George Clooney, known for starring in both acclaimed and popular films, recently spoke again about his longstanding regret regarding his role in the film Batman & Robin. While promoting his latest movie, Clooney openly reflected on his feelings about his Batman career regret, underlining how the experience continues to shadow his impressive career decades later.
Despite Hollywood’s constant evolution, George Clooney remains a prominent movie star, earning critical recognition for films like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Burn After Reading, and Ocean’s Eleven. Yet, some roles proved less successful, with none standing out more than his performance in the 1997 film Batman & Robin, a decision for which the actor continues to express public remorse. Clooney’s regret was once again on display during a recent MovieWeb interview as he promoted Jay Kelly—his new film that debuted in selected theaters on November 14 and is set to stream on Netflix from December 5. The conversation naturally returned to Batman & Robin, a film Clooney described as the greatest career choice he wishes he could undo. When asked which point in his career he desired a second chance to revisit, he responded candidly, wishing he could have declined the infamous superhero script.
Clooney’s Lingering Regret and Family Reactions
Clooney’s discomfort over Batman & Robin even affects his family interactions. As he revealed,
“My son actually dressed as Batman for Halloween,”
Clooney said, continuing,
“He hasn’t seen the movie. I said, ‘You know, I was Batman.’ He’s like, ‘Not really.’ I was like, ‘You have no idea how right you are.’”
—George Clooney, Actor
These anecdotes highlight how the film’s reputation has shaped not just Clooney’s career, but also playful moments within his own family.
The Film’s Reception and Unusual Cult Status
Batman & Robin struggled both with critics and the public after its 1997 release. Directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Akiva Goldsman, the film featured an ensemble cast including Chris O’Donnell, Uma Thurman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alicia Silverstone, and Michael Gough. Earning around $238 million at the global box office against a $160 million budget, its commercial performance was underwhelming, worsened by a low Rotten Tomatoes score of 11% and an equally disappointing 16% audience rating.
Despite its widespread criticism, Batman & Robin has, over time, developed a cult following. While many concede its flaws, some fans appreciate it as part of the so-bad-it’s-good canon, likening its appeal to films by Neil Breen or the infamous The Room. Among the movie’s unexpected fans are notable figures in Hollywood, including actors connected to the Batman franchise itself.
Robert Pattinson’s Connection to Clooney’s Batman
During the casting process for Matt Reeves’ The Batman, Robert Pattinson—chosen for the role—was given the opportunity to try on previous Batman masks, including that of Clooney. Pattinson humorously noted that Clooney’s Batman mask smelled the best of them all. When this was mentioned to Clooney in his recent interview, he responded in his signature sarcastic tone:
“Oh, you see, I have a good-smelling Bat-cowl, and I have great rubber nipples too.”—George Clooney, Actor
This self-deprecating humor demonstrates Clooney’s ability to acknowledge and even laugh at his widely criticized entry in the Batman series, a sentiment that continues to be echoed in fan discussions and entertainment news.
Main Cast Members of Batman & Robin
George Clooney led the cast of Batman & Robin alongside Chris O’Donnell, with notable performances from Uma Thurman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alicia Silverstone, and Michael Gough. Joel Schumacher directed the film, and Akiva Goldsman contributed as its screenwriter.
As George Clooney’s Batman career regret continues to surface in interviews and pop culture, the impact of Batman & Robin on his legacy remains palpable. Even with the ongoing success of newer Batman films and the emergence of actors like Robert Pattinson under Matt Reeves’ direction, the discussion surrounding Clooney’s time in the batsuit shows no sign of fading, ensuring that this chapter of Hollywood history remains both a cautionary tale and a subject of humor and fascination for fans and critics alike.
