338. Batman Executive Producer Michael Uslan (Part 1 of 2)

The story of this special guest is so incredible he must tell it to believe it. Michael Uslan worked for DC Comics in the 1970s. In 1979, he and his business partner bought the film and TV rights to Batman with the intent of making a “dark” Batman movie. Previously, the only movie that had been made was the 1966 film based on the Adam West TV show. Still, Uslan has been the Executive Producer of every Batman film since 1989’s Batman through 2022’s The Batman. That includes the Tim Burton movies, the Joel Schumacher films, The Christopher Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy, Batman: The Animated Series, The Joker Movie, The Ben Affleck Batman movies, and even more.

In this special episode, Uslan gives great details about how he acquired the rights to Batman.

For someone who gives lectures and teaches courses, this episode attempted to ask questions of Uslan that were unique and interesting. Examples include: was there ever a conversation about trying to have Michael Keaton and Christopher Reeve onscreen together? How did Prince get involved in 1989’s Batman movie? Was he supposed to score the film? What about the rumor that he could have played Robin in Batman Returns?

This episode also includes the entire Joel Schumacher story, including the rumored “Schumacher Cut” of Batman Forever.

This is Part 1 of 2. Uslan’s next appearance will cover the Dark Knight Trilogy, Affleck, Joker, and more.