' In Video Games|url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/07/21/batman-in-video-games/ |website=[[VentureBeat]] |date=July 21, 2012 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220711184148/https://venturebeat.com/2012/07/21/batman-in-video-games/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Vulture2017">{{cite web |first=Angelica Jade |last=Bastién |author-link=Angelica Jade Bastién |title=25 Years Later, Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman Is Still the Best Superhero Movie Villain |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-batman-returns-is-still-the-best-villain.html|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=June 26, 2017 |access-date=June 30, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625223952/https://www.vulture.com/2017/06/michelle-pfeiffer-catwoman-batman-returns-is-still-the-best-villain.html |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="VultureWaters">{{cite web|first1=Dan |last1=Reilly |first2=Vikram |last2=Murthi |title=The Hardest Sequel I Ever Wrote The Writers Behind ''Blade Runner 2049'', ''Batman Returns'', The ''John Wick'' Sequels, And More On Their Toughest Franchise Gigs. |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/hardest-sequel-i-ever-wrote.html|website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702150304/https://www.vulture.com/article/hardest-sequel-i-ever-wrote.html |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="WAPOBO">{{cite web|first=Steve |last=Pond |title=Chris Coppola, In Uncle's Footsteps|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/07/17/chris-coppola-in-uncles-footsteps/87fbc4ea-a24b-492b-9d52-3d57b7e61652/ |website=[[The Washington Post]] |date=July 17, 1992 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20220707121809/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/07/17/chris-coppola-in-uncles-footsteps/87fbc4ea-a24b-492b-9d52-3d57b7e61652/ |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="WAPOCrit">{{cite web|first=Donna |last=Britt |title=As ''Batman Returns'', Parents Cringe Again|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1992/06/19/as-batman-returns-parents-cringe-again/e151bb5d-0beb-41e8-aab7-515370fa81e8/ |website=[[The Washington Post]] |date=June 19, 1992 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20220707122714/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1992/06/19/as-batman-returns-parents-cringe-again/e151bb5d-0beb-41e8-aab7-515370fa81e8/ |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="WAPOLawsuit">{{cite web|first=Kim |last=Masters |title=Holy Lawsuit, ''Batman''!|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/03/27/holy-lawsuit-batman/618f302a-4ec5-4a9d-a413-e94d2b98ced5/ |website=[[The Washington Post]] |date=March 27, 1992 |access-date=July 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20220707121511/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/03/27/holy-lawsuit-batman/618f302a-4ec5-4a9d-a413-e94d2b98ced5/ |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="XmasVariety">{{cite web| first1 = Emily | last1 = Longeretta | first2 = William | last2 = Earl | first3 = Jordan | last3 = Moreau | first4 = J.  | last4 = Kim Murphy | first5 = Pat | last5 = Saperstein | first6 = Ethan | last6 = Shanfeld | first7 = Ellise | last7 = Shafer | first8 = Katcy | last8 = Stephan | first9 = Meredith | last9 = Woerner | first10 = Michaela | last10 = Zee | url =https://variety.com/lists/best-christmas-movies/batman-returns-1992/ | title =The 40 Best Christmas Movies Of All Time |website = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = November 17, 2023 | access-date = November 18, 2023 | archive-date = November 18, 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231118082109/https://variety.com/lists/best-christmas-movies/ | url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="XmasEmpire">{{cite web | first=Helen |last=O'Hara | url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/empire-30-best-christmas-movies/ |title=The 30 Best Christmas Movies |website= [[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]] |date=December 22, 2016 |access-date=July 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129111706/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/empire-30-best-christmas-movies/|archive-date=January 29, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LastingRTXmas">{{cite web|title=The 55 Best Christmas Movies Of All Time |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-christmas-movies/ |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]  |access-date=July 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117181751/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-christmas-movies/ |archive-date=January 17, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="XmasCountry">{{cite web |first=Taysha |last=Murtaugh | url=https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g5034/top-christmas-movies/?slide=36|title=70 Best Christmas Movies To Binge-Watch This Holiday Season |website= [[Country Living]] |date=December 24, 2019 |access-date=July 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200721174819/https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g5034/top-christmas-movies/?slide=36 |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="XmasTimeOut2019">{{cite web|title=The 50 Best Christmas movies |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-50-best-christmas-movies |website=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] |date=October 22, 2019 |access-date=July 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622121248/https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-50-best-christmas-movies |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="XmasTimeOut2023">{{cite web |first=Andy |last=Kryza |title=The 50 Best Christmas Movies Of All Time |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-50-best-christmas-movies |website=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] |date=October 17, 2023 |access-date=July 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523010621/https://www.timeout.com/film/the-50-best-christmas-movies |archive-date=May 23, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="XmasTelegraph">{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/best-christmas-movies-watch-top-films-elf-home-alone-die-hard/batman/ |title=The 25 Best Christmas Movies, From ''Love Actually'' To ''The Muppets Christmas Carol'' |website= [[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=December 24, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226055030/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/best-christmas-movies-watch-top-films-elf-home-alone-die-hard/batman/ |archive-date=December 26, 2019  |url-status=dead}}</ref>

}}

===Works cited===
*{{cite magazine| first=Tim |last=Fennell |date=August 1992| title=Schwing! |magazine= [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]| page= 40  |location=[[London]] <!-- readable text https://www.gorgeouspfeiffer.com/blog/exclusive-on-location-with-the-bat-the-cat-and-the-pengiun-august-1992/ -->}}
*{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|page=37|date=July 20, 1992|title=''Batman'' Awesome; ''Lethal 3'' lively|last=Groves|first=Don |ref={{sfnref|Groves, A|1992}}|location=[[Los Angeles]], California}}
*{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|pages=2–3|date=July 20, 1992|title=Biggest Opening In U.K. History (advertisement)|ref={{sfnref|Groves, B|1992}}|location=[[Los Angeles]], California}}
*{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Daily Variety]]|date=July 20, 1992|page=14|last=Groves|first=Don|title=Warners, UIP Releases Heat Up Euro Box Office|ref={{sfnref|Groves, C|1992}} |location=[[Los Angeles]], California}}
*{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|page=18|date=August 2, 1993|title=''Park'' Keeps Stomping On World B.O.|last=Groves|first=Don|location=[[Los Angeles]], California}}
*{{cite magazine|last=Jones |first=Alan |title=Batman |url=https://archive.org/details/cinefantastique_1970-2002/Cinefantastique%20Vol%2020%20No%201-2%20%28Nov%201989%29/page/n61/mode/2up?view=theater |date= November 1989 | magazine=[[Cinefantastique]] |publisher=Fourth Castle Micromedia |location=[[Forest Park, Illinois]]  | access-date=July 2, 2022 |pages=48–63 |volume=20 |number=1–2}}
*{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Daily Variety]]|date=July 14, 1992|page=20|last=McBride|first=Joseph|title=Socko Batsequel Rolls To Record B.O. In U.K.|location=[[Los Angeles]], California}}
*{{cite magazine| first=Jeffrey |last=Resner |date=August 1992| title=Three Go Mad in Gotham |magazine= [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]| pages= 39–46  |location=[[London]] <!-- readable text https://www.gorgeouspfeiffer.com/blog/exclusive-on-location-with-the-bat-the-cat-and-the-pengiun-august-1992/ -->}}
*{{cite book | first1=Mark| last1=Salisbury |first2=Tim|last2=Burton|author2-link=Tim Burton | title =Burton on Burton | publisher =[[Faber and Faber]] |location=[[London]] | year =2006 | pages =102–114 | isbn = 0-571-22926-3|chapter = Batman Returns}}
* {{cite magazine| last=Shapiro | first=Marc |date=July 1992 |title=Darker Knights When Batman Returns |pages=30–33 |issue=114|magazine=[[Fangoria]] |publisher=Fangoria Publishing, LLC|location=[[Atlanta, Georgia]]}}
*{{cite magazine|last=White |first=Taylor L.|title=Batman Returns |url=https://archive.org/details/cinefantastique_1970-2002/Cinefantastique%20Vol%2023%20No%201%20%28Aug%201992%29/page/n7/mode/2up |date=August 1992| magazine=[[Cinefantastique]] |publisher=Fourth Castle Micromedia |location=[[Forest Park, Illinois]]  | access-date=July 3, 2022 |pages=8–11 |volume=23 |number=1}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/batman-returns/}} (Warner Bros.)
* {{Official website|http://www.dccomics.com/movies/batman-returns-1992}} (DC Comics)
* {{IMDb title|0103776|Batman Returns}}
* {{TCMDb title|68181|Batman Returns}}

{{Tim Burton's/Joel Schumacher's Batman}}
{{Batman in popular media}}
{{Batman in film}}
{{DC Comics films}}
{{Tim Burton}}
{{Catwoman}}
{{Subject bar|portal1=1990s|portal2=Film |portal3=United States|portal4=Speculative fiction|commons=yes|n=no|wikt=no|q=no|d=no|voy=no|d-search=Q189054}}
{{Authority control}}

<!--[[WP:FILMCAT]]-->
<!--Year categories-->

[[Category:1992 films]]
[[Category:1990s Christmas films]]
[[Category:1990s political satire films]]
[[Category:1990s superhero films]]
<!--Primary grouping categories-->
[[Category:Batman (1989 film series)]]
<!--Nationality/language categories-->
<!--Genre categories-->
[[Category:American Christmas films]]
[[Category:American films about revenge]]
[[Category:American neo-noir films]]
[[Category:American political satire films]]
[[Category:American sequel films]]
[[Category:American superhero films]]
<!--Additional categories-->
[[Category:Catwoman in other media]]
[[Category:Films about elections]]
[[Category:Films adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Films directed by Tim Burton]]
[[Category:Films produced by Denise Di Novi]]
[[Category:Films produced by Tim Burton]]
[[Category:Films scored by Danny Elfman]]
[[Category:Films set in zoos]]
[[Category:Films shot at Pinewood Studios]]
[[Category:Films shot in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Daniel Waters (screenwriter)]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Sam Hamm]]
[[Category:Penguin (character) in other media]]
[[Category:Saturn Award–winning films]]
<!--Company categories-->
[[Category:PolyGram Filmed Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:1990s English-language films]]
[[Category:1990s American films]]
[[Category:Rating controversies in film]]
[[Category:English-language action films]]
[[Category:English-language Christmas films]]