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George Clooney rejects ‘Batman’ return: “I do not think there’s enough drugs in the world for me to go back”

Tue 19 December 2023 15:20, UK

While George Clooney has reprised his role as Batman as of late, he says he has no desire to don the cape and cowl ever again.

Clooney had recently returned to the world of DC Comics by having a small role towards the end of The Flash. This was meant to be a homage to Clooney’s appearance in Batman and Robin, playing the titular role alongside Chris O’Donnell as Robin and Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr Freeze.

After a poor critical reception to his film in the 1990s, Clooney would not return for another Batman movie, with Christopher Nolan reimagining the Caped Crusader with Christian Bale in the title role. Discussing his role with Variety, Clooney said that he has no desire to return as the superhero, saying, “I do not think there’s enough drugs in the world for me to go back”.

Clooney would later recall that he refused to show his wife his work on the movie as well, explaining, “There are certain films I just go, ‘I want my wife to have some respect for me’”. Despite his brief cameo in The Flash, though, Clooney would also be shocked at the wardrobe change, noting that the new version of the suit didn’t have the rubber nipples worked into the suit.

Since its release, Clooney has said he regrets taking on the role of Batman as well. During various press junkets, the actor would often make self-deprecating jokes about his performance, including using it as an example of his ability to overact.

Outside of the cameo in The Flash, the latest incarnation of Batman came in 2021, with Robert Pattinson and Matt Reeves offering a gritty take on the character in The Batman. Clooney has also been keeping busy moving into directing, awaiting the release of his biographical sports drama The Boys in the Boat, set to arrive on Christmas Day 2023.

Watch Clooney’s take on Batman below.