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Batman Returns

Batman Returns is a 1992 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton and distributed by Warner Bros.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Batman Returns is a 1992 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton and distributed by Warner Bros. It is the sequel to Batman (1989) and stars Michael Keaton as Batman, with Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. The story is set in Gotham City at Christmas, where Batman confronts the Penguin, corrupt businessman Max Shreck, and Selina Kyle's transformation into Catwoman.

Plot

The film follows Batman as he faces the Penguin and Max Shreck while Selina Kyle becomes Catwoman after betrayal by Shreck. Their conflicts threaten Gotham City and intersect with Batman's efforts to stop corruption and criminal power struggles.

Cast and characters

Michael Keaton stars as Bruce Wayne/Batman, with Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. Christopher Walken appears as Max Shreck, alongside returning supporting players including Michael Gough and Pat Hingle.

Production

Batman Returns was directed by Tim Burton and written by Daniel Waters, with story material by Sam Hamm. Warner Bros. released the film, which continued Burton's darker, stylized approach to the Batman franchise.

Reception and legacy

The film became known for its darker tone and gothic visual style, and it has remained a notable entry in the Batman film series. It is often discussed as one of Burton's most distinctive studio films.

Key facts

  • Batman Returns is the sequel to Batman (1989).
  • The film is set in Gotham City during Christmas.
  • Danny DeVito plays Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin.
  • Michelle Pfeiffer plays Selina Kyle, who becomes Catwoman.
  • The film was released in the United States on June 19, 1992.
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Canadian context

Batman Returns is part of the globally distributed Batman franchise and was widely seen in Canada as a major Hollywood release. Its continued presence in television, home video, and streaming availability has kept it familiar to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Batman Returns?
Batman Returns is a 1992 American superhero film and the sequel to Batman (1989).
Who directed Batman Returns?
Tim Burton directed the film.
Who plays the Penguin in Batman Returns?
Danny DeVito plays Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin.
Who plays Catwoman in Batman Returns?
Michelle Pfeiffer plays Selina Kyle, who becomes Catwoman.
When was Batman Returns released?
It was released in the United States on June 19, 1992.
What is Batman Returns about?
It follows Batman as he confronts the Penguin, corrupt businessman Max Shreck, and Catwoman in Gotham City.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_Returns
    Supports: Cast, plot setting, and character relationships
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103776/
    Supports: Release date
  3. DC — https://www.dc.com/movies/batman-returns-1992
    Supports: Director, cast, writers, and basic film description
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/batman_returns
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, distributor, and production credits
  5. Metacritic — https://www.metacritic.com/movie/batman-returns/details/
    Supports: Release date, runtime, and genre