Production timeline of a film: Batman Begins

Hello all, like many of us who have love for film this is hopefully for people who are also fans of how a film is produced from the ground up. Taking advantage of an off day and lack of social life, I invite you to join me on this timeline of this week's recap of how Batman Begins (2005) was made.

I'd like to thank Jett from batman-on-film.com for his comprehensive updates that aided me tremendously in researching all this.

Note: I decided to skip the drama of everything that happened after Batman & Robin to this film as you can arguably write a novel of the development hell this character endured during that time. I will also try to make this as chronologically reported as possible.

2003

Jan: In the first significant story since the cancelled project of Wolfgang Peterson's 'Batman vs Superman' (BvS), Variety breaks the news Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia) had been hired by Warner Bros. to bring the Dark Knight back to the big screen.

"All I can say is that I grew up with Batman, I've been fascinated by him and I'm excited to contribute to the lore surrounding the character," Nolan said. "He is the most credible and realistic of the superheroes, and has the most complex human psychology. His superhero qualities come from within. He's not a magical character. I had a fantastic experience with the studio on 'Insomnia,' and I'm keen to repeat that experience."

The news came as a bit of a surprise due to publications reporting Nolan had recently turned in a script for a film about Howard Hughes to Castle Rock, with Jim Carrey in mind to star. Though he could have decided to go in another direction after seeing the Martin Scorsese biopic 'The Aviator' had gone into production. Nonetheless, after years of anguish for Bat fans, there was finally hope for a new Batman film to grace the big screen soon.

Feb: Confusion surrounds the Christopher Nolan project almost immediately as industry sources claim the Darren Aronofsky/Frank Miller 'Year One' film is still in development despite Nolan adapting a new Batman film for the 2000s.

ZEntertainment reports "The Nolan Batman will be a totally original project. No Year One, No Frightening, No Beyond, No Triumphant. Where the storyline will go is left up to the new screenwriters, whose names are top secret at this point."

Meanwhile, Nolan is in the middle of searching for a screenwriter who will bring his Batman to life. Nolan meets with a host of writers including Andrew Kevin Walker (BvS) but no news on who gets the job. There is speculation Nolan handles the script-writing duties himself.

Mar-Apr: Variety reports Halle Berry has signed on for Warner Bros. 'Catwoman' and will play the titular character. This film will be standalone and will not be involved with the Christopher Nolan planned film in any way.

Variety and ComicsContinuum report David Goyer, who will also direct the third installment in the Blade franchise, has been tapped to write the story for the Nolan film.

Alan Horn, president and COO of Warner Bros. announces a rough detail of what to expect for the Batman film and in a surprising turn of events, a Batman Vs Superman film that is reportedly still in development.

On Nolan's film - "First Batman origin story has Bruce witnessing the murder of parents, enraged and guilty he turns to crime before he becomes a crime-fighter. Builds the Batcave and mobile, hires Alfred, studies martial arts, etc."

On BvS - *"'We will do it.' He says it's 'dark and mean-spirited' but really, really good. The plan is to have Superman and Batman origin stories released within the same year (starting in 2005). Each movie (I think he said there would be three of each?) will deal with the Superheroes' origins and began to establish their relationship to each other which will set up 'Superman vs. Batman' to follow the backstories.

Superman and Batman find themselves at odds in 'Superman v. Batman' when Bruce goes out seeking bloody vengeance on the murderer of his new bride, Jennifer. Superman opposes him, fights him to the near death - then it's discovered that the guy behind Jennifer's murder is also this big baddie in Superman's circle and they unite to fight or something sweet like that."*

SuperHeroHype reports Christopher Nolan's first meeting with an actor regarding Batman was with David Boreanaz (Buffy, Angel).

Warner Bros. targets a release date for summer of 2005.

Christopher Nolan is also reported to be doing double duty on an adaptation of Christopher Priest's book 'The Prestige' starring Jude Law, with his brother Jonathan. Warner Bros. and Disney are in process of negotiating distribution rights.

Darren Aronofsky announces his next film will "not include Batman", thus ending the long speculation of his 'Year One' project.

May-Aug*

Message boards around the internet erupt at the news of Ashton Kutcher (That 70s show, Dude Where's My Car?) is in talks to play the Dark Knight. Also reported is the film will feature the youngest Batman on film, furthering fears of Kutcher nabbing the role.

AiCN reports Heath Ledger (A Knight's Tale) met with Nolan in Los Angeles for Batman.

Nolan, inspired by the Christopher Reeve casting for the Richard Donner film, wants a relatively "unknown" actor for Bruce Wayne.

The Ashton Kutcher reports pick up steam as E!online and Dark Horizons all but confirm Kutcher to be the new Batman.

"When now out director Brett Ratner got close to casting SUPERMAN this year, he tested and retested Kutcher, who apparently did well. The 'known mostly as a comic actor and that's even a stretch' Kutcher seemed to want Bats over Supes (who wouldn't?) and is now close to being announced as the lead in the flick to be directed by Christopher Nolan."

"Essentially, the studio has had another 'Ratner' situation on their hands, because the director wants someone, and the studio wants someone else. That someone the studio wants is Ashton Kutcher. Thankfully, it's not as big a deal as the whole Superman thing [which has been madness], because in this place everyone gets along - and from what I hear Kutcher is the new Batman. Done deal."

Warner Bros. is reported as "sold and high up" on Ashton Kutcher as Batman but the reason the deal isn't done is Christopher Nolan insisting on an unknown actor to play the role. Warner Bros. extends the deadline for casting to the end of Summer 2003.

Fan's fears are calmed as Kutcher signs a 2 year extension on That 70s Show, effectively ruling him out scheduling wise for a Batman film.

A fan film "Batman: Dead End" written and directed by indie Director Sandy Collora makes the rounds at Comic-Con and hailed by some as "the greatest depiction of Batman on film".

MoviePoopShoot releases interview with Guy Pierce (Memento) with the actor denying involvement in the Nolan film.

*JH: You starred in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film, MEMENTO. Now word is he may direct a BATMAN film. Have you two talked about you possibly trying on that character. Would that hold any interest for you?

Guy Pearce: I don’t think so. (laughs)

JH: Not in your nature to do a superhero movie?

Guy Pearce: Not at this stage in my life. If I was ever going to do it, Chris Nolan would be the person I would do it with. But no we haven’t had any of those discussions.*

Sep: With the deadline approaching, the casting search reaches peak levels as screen tests are scheduled for various actors at the Warner Bros. Burbank lot.

The HollywoodReporter and Entertainment Weekly report the list of names for the next Bruce Wayne/Batman has been narrowed to the following names: Billy Crudup (Almost Famous), Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko), Hugh Dancy (Black Hawk Down), Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek), Christian Bale (American Psycho), Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later), Eion Bailey (Almost Famous), Henry Cavill (The Counte of Monte Cristo).

Warner Bros. finally has their Dark Knight: BURBANK, CA, 11 September 2003–- Christian Bale has been cast in the starring role of Bruce Wayne in Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming Batman movie, to be directed by Christopher Nolan and produced by Emma Thomas. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of production for Warner Bros. Pictures.

Principal photography on the film is expected to begin in early 2004. The movie is written by David Goyer and Nolan, and will follow the early career of The Dark Knight.

Said Nolan, "What I see in Christian is the ultimate embodiment of Bruce Wayne. He has exactly the balance of darkness and light that we were looking for."

Robinov stated, "Now that we've found the best person to play Batman, we are really looking forward to moving ahead with the rest of our casting, and are excited about the exceptional group we are assembling."

Oct-Dec: Morgan Freeman meets with Christopher Nolan for a "Doctor/Scientist" role and Anthony Hopkins is considered for the role of Alfred.

Pinewood/Shepperton Studios gives notice it will lend the lot to a film called "The Intimidation Game" for filming in 2004. Many speculate this is what the Batman film will be titled.

Latino Review reports Welsh designer Lindy Hemming (Topsy Turvy, GoldenEye) will handle the costume directing duties.

November 25, 2003 - Per Variety, Sir Michael Caine has agreed to play the role of Alfred Pennyworth in Batman:The Intimidation Game. Caine also spilled the beans on the development process of the film: "Batman is being made in England, but it's also being made quite differently," Caine advised CHUD's Smilin' Jack Ruby. "I had a long conversation with Christopher Nolan before I accepted the part. I only knew him from Memento and I didn't know him personally. ... The short answer was, he wants it to be more natural. I find a lot of these comic book heroes boring because they are invincible. If you're bulletproof, where's the jeopardy for the hero? You can't gas him, you can't kill him, what's the point? And he is making a very, very natural Batman. I remember one phrase he said to me, I said, 'Well, he's very powerful and strong.' And he said, 'Yes, he is Michael, but not because of Kryptonite, it's because he does pushups."

Cillian Murphy joins the film as The Scarecrow/Jonathan Crane. Murphy had tested for Bruce Wayne and though he didn't get the role, Nolan had favored his test so much so that he decided he was perfect as the creepy villain.

2004

Jan-Mar: Production schedule announced with locations in Iceland, London and Chicago.

Morgan Freeman, Katie Holmes, Liam Neeson and Ken Watanabe join the cast as Lucius Fox, Rachel Dawes, Henri Ducard, and Ra's Al Ghul respectively (press release): *Oscar-nominated actor Ken Watanabe has joined the cast of director Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film about the origins of the Batman legend. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Watanabe, who is nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in "The Last Samurai," will play the villainous Ra's Al Ghul, alongside stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman; Michael Caine as his trusted butler Alfred; Katie Holmes as a childhood friend of Wayne's; Liam Neeson as Wayne's mentor, Henri Ducard; and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, a former board member and sidelined employee of Wayne Enterprises.

Directed by Christopher Nolan from a screenplay by David Goyer, the film is produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Larry Franco. The executive producers are Ben Melniker and Michael Uslan.

The project is scheduled to start production in London in March.*

The role of Jim Gordon is up in the air as Chris Cooper had turned down the role offered to him by Nolan.

February 26, 2004: Cinescape reports the real title of the film is 'Batman Begins' which Variety later confirms.

March 3, 2004: A complete surprise out of left field reported by IGN first. Gary Oldman has been cast as Lieutenant James "Jim" Gordon. Via press release by Warner Bros. - *"Batman Begins," director Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film, has commenced production in Iceland, with Gary Oldman joining the all-star cast. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

In "Batman Begins," Oldman will play Lieutenant James Gordon, a detective on the Gotham police force. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman; Michael Caine as his trusted butler Alfred; Katie Holmes as Rachel, a childhood friend of Wayne's; Liam Neeson as Wayne's mentor, Henri Ducard; Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, a former board member and sidelined employee of Wayne Enterprises; and Ken Watanabe as the villainous Ra's Al Ghul.*

The official logo/bat symbol for the film emerges on the Batman Begins site.

The Batmobile is unveiled to the public for the first time. It will also be called the "Tumbler".

Apr-Dec

Warner Bros. formally announces the release date for Batman Begins as June 15th 2005. There are questions regarding why the studio decided to release it on a Wednesday instead of the normal Friday for blockbusters.

The first image of Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne on set emerges. The internet approves the Billionaire playboy persona put on display through the gallery.

April 30, 2004: WB releases the first set of photos of Bale as Batman.

Entertainment Weekly nabs the first mainstream interview with the new Batman himself. Here's an excerpt: MUSTWORTHINESS Because -- all together now! -- he's Batman. That, and a hell of an actor. The Wales native went from losing 63 pounds to play a haunted insomniac factory worker (in Brad Anderson's forthcoming psychological thriller, ''The Machinist,'' due Sept. 24) to bulking up and strapping on a utility belt to be the Caped Crusader. (His secret: bread. ''That was what I craved most of all.'')

WHAT HE'S DOING NOW Teaming with ''Insomnia'' director Christopher Nolan to do something no one has done before: rebooting a major film franchise only eight years after it petered out. The movie reintroduces one of the most beloved superheroes in the pop-culture canon, so look for explanations on everything from where the Batmobile came from, to how Bruce Wayne's parents died, to why he has such a close relationship with Lieutenant Gordon (Gary Oldman). ''What attracted me was Chris and the knowledge that what was being aimed for was a reinvention of Batman lore,'' says Bale, taking a break halfway through shooting the film in London.

July 27, 2004: Production continues on to Chicago, where the vast majority of Gotham City scenes will be shot for three weeks.

July 28, 2004: The first teaser for the film is released online.

Variety reports David Goyer has struck a deal with Warner Bros. for a story deal regarding the sequel to Batman Begins. It should be noted Christopher Nolan is not yet signed for any followup(s) to the film.

Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard will handle dual duties on the theatrical score. This will be their first collaboration after a failed attempt on 'Secret Window' due to timing constraints.

September 15, 2004: After a lengthy shoot beginning in Iceland, principal photography will end within a couple of days with the final scene being shot in London (Bedforshire) and at Cardington Hangar, the site of 'the Narrows'.

In the same week of the news regarding Christopher Reeves' death, Brandon Routh is chosen to play the last son of Krypton in Bryan Singer's upcoming Superman film.

Speaking of Routh, his deal is for a three picture deal with an option for a fourth should a Batman/Superman team up film is still in the pipeline at Warner Bros.

With 'Begins' moving on to the post production phase, there is talk already on what direction the sequel could go on. Guy Pierce and Jude Law are heavily rumored to be circled in as D.A Harvey Dent as well as Australian actor Lachy Hulme (The Matrix Revolutions) rumored to be the iconic Joker (if he is in the film at all).

December 3, 2004: The first official poster of Batman Begins is released.

The first full trailer for the film drops online.

Previous Batman George Clooney comments on the new film: "I'm quite sure it will be a heck of a different movie from mine and fun to watch. I'm happy they're focusing on the Dark Knight. They're doing it the way it should be done."

Jan-Jun

The cancelled Aronofsky/Miller 'Year One' screenplay leaks online to mixed reactions from the fan community on the street punk version of the Dark Knight and in particular the character of 'Big Al' is singled out as the source of most of the divisiveness.

In an interview with the New York Times producer Charles Roven gives the production budget of $180 million and that Warner Bros. is banking on a big return for home video sales once the stink from Schumacher's 'Batman & Robin' is off this film.

Warner Bros. is reportedly thrilled with the test screening of the film held for execs with Christopher Nolan on hand.

Batman Begins will be released in select Imax theaters around the United States.

A bit of cross promotion occurs as a 10 minute preview of Batman Begins premieres during the broadcast of the WB show 'Smallville'. The second and last trailer for Begins also premieres.

David Goyer confirms the two characters to join the sequel will be Harvey Dent and the Joker. No further word if Dent will be Two-Face in the film. Liev Schreiber and Crispin Glover's names are added to the rumor mill.

As 'Begins' makes its worldwide press release tour, the first wave of critical reviews are hugely positive with praise for its unique take on the superhero genre, the direction and for Bale in the role of Batman. The bad taste left on critics by B&R is officially washed by this film. In addition to critics, Adam West gives his approval for Begins.

June 15, 2005: Batman Begins is released and has a first day Wednesday total of $15 million at the box office. For weekend totals, Begins pulls in $71 million in the states and an international opening at $42 million.

CNN reports Warner Bros. is none too pleased with Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise' antics at the domestic premieres/junkets for the movie and will likely move forward in a sequel without her.

Christopher Nolan comments on the inevitable sequel: *"If David's writing it, Christian's still Batman, and everyone else is returning....me not returning would be like the only student of a graduating class skipping the big day to wash the car" said the British helmer.

He dropped some other hints such as "Like Begins, one clear cut villain isn't the plan [though]" and the likelihood of Robin appearing "The studio wasn't interested in Robin. We weren't either. This is a young Batman, so Robin's a few films....not for a few pictures anyway. Dick Grayson's still in a crib somewhere. I seriously doubt I will even be involved when Robin's in the franchise" says Nolan.*

Christopher Nolan's next film announced as "The Prestige" effectively killing rumors of a direct sequel move to 'Begins'. Bale and Caine will follow Nolan into production which also kills rumors of a Batman sequel moving on without Nolan. Although the director has yet to sign a deal, his brother Jonathan Nolan (Memento) signs on to work on the project with David Goyer.

Batman Begins ends its theatrical run with a worldwide gross of $374 million, making it the second highest grossing film in the franchise behind 89's Batman. Warner Bros. touts the success of the film and looks forward to the sequel.

In less than a year after release, 'Begins' collects an impressive total of $167 million in DVD sales.

Christian Bale wins 'best hero' at the 2006 mtv movie awards. When the cast of Superman Returns presented the Best Hero Award to Batman Begins star Christian Bale, he turned to Routh and said, "Sorry Superman, but Batman's the badass." Bale also promised fans there will be more Batman films and called his wife, Sibi Blazic, "my personal Wonder Woman."

** July 20, 2006**: Absolute pandemonium on the internet as Heath Ledger is announced to play the Joker. Exactly two years from today the world will know if Christopher Nolan's risky move was the right one or a complete bust...

Whew. That was quite the morning keyboard workout. Hope those who took the time to read this enjoyed that overview. If this picks up some stream I'll try to make this a weekly thing. I was planning to do one on Park Chan Wook's Oldboy (2003) but the sheer amount of translating and reading Korean articles will probably delay it quite a bit. I'm also open to suggestions. Take care folks, have a good weekend.

Submitted April 30, 2016 at 07:05PM by lipstickpizza http://ift.tt/1SQQ2Mu