Michael Keaton has gone down in history as one of the most perfect and enigmatic portrayals of Batman the world has ever seen. With Tim Burton’s Batman being a success in 1989, it seemed a no-brainer that he and Michael Keaton had to return for Batman Returns in 1992. Still, all that had to be decided was who else would be a part of the movie. Although we all thought the movie was perfect, Michael Keaton wanted anyone but Michelle Pfeiffer to be Catwoman, and we found out why.

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Batman Returns was not only one of the best portrayals of Batman, continuing with Tim Burton’s grungy Gotham City, but it also showed the world one of the most stunning and iconic versions of Selina Kyle, Gotham’s Catwoman, that has ever graced the big screen. With her stunning costume covered in white stitching, Tim Burton’s version is still a fan favourite with cosplayers worldwide.

When Tim Burton returned to the set, he and Warner Bros. quickly decided that if they wanted the return of the Bat to be unique, they needed to bring some of the other notable characters from the comic books to the stage. It was easy to decide that Danny DeVito would be the movie’s main villain, Oswald Cobblepot, otherwise known as the Penguin, but Tim Burton wanted a Catwoman.

We all know that Batman’s love life in the comics isn’t exactly smooth sailing, but little did we know that real life would imitate art. Burton had some options for who he wanted to be the film’s love interest, and it became increasingly clear that there was only one person for the job other than Michelle Pfeiffer. However, we know that she was cast.

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Many people were utterly captivated by the magnetic chemistry between Michael Keaton and Michelle Pfeiffer in Batman Returns. Their playful, intimate banter was fantastic, so why on earth would Michael Keaton not want her to be a part of the movie?

As it turns out, Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Keaton had been involved in a romantic relationship before the plan for a sequel came about. Actor Robert Wuhl shared a little of what he knew about the situation, discussing how tense the possibility of Michelle Pfeiffer being a part of the movie really was for Michael Keaton, as well as the fact that he and the producer John Peters almost got physical over the decision to include her.

To put a little fly in the ointment, Michael Keaton and Michelle Pfeiffer had previously dated and broke up. At the time, Michael told me he was trying to get back with his ex-wife. Keaton was firmly, and underlined firmly, against the casting of Pfeiffer.

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Despite the two having split up on apparently amicable terms and the fantastic result, Keaton was not only worried about how awkward things could possibly be on set. Still, he was worried about preserving his relationship with his ex-wife.

Did you know that Batman Returns stars Michael Keaton and Michelle Pfeiffer dated?

Truth: Michael Keaton Didn’t Want Michelle Pfeiffer As Batman Returns’ Catwoman Written by Megan Oosthuizen for Fortress of Solitude