Unveiling the Untold: Jaw-Dropping Art Depicting Robin Williams as The Riddler in Lost Batman Film

Summary

Batman Forever could have had Robin Williams as the Riddler, and fan art imagines what that casting could have looked like.

Williams was initially offered the role of the Joker in Batman (1989), but Jack Nicholson ended up taking it, leaving Williams feeling frustrated. Later on, Williams was set to portray the Riddler in Batman Forever but eventually departed from the project due to a disagreement with director Joel Schumacher.

Batman Forever nearly featured Robin Williams as the Riddler, and a fan art series now showcases how that missed opportunity could have appeared in the DC Universe. Jim Carrey ultimately portrayed the Riddler in Batman Forever, a role that was initially considered for Williams. In light of the Riddler's recent return to live-action Batman films with Paul Dano as Edward Nashton in The Batman, a collection of fan portraits has emerged, envisioning DC's unrealized casting. Instagram user @buffy2ville has shared this series of fan art, offering a glimpse of what Williams could have looked like as the Riddler.

Williams' exceptional comedic talent and skillful portrayal of both humor and deep emotions would have made him an exceptional choice for the role of the Riddler. His casting in Batman Forever had the potential to greatly alter the dynamic of the film, but unfortunately, it did not come to fruition.

Why Robin Williams Left Batman Forever And Didn't Play The Riddler

Before Riddler and Williams crossed paths, the renowned comedian made efforts to secure the role of the Joker alongside Michael Keaton's Bruce Wayne in Batman (1989). It is said that Warner Bros. offered Williams the part after their original choice, Jack Nicholson, initially declined. However, upon learning of the studio's offer to Williams, Nicholson ultimately chose to portray the Joker, leaving Williams feeling frustrated.

The actor was later set to play another Batman villain, the Riddler, in director Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever, starring alongside Val Kilmer as Bruce Wayne. However, this collaboration did not work out, even though the movie's writer, Akiva Goldsman, mentioned that he went to the actor's home to brainstorm ideas for Williams' portrayal of the Riddler. Goldsman described the day of work as productive and Williams as "so kind."

Goldsman also explained why Williams ultimately chose not to continue with the role of the Riddler, despite being a perfect fit for the character. According to Goldsman, "Ultimately, he and Joel didn’t see eye to eye." Unfortunately, this disagreement between Williams and Schumacher resulted in the loss of an exciting comic book movie casting. Fans can only imagine what could have been if Williams had continued to play the Riddler in Batman Forever.

Source: @buffy2ville/Instagram