Editing Batman Returns (section)

===Development===
[[File:Tim Burton Frankenweenie 2012 3.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|alt=A smiling Tim Burton, dressed in black|Director [[Tim Burton]] (in 2012)]]
Following the success of ''[[Batman (1989 film)|Batman]]'' (1989), which became the fifth-highest-grossing film of its time, a sequel was considered inevitable. [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] was confident in its potential, with discussions about a follow-up beginning by late 1989 and plans to start filming in May of the next year.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFICatalog"/>{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="NYTimesBOAnalJune22"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>}} The studio wanted [[Robin Williams]] and Danny DeVito to play the rogues [[Riddler]] and Penguin, respectively,{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}} and had also invested $2{{nbsp}}million in acquiring the Gotham City sets at [[Pinewood Studios]] in England, intending to use them for at least two more sequels. These sets were kept under 24-hour surveillance as it was more cost-effective to maintain them than to build new ones.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}} Despite pressure from Warner Bros. to finalize a script and begin production, director [[Tim Burton]] was hesitant about returning for a sequel.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/>{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> He called the idea "dumbfounded," particularly before analyzing the performance of the first film.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> Burton was generally skeptical of sequels, believing they were only worthwhile if they offered a chance to explore something new and different.{{sfn|Jones|1989|p=62}}<ref name="TCM"/>

''Batman'' writer [[Sam Hamm]]'s initial story idea expanded the character of district attorney [[Harvey Dent]], played in ''Batman'' by [[Billy Dee Williams]], and his descent into the supervillain [[Two-Face]]. Warner Bros. wanted the main villain to be the Penguin, however, whom Hamm believed the studio saw as Batman's most prominent enemy after the [[Joker (character)|Joker]]. Catwoman was added because Burton and Hamm were interested in the character.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> Hamm's drafts continued directly from ''Batman'', focusing on the relationship between Wayne and Vicki Vale ([[Kim Basinger]]) and their engagement.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The Penguin was written as an avian-themed criminal who uses birds as weapons; Catwoman was more overtly sexualised, wore "bondage" gear, and nonchalantly murdered groups of men.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The main narrative teamed Penguin and Catwoman to frame Batman for the murders of Gotham's wealthiest citizens in their pursuit of a secret treasure. Their quest leads them to Wayne Manor, and reveals the Waynes's secret history. Among other things, Hamm originated the Christmastime setting and introduced [[Robin (character)|Robin]], Batman's sidekick, although his idea for [[assault rifle]]-wielding [[Santa Claus|Santa]]s was abandoned. Hamm ensured that Batman did not kill anyone and focused on protecting Gotham's homeless.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/> The two drafts produced by Hamm failed to renew Burton's interest,<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/> and Burton concentrated on directing ''[[Edward Scissorhands]]'' (1990) and writing ''[[The Nightmare Before Christmas]]'' (1993) instead.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/>

Burton was confirmed to direct the sequel in January 1991, with filming scheduled to begin later that year for a 1992 release date.<ref name="LAtimesJan1991"/> He agreed to return in exchange for creative control on the sequel; Burton considered ''Batman'' the least favorite of his films, describing it as occasionally boring.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/><ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}} According to [[Denise Di Novi]], his long-time producer, "Only about 50% of ''Batman'' was [Burton]"; the studio wanted ''Batman Returns'' to be "more of a Tim Burton movie{{nbsp}}... [a] weirder movie but also more hip and fun."{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}}

Burton replaced key ''Batman'' crew with some of his former collaborators, including cinematographer [[Stefan Czapsky]], production designer [[Bo Welch]], creature-effects supervisor [[Stan Winston]], makeup artist [[Ve Neill]], and art directors Tom Duffield and Rick Henrichs.{{sfn|White|1992|p=10}} [[Daniel Waters (screenwriter)|Daniel Waters]] was hired to replace Hamm because Burton wanted someone with no emotional attachment to ''Batman'' and liked Waters's script for the dark comedy ''[[Heathers]]'' (1988), which matched Burton's intended tone and creative direction.<ref name="DOGBatmanRetro"/><ref name="TCM"/>{{sfn|White|1992|p=8}} Burton reportedly disliked ''Batman'' producer [[Jon Peters]], demoted him to executive producer of ''Batman Returns'', and effectively barred him from the set.<ref name="TheRinger2022"/> Warner Bros. was the production company and distributor, with production assistance from executive producer [[Peter Guber]]'s and Peters's [[Polygram Pictures]].<ref name="BFIBatmanReturns"/><ref name="LATimesPolygram"/>
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