Joel Schumacher, the director Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997), passed away at the age of 80 of Monday.
A representative for Schumacher announced the news "after a yearlong battle with cancer", according to the Associated Press.
Prior to the two Batman films, Schumacher became well-known in the film industry following the success of St. Elmo's Fire (1985), which starred Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Ally Sheedy, and Judd Nelson. The New York City native followed it up with a 1987 blockbuster, The Lost Boys, which starred Corey Haim, Corey Feldman, Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland and Dianne Wiest.
Some of Schumacher's other successful films include Flatliners (1990), Falling Down (1993) and A Time To Kill (1996). But Schumacher is perhaps best known for his work on the two Batman '90s films.
Following the mixed reviews of Batman Returns (1992), Schumacher was hired to replace director Tim Batman. Warner Bros. wanted to bring a less dark and more family-friendly tone for the Batman franchise, and Schumacher did just that.
He brought aboard Val Kilmer to replace Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader for Batman Forever. Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face), Nicole Kidman (Dr. Chase Meridian) and Jim Carrey (Riddler) and Chris O'Donnell (Robin) rounded out the star-studded cast.
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Although Batman Forever received mixed reviews from fans and critics, it was a huge success at the box office - making just over $336.529 million at the worldwide box office. Kilmer's performance as Batman and the movie soundtrack are often regarded as some of the positives in Schumacher's first Batman movie.
Thanks to the financial success of Batman Forever, Warner Bros. quickly requested a sequel from Schumacher. Batman & Robin, starring George Clooney as the World's Greatest Detective, was released in 1997. Though the film received overwhelmingly negative reviews, it was successful at the box office, grossing just over $238.207 million worldwide.
Schumacher brought several new elements to the beloved Batman franchise, and he leaves behind a fine legacy as one of the greatest movie directors of his era.
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