Batman

An original script used in the production of Batman, Tim Burton's 1989 superhero blockbuster starring Michael Keaton as the caped crusader opposite Jack Nicholson in his unforgettable portrayal of The Joker.

This second draft screenplay is dated September 14, 1987 and comprises of 122 pages bound between front and rear covers of textured white card with the front featuring the Warner Bros. logo. Prepared by the studio script processing department this rare example features perforated edges rather than being a later copy and has been extensively annotated throughout with notes added to differentiate between studio and location filming and some to indicate the use of optical effects and process shots, these hand inscribed in pen. This being an early draft it includes a number of sequences which differ significantly from the final film, these differences include, but are not limited to, the following

• The appearance of Dick Grayson, actor Ricky Addison Reed was cast in the role before the character was removed from the picture entirely.
• The Joker abducts Vicki Vale from her apartment and takes off in his van with Batman chasing through Gotham City on a police horse.
• A performance by The Flying Graysons which culminates in the death of Dick's parents at the hands of the Joker, this idea would later be recycled for Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever (1995).
• Dick Grayson rescuing Batman from the crashed Batwing after he is shot down by the Joker.
• The Joker is startled by a horde of bats from the top of the cathedral which causes him to fall to his death.

The script remains in excellent production used condition exhibiting only minor edge and cover wear, overall very fine.

A very rare and interesting example of original production material from this Academy Award winning superhero classic.