I Still Can’t Believe Robin Williams Was Almost Cast As Two Major Batman Movie Villains

I’m still devastated that the legendary Robin Williams lost out on playing two major Batman villains. Robin Williams was one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and drama in a way few performers could. His boundless energy, quick wit, and deeply emotional performances made him an audience favorite. Given his incredible talent, it’s no surprise that he was almost cast as a major villain in two different DC films. However, despite his enthusiasm and apparent suitability for the roles, Williams was ultimately pᴀssed over.

Robin Williams had been lobbying for a superhero role for years, and Batman was at the top of his wish list. He was a longtime fan of the character and frequently expressed interest in playing a Gotham City villain in the DCU timeline. Throughout his career, he demonstrated the kind of range that could bring both menace and humor to a supervillain role. However, Hollywood’s complex casting politics repeatedly left him on the sidelines.

Robin Williams Would Have Made Perfect Sense As A Batman Villain Casting

Robin Williams had a larger-than-life presence that would have been perfect for a Batman villain. Many of his comedic roles, such as those in Aladdin and Mrs. Doubtfire, showcased his ability to shift between manic energy and deep sincerity in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, his dramatic turns in One Hour PH๏τo and Insomnia proved he could be truly terrifying when he wanted to be.

The best Batman villains tend to balance theatricality with an undercurrent of darkness, and Williams could have embodied that balance effortlessly. His rapid-fire delivery and ability to slip into different personas would have made him a particularly compelling villain, with his knack for unsettling performances adding a sinister undercurrent. His unique mix of warmth and chaos would have made any interpretation of a Batman villain unforgettable.

Robin Williams Came Close To 2 Major Batman Movie Villain Roles


Jack Nicholson as the Joker in Batman 1989 laughing

Williams was not just a fan-favorite suggestion for Batman villains – he was actively considered for two major roles. In the late 1980s, Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) was searching for its Joker, and Williams was one of the actors Warner Bros. pursued. However, it turned out he was being used as leverage to pressure Jack Nicholson into signing on. When Nicholson finally agreed, Williams was unceremoniously dropped from consideration (via Scraps from the Loft).

Years later, Williams was once again in the running – this time for The Riddler in Batman Forever (1995). Given his natural inclination for zany, high-energy performances, he seemed like a perfect fit. However, Warner Bros. ultimately chose Jim Carrey, likely due to his rising stardom at the time. Once again, Williams was left disappointed, denied the chance to bring his own spin to Gotham’s rogues’ gallery (via Far Out Magazine). Reflecting on this process, Williams commented:

“The Batman films have screwed me twice before. Years ago they offered me The Joker and then gave it to Jack Nicholson, then they offered me The Riddler and gave it to Jim Carrey. I’d be like, ‘Okay, is this a real offer? If it is, then the answer is yes. Don’t pump me again, motherҒUCҜers.’”

Williams’ near-miss with these roles remains one of the biggest “what ifs” in superhero movie history. His ability to blend humor with darkness would have made him an unforgettable Batman villain. Yet, Hollywood politics and timing never aligned in his favor.

Source: Scraps from the Loft & Far Out Magazine

Upcoming DC Movie Releases




  • Superman (2025) Official Poster

    Superman

    Release Date

    July 11, 2025








  • Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow Poster

    Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

    Release Date

    June 26, 2026








  • The Batman 2 temp poster

    The Batman Part II

    Release Date

    October 1, 2027





Related Posts

Ice Cube’s Cult Favorite Comedy Franchise Dominating Netflix Charts As Its Final Movie Remains In Development Hell

Ice Cube’s Cult Favorite Comedy Franchise Dominating Netflix Charts As Its Final Movie Remains In Development Hell

A cult classic comedy franchise starring Ice Cube has multiple installments trending on streaming three decades after the premiere of the first movie. Ice Cube is best…

The Scary Movies Were Hit Or Miss, But I’m So Excited For Scary Movie 6 For One Specific Reason

The Scary Movies Were Hit Or Miss, But I’m So Excited For Scary Movie 6 For One Specific Reason

While the Scary Movie franchise was never well-received by critics, it became a fan favorite and isn’t done parodying the latest horror films just yet. The cult-favorite…

I’ve Rewatched All Matrix Movies, And It’s So Obvious Why The Franchise’s Worst Movie Doesn’t Work

I’ve Rewatched All Matrix Movies, And It’s So Obvious Why The Franchise’s Worst Movie Doesn’t Work

After rewatching all the movies in The Matrix franchise, it’s clear why the worst film is as bad as it is in comparison. In the ranking of…

Lilo & Sтιтch Trailer Hits Major Live-Action Milestone For Disney In Just 24 Hours

Lilo & Sтιтch Trailer Hits Major Live-Action Milestone For Disney In Just 24 Hours

After a tricky road to get off the ground, the Lilo & Sтιтch trailer has hit a major milestone that could prove beneficial for its box office…

10 Great Movies To Stream While You Wait For Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Remake

10 Great Movies To Stream While You Wait For Edgar Wright’s The Running Man Remake

Stephen King wrote The Running Man in 1982 under his pseudonym at the time, Richard Bachman. It’s set in a dystopian United States in the year 2025,…

The Electric State Ending & Christopher’s Fate Explained By Director & Millie Bobby Brown

The Electric State Ending & Christopher’s Fate Explained By Director & Millie Bobby Brown

This article contains spoilers for The Electric State.The Electric State star and director break down the stunning ending and Christopher’s fate. Based on Simon Stålenhag’s acclaimed story,…