Matt Reeves “The Batman” wasn’t just a damn good movie that designed an alternate Batman with a melancholic Robert Pattinson. The work also reintroduces some of the best DC villains that have been sidelined in recent years due to the Joker’s immense presence. Paul Dano slipped into the role of the Riddler, updating Jim Carrey’s hyper-childish adaptation in Batman Forever. Colin Farrell, meanwhile, underwent a transformation into bulbous penguin through amazing performances in makeup. He’s following in big footsteps: Danny DeVito’s performance of “Batman Returns” is considered legendary.
From today’s perspective, he seems like the dream cast and it’s hard to imagine Tim Burton would have considered anyone else first. As so often in the film world, there were disagreements and discussions about the role of the penguin. Burton had a very specific idea of who would play Oswald Cobblepot aka the Penguin.
Don Corleone in the sewer!?
According to Burton originally wanted none other than Marlon Brando to waddle through Gotham City’s sewers. “The Godfather” star, of course, would have been a cinematic heavyweight. In a mafia role that is that of the penguin in the broadest sense, one couldn’t help but think back to Brando’s performance as Don Corleone. That was too much of a risk. Bob Kane, who created the Batman character as a draftsman, intervened. He strongly opposed it, fearing that casting Brando would overshadow the Penguin’s actual story.
Warner Bros. agreed and suggested casting Dustin Hofman. Christopher Lloyd was also talking next to him. In the end, Danny DeVito prevailed and shaped the character forever. With him, Burton managed to get the best cast possible. But let’s be honest: it would have been really interesting to see how Marlon Brando would have performed as the penguin.
In an interview with the cult director was asked if Brando was ever seriously considered. Burton laughed and replied: “No. I also wanted Sammy Davis Jr. to play Beetlejuice. Sometimes my ideas don’t mesh well with studios. But hey, you try.” We hope Burton keeps trying. Even though not every cast is created, it is always interesting to know what preferences directors have.