A longer, darker, and more psychologically intense version of Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever has been making waves recently. Clocking in at 170 minutes, this alternate cut is said to delve deeper into Bruce Wayne's childhood trauma and mental state, bringing a more serious tone to the film. Despite the excitement around this version, Warner Bros. seems hesitant to release it, with concerns that there may not be enough demand for it. It's a shame, as fans are eager to see this version and explore the depths of the Dark Knight's psyche.
On a recent episode of Fatman Beyond, Kevin Smith revealed that he has obtained the Schumacher cut of Batman Forever and plans to discuss it with his co-host on their June 19th show. Smith joked that the director's cut is even longer than the theatrical version, with the introduction of Two-Face at the bank not happening until 15 minutes in. He also praised the quality of the copy, calling it "crazy good." While there is no confirmation of a public release for the Schumacher cut, Smith has been engaging with the RTSchumacherCut Twitter account and their campaign for its release on June 16th.
Fans of Batman Forever have been advocating for the release of the Schumacher cut, which could offer a unique take on the character compared to Tim Burton's films. However, it remains unclear if Smith's announcement will lead to a worldwide release or if Warner Bros. Discovery will use this as a chance to gauge audience interest. This news comes after the studio's decision to cancel the Batgirl movie, which drew criticism from Smith. The cancelation of Batgirl has cast a negative light on the studio and its decision-making process.
The release of the Schumacher cut could be seen as a strategic move by the studio to repair its reputation and fill the content gap during the writers' strike. This action could serve as a positive step towards making amends for past mistakes. It would be wise for the studio to follow up with the release of David Ayer's Suicide Squad. Fans should continue to support the trending campaign on June 19th during Smith's show, as it could have a significant impact on the future of the Schumacher cut. With the release of Batman Forever on Max, there is a possibility that the true cut may finally be unveiled.
Source: Fatman Beyond