In 1984, Tim Burton was nearly fired from Disney for his short film Frankenweenie. In hindsight it was an incredibly risky move as it was a very dark story from the company that told the stories of princesses and talking animals. However, someone higher up saw that Burton had a lot of creativity and sat him down and discussed how he could better contribute to Disney.
What if however, he was fired in 1984? I remember hearing that Warner Brothers wanted him to direct their Batman adaptations but obviously could not, and thus they settled for Raimi. Could we see a Burton directed Batman?
-Zacoftheaxes, Alternatehistory.com, "WI: Burton fired from Disney in the 80s?"
I wonder if the big superhero craze in the 1990's still happens? Does James Cameron still make Watchmen? Does Thor still happen? What about all the other superhero movies?... Then again, part of that may be a blessing in disguise.
-vultan, Alternatehistory.com, "WI: Burton fired from Disney in the 80s?"
This is going to have big repercussions. The decline of quality in comic book adaptations are what made Nolan's Akira a hit in 2002. Then you had the anime adaptation boom and the video game adaptation boom that came with it. This could mean Trigun trilogy by Nolan or no Gurren Lagann by Joss Whedon, Hayter's Metal Gear films will probably stick around.
-Odysseus, Alternatehistory.com, "WI: Burton fired from Disney in the 80s?"
Without the influence of Burton on Disney, I wonder if the "gothic" trend would have the same influence as it had on pre-teens and teens as well in the 1990s
-MaskedPickle, Alternatehistory.com, "WI: Burton fired from Disney in the 80s?"
~~~
The Rise of the Nerd
~~~
A young Bruce Wayne arrives to a movie theater with his parents Thomas (played by Ted Raimi) and Martha (played by Kate Harper) to see the film Zorro. After the show Bruce and his parents walk by an alley when a thug named Joe Chill (played by Colin Friels) approaches them and demands their money. Thomas Wayne begins to hand over their money when Chill is frightened by the noise of sirens and shoots both Thomas and Martha dead before running off.
Years later, Bruce Wayne (played by Liam Neeson) being interviewed by Vicki Vale (Frances McDormand). Vale mentions that Chill is coming up for parole and Bruce says he hopes it is denied. Vale continues to talk to Wayne after the interview, asking him what he thinks about the rumors of a "Batman" which Bruce says he finds ridiculous. After Vale leaves, Bruce returns home and talking to his butler Alfred (played by Michael Gough) about the interview. Alfred says that Bruce should take Vicki Vale out on a date, which Bruce denies interest in. Bruce moves a bookcase and reveals a path to the Batcave, which he then enters. Bruce begins suiting up as Batman and leaves the cave in the Batmobile.
Meanwhile, an unnamed criminal (played by Robin Williams) robbing a chemical factory. On his way out of the factory he is confronted by Batman. The criminal, terrified runs away from Batman and tries to lose him on the second floor of the building. Batman however is already there when the criminal arrives, out of fear he falls into a vat of chemicals. After failing to rescue him, Bruce leaves. Bruce discusses giving up on being Batman with Alfred, who tells him it's not like himself to give up so easily.
The criminal escapes the vat of chemicals, his skin whited and clearly driven mad. He then robs a near by clothing store, stealing a purple suit and some make up, he tells the cashier that he's "just a joker".
Days later, Bruce Wanye sees Vicki Vale reporting outside of a bank which is being robbed. Batman shows up at the bank, taking down three criminals. Joker calls to Batman, showing that he has a hostage. Batman throws a batarang at Joker's hand, causing him to drop his gun. When it hits the floor, a "BANG!" flag comes out of the gun. Laughing, Joker opens his suit showing it to be filled with explosives. He declares "I'm the Joker, and I'm here to bring smiles back to Gotham." He throws a grenade full of laughing gas and makes his escape. Batman, laughing, runs over to a drinking fountain and then holds his breath while leading people out of the bank, telling the police to give them water. Before the police can question Batman, he disappears, but he has left a note for Commissioner Gordon (played by Harrison Ford) telling him to wait out on the roof of the Gotham Police Department Building at 11 o'clock that night. Batman and Gordon discuss how to take down the Joker, Batman says he will need the Gotham police to co-operate with him. Gordon reluctantly agrees.
Joker then attacks a circus with goons dressed as clowns. He has his lead goon, Greg (played by Bruce Campbell) watch out for Batman while he "has some fun" with his capitives. Batman arrives and quickly defeats Greg and ties him to a pole. When Batman finds the Joker his hands are covered in blood and he is laughing, and tells Batman he is too late. Batman and Joker briefly fight while Gordon and the police arrive. Batman has Joker pinned to the ground when a shot is fired into Batman's back by Greg. Joker escapes again, throwing more laughing gas at his hostages. The police come in to help an injured Batman rescue the hostages. Gordon offers to take Batman to a hospital, but Batman refuses, driving off on his own. An officer comments to Gordon that all the dead have had pies thrown at them.
Batman arrives back at the Batcave, bleeding and calling for Alfred. Alfred help Bruce remove the bullet and tends the wound and remarks the thankfully the bullet skimmed him. Bruce takes another day to recover. Alfred calls down to Bruce to tell him that the district attorney, Harvey Dent (played by James Woods) has been taken hostage by the Joker. Bruce suits up again, preparing to rescue Dent. Batman meets with Gordon who is unaware of Joker's location. Batman suggests that Joker is hiding within the abandoned chemical factory, which he states at one point produced laughing gas. The police surround the building but Joker says he will detonate a bomb if they enter the factory. Batman, looking through a window thinks he sees Joker holding a gun to Dent's head. He leaps though the body to find it was actually the bodies of two of Joker's henchmen. Joker laughs, telling Batman he "fell for the old fake Joker gag".Batman begins to fight the Joker and his henchmen. He pins the Joker to the ground and knocks him out.
Greg arrives with a gun to Dent's head. Greg beings to monolauge about how he's the real genius behind the Joker, and how he wouldn't be able to do anything if not for his backing. While he is ranting, Batman throws a Batarang at Greg, hitting him in left eye. Greg drops the gun and runs off screaming in pain. Batman unties Dent. As he does this, Joker awakens.
Joker laughs at Batman and explains that he was the criminal Batman knocked into the chemicals. He insists everything he did was Batman's fault. He admits to not having a bomb, but still having one more trick up his sleeve, pulling out a gun. Batman tackles Joker. He pulls the trigger, revealing another "BANG!" flag.
Gordon arrests Joker and his thugs, but comments that Greg isn't anywhere to be found. Batman says that if they find him he needs immediate medical attention.
Afterwards, Vicki Vale interviews Bruce Wayne and his newly adopted son, Dick Grayson (played by Christian Bale), whose parents died as a result of Joker's attack on the circus. After the interview, Wayne asks Vale if she'd be interesting in a lunch date. The film ends with the two of them discussing the identity of Batman over lunch.
-Plot summary of Batman, Batmanpedia.com
~~~
Batman (played by Liam Neeson) and Robin (played by Christian Bale) are on top of the Gotham Police Headquarters, discussing the recent downturn in crime with Commissioner Gordon (played by Harrison Ford). Their conversation is interrupted when Gordon receives a call that a robbery is taking place at a near by drugstore. Batman and Robin arrive to find Greg (played by Bruce Campbell) now with an eyepatch, tied to a chair and gagged. The store is ravaged and many drugs are stolen. A note with Bob says "Who was the one who defeated the cyclops? Tomorrow. 10 PM."
Batman, Robin, and Gordon begin discussing what the riddle could mean. Gordon mentions a nightclub named The Odyssey and they agree that it's the most likely target, Robin mentions he remembers seeing a bar named Nobody's. Batman asks Gordon and the police to order booth places to close down tomorrow night, and to have police show up at both locations as a precaution.
Back at Wayne Manor, Bruce and Dick discuss the days discovery with Alfred (played by Michael Gough). Alfred says that he remembers attending the opening of The Odyssey and that they've always had top notch security. Dick questions why Alfred would go to the Odyssey, asking if Alfred knows "What kind of club that is?" Alfred laughs and points out that he thinks the bar is the most likely target, since the Odyssey is difficult to break into. Bruce agrees. Afterward, Bruce talks to Vicki Vale (played by Frances McDormand) on the phone, setting up another date with her.
The next night, at 9 PM, Batman and Robin wait on top of a building overlooking Nobody's Bar. They see that the bar has not closed and that patrons are still inside the bar, unphased by the police presence outside. Batman gets Gordon's attention and meets with him in an alley next to the building. Gordon says he's not allowed to shut down the premise without clear and present danger without the approval of a city level or higher official. Gordon says that he called Harvey Dent (plated by James Woods) since his office is right across the street. Harvey arrives when bar patrons begin collapsing en masse. Riddler (played by Willem Dafoe) and his gang arrive, starting a fire fight with the police. Riddler and his gang manage to kidnap Harvey Dent in the crossfire. Ambulances arrive to help the injured officers and bar patrons. Inside the bar, Batman and Robin find another riddle. "What part of Gotham had it's best days long after it's last? Harvey should be familiar with it."
Batman and Robin discuss the possible locations of Dent, deciding that the abandoned chemical factory is the most likely location. They arrive at the factory and are ambushed by Riddler and his thugs, who tell them they are too late to save Harvey. Riddler brings out Harvey, now as Two-Face. Riddler tells Two Face to kill Batman, Two-Face debates whether he should. Two Face's debate turns into an arguement with himself, at a moment where Two Face is pointing his gun towards Riddler, Batman punches the thugs behind him and throws a batarang at Two Face's gun. Batman tries to rescue Two Face but he attacks Batman. Robin knocks out Riddler, and Batman decides it's best to escape with Riddler while they can.
Riddler arrives at his holding cell where Gordon proceeds to question him. Riddler refuses to give clear answers to any of the questions. Batman questions him a bit more violently, still receiving no answers. Gordon receives word that the mayor has been attacked and is in the hospital, he claims that Harvey Dent was the attacker. Batman leaves, heading back to the Batcave to pick up Robin, telling Alfred he needs to find Harvey, Alfred comments that Harvey loved media attention. Batman comments that all the news stations are at the hospital, reporting on the assassination attempt. Alfred suggests he goes there.
Vicki Vale is reporting outside the hospital when Two Face, with Riddler's gang members in tow, confronts her and holds her hostage on live television. Batman uses his Bathook to grab onto Two Face's arm, causing him to drop the gun while Robin jumps in to save Vicki. Batman and Robin defeat Two Face and his gang, managing to arrest them.
As Two Face is being taken to the Gotham Police station, an alarm goes off. all of the holding cells open, releasing multiple criminals. In the ensuing fight Two Face escapes. Batman heads over to Riddler's holding cell where he finds another riddle.
Painted in green paint on the wall, the riddle reads "There is nothing to be found behind bars." Batman and Robin debate the meaning for a while, deciding he's not talking about any prison in the city. Gordon suggests that they could be referring to the bar where Riddler first kidnapped Harvey. On the side of the bar opposite of the entrance Robin finds a stack of crates, leading to a passage way.
They find a "Riddlercave" and see all of the Riddler's plans. They hear a shot and Riddler scream. They reach a room full of question marks and see Two Face has shot a round into the ceiling to threaten Riddler. Batman tackles Two Face, but then Riddler stands up and hits him in the head with his cane. The two laugh and attempt to take down Robin, who breaks Riddler's cane and throws away Two Face's gun. Robin tries to hold the two of them off but is knocked down. Batman gets back up and takes down Riddler and Two Face.
Gordon takes Two Face and Riddler off to Arkham, being interviewed by Vicki Vale. As the interview concludes, Vale is shown being picked up by Bruce Wayne.
-Plot summary of Batman: The Dark Knight, batmanpedia.com
What if however, he was fired in 1984? I remember hearing that Warner Brothers wanted him to direct their Batman adaptations but obviously could not, and thus they settled for Raimi. Could we see a Burton directed Batman?
-Zacoftheaxes, Alternatehistory.com, "WI: Burton fired from Disney in the 80s?"
I wonder if the big superhero craze in the 1990's still happens? Does James Cameron still make Watchmen? Does Thor still happen? What about all the other superhero movies?... Then again, part of that may be a blessing in disguise.
-vultan, Alternatehistory.com, "WI: Burton fired from Disney in the 80s?"
This is going to have big repercussions. The decline of quality in comic book adaptations are what made Nolan's Akira a hit in 2002. Then you had the anime adaptation boom and the video game adaptation boom that came with it. This could mean Trigun trilogy by Nolan or no Gurren Lagann by Joss Whedon, Hayter's Metal Gear films will probably stick around.
-Odysseus, Alternatehistory.com, "WI: Burton fired from Disney in the 80s?"
Without the influence of Burton on Disney, I wonder if the "gothic" trend would have the same influence as it had on pre-teens and teens as well in the 1990s
-MaskedPickle, Alternatehistory.com, "WI: Burton fired from Disney in the 80s?"
~~~
The Rise of the Nerd
~~~
A young Bruce Wayne arrives to a movie theater with his parents Thomas (played by Ted Raimi) and Martha (played by Kate Harper) to see the film Zorro. After the show Bruce and his parents walk by an alley when a thug named Joe Chill (played by Colin Friels) approaches them and demands their money. Thomas Wayne begins to hand over their money when Chill is frightened by the noise of sirens and shoots both Thomas and Martha dead before running off.
Years later, Bruce Wayne (played by Liam Neeson) being interviewed by Vicki Vale (Frances McDormand). Vale mentions that Chill is coming up for parole and Bruce says he hopes it is denied. Vale continues to talk to Wayne after the interview, asking him what he thinks about the rumors of a "Batman" which Bruce says he finds ridiculous. After Vale leaves, Bruce returns home and talking to his butler Alfred (played by Michael Gough) about the interview. Alfred says that Bruce should take Vicki Vale out on a date, which Bruce denies interest in. Bruce moves a bookcase and reveals a path to the Batcave, which he then enters. Bruce begins suiting up as Batman and leaves the cave in the Batmobile.
Meanwhile, an unnamed criminal (played by Robin Williams) robbing a chemical factory. On his way out of the factory he is confronted by Batman. The criminal, terrified runs away from Batman and tries to lose him on the second floor of the building. Batman however is already there when the criminal arrives, out of fear he falls into a vat of chemicals. After failing to rescue him, Bruce leaves. Bruce discusses giving up on being Batman with Alfred, who tells him it's not like himself to give up so easily.
The criminal escapes the vat of chemicals, his skin whited and clearly driven mad. He then robs a near by clothing store, stealing a purple suit and some make up, he tells the cashier that he's "just a joker".
Days later, Bruce Wanye sees Vicki Vale reporting outside of a bank which is being robbed. Batman shows up at the bank, taking down three criminals. Joker calls to Batman, showing that he has a hostage. Batman throws a batarang at Joker's hand, causing him to drop his gun. When it hits the floor, a "BANG!" flag comes out of the gun. Laughing, Joker opens his suit showing it to be filled with explosives. He declares "I'm the Joker, and I'm here to bring smiles back to Gotham." He throws a grenade full of laughing gas and makes his escape. Batman, laughing, runs over to a drinking fountain and then holds his breath while leading people out of the bank, telling the police to give them water. Before the police can question Batman, he disappears, but he has left a note for Commissioner Gordon (played by Harrison Ford) telling him to wait out on the roof of the Gotham Police Department Building at 11 o'clock that night. Batman and Gordon discuss how to take down the Joker, Batman says he will need the Gotham police to co-operate with him. Gordon reluctantly agrees.
Joker then attacks a circus with goons dressed as clowns. He has his lead goon, Greg (played by Bruce Campbell) watch out for Batman while he "has some fun" with his capitives. Batman arrives and quickly defeats Greg and ties him to a pole. When Batman finds the Joker his hands are covered in blood and he is laughing, and tells Batman he is too late. Batman and Joker briefly fight while Gordon and the police arrive. Batman has Joker pinned to the ground when a shot is fired into Batman's back by Greg. Joker escapes again, throwing more laughing gas at his hostages. The police come in to help an injured Batman rescue the hostages. Gordon offers to take Batman to a hospital, but Batman refuses, driving off on his own. An officer comments to Gordon that all the dead have had pies thrown at them.
Batman arrives back at the Batcave, bleeding and calling for Alfred. Alfred help Bruce remove the bullet and tends the wound and remarks the thankfully the bullet skimmed him. Bruce takes another day to recover. Alfred calls down to Bruce to tell him that the district attorney, Harvey Dent (played by James Woods) has been taken hostage by the Joker. Bruce suits up again, preparing to rescue Dent. Batman meets with Gordon who is unaware of Joker's location. Batman suggests that Joker is hiding within the abandoned chemical factory, which he states at one point produced laughing gas. The police surround the building but Joker says he will detonate a bomb if they enter the factory. Batman, looking through a window thinks he sees Joker holding a gun to Dent's head. He leaps though the body to find it was actually the bodies of two of Joker's henchmen. Joker laughs, telling Batman he "fell for the old fake Joker gag".Batman begins to fight the Joker and his henchmen. He pins the Joker to the ground and knocks him out.
Greg arrives with a gun to Dent's head. Greg beings to monolauge about how he's the real genius behind the Joker, and how he wouldn't be able to do anything if not for his backing. While he is ranting, Batman throws a Batarang at Greg, hitting him in left eye. Greg drops the gun and runs off screaming in pain. Batman unties Dent. As he does this, Joker awakens.
Joker laughs at Batman and explains that he was the criminal Batman knocked into the chemicals. He insists everything he did was Batman's fault. He admits to not having a bomb, but still having one more trick up his sleeve, pulling out a gun. Batman tackles Joker. He pulls the trigger, revealing another "BANG!" flag.
Gordon arrests Joker and his thugs, but comments that Greg isn't anywhere to be found. Batman says that if they find him he needs immediate medical attention.
Afterwards, Vicki Vale interviews Bruce Wayne and his newly adopted son, Dick Grayson (played by Christian Bale), whose parents died as a result of Joker's attack on the circus. After the interview, Wayne asks Vale if she'd be interesting in a lunch date. The film ends with the two of them discussing the identity of Batman over lunch.
-Plot summary of Batman, Batmanpedia.com
~~~
Batman (played by Liam Neeson) and Robin (played by Christian Bale) are on top of the Gotham Police Headquarters, discussing the recent downturn in crime with Commissioner Gordon (played by Harrison Ford). Their conversation is interrupted when Gordon receives a call that a robbery is taking place at a near by drugstore. Batman and Robin arrive to find Greg (played by Bruce Campbell) now with an eyepatch, tied to a chair and gagged. The store is ravaged and many drugs are stolen. A note with Bob says "Who was the one who defeated the cyclops? Tomorrow. 10 PM."
Batman, Robin, and Gordon begin discussing what the riddle could mean. Gordon mentions a nightclub named The Odyssey and they agree that it's the most likely target, Robin mentions he remembers seeing a bar named Nobody's. Batman asks Gordon and the police to order booth places to close down tomorrow night, and to have police show up at both locations as a precaution.
Back at Wayne Manor, Bruce and Dick discuss the days discovery with Alfred (played by Michael Gough). Alfred says that he remembers attending the opening of The Odyssey and that they've always had top notch security. Dick questions why Alfred would go to the Odyssey, asking if Alfred knows "What kind of club that is?" Alfred laughs and points out that he thinks the bar is the most likely target, since the Odyssey is difficult to break into. Bruce agrees. Afterward, Bruce talks to Vicki Vale (played by Frances McDormand) on the phone, setting up another date with her.
The next night, at 9 PM, Batman and Robin wait on top of a building overlooking Nobody's Bar. They see that the bar has not closed and that patrons are still inside the bar, unphased by the police presence outside. Batman gets Gordon's attention and meets with him in an alley next to the building. Gordon says he's not allowed to shut down the premise without clear and present danger without the approval of a city level or higher official. Gordon says that he called Harvey Dent (plated by James Woods) since his office is right across the street. Harvey arrives when bar patrons begin collapsing en masse. Riddler (played by Willem Dafoe) and his gang arrive, starting a fire fight with the police. Riddler and his gang manage to kidnap Harvey Dent in the crossfire. Ambulances arrive to help the injured officers and bar patrons. Inside the bar, Batman and Robin find another riddle. "What part of Gotham had it's best days long after it's last? Harvey should be familiar with it."
Batman and Robin discuss the possible locations of Dent, deciding that the abandoned chemical factory is the most likely location. They arrive at the factory and are ambushed by Riddler and his thugs, who tell them they are too late to save Harvey. Riddler brings out Harvey, now as Two-Face. Riddler tells Two Face to kill Batman, Two-Face debates whether he should. Two Face's debate turns into an arguement with himself, at a moment where Two Face is pointing his gun towards Riddler, Batman punches the thugs behind him and throws a batarang at Two Face's gun. Batman tries to rescue Two Face but he attacks Batman. Robin knocks out Riddler, and Batman decides it's best to escape with Riddler while they can.
Riddler arrives at his holding cell where Gordon proceeds to question him. Riddler refuses to give clear answers to any of the questions. Batman questions him a bit more violently, still receiving no answers. Gordon receives word that the mayor has been attacked and is in the hospital, he claims that Harvey Dent was the attacker. Batman leaves, heading back to the Batcave to pick up Robin, telling Alfred he needs to find Harvey, Alfred comments that Harvey loved media attention. Batman comments that all the news stations are at the hospital, reporting on the assassination attempt. Alfred suggests he goes there.
Vicki Vale is reporting outside the hospital when Two Face, with Riddler's gang members in tow, confronts her and holds her hostage on live television. Batman uses his Bathook to grab onto Two Face's arm, causing him to drop the gun while Robin jumps in to save Vicki. Batman and Robin defeat Two Face and his gang, managing to arrest them.
As Two Face is being taken to the Gotham Police station, an alarm goes off. all of the holding cells open, releasing multiple criminals. In the ensuing fight Two Face escapes. Batman heads over to Riddler's holding cell where he finds another riddle.
Painted in green paint on the wall, the riddle reads "There is nothing to be found behind bars." Batman and Robin debate the meaning for a while, deciding he's not talking about any prison in the city. Gordon suggests that they could be referring to the bar where Riddler first kidnapped Harvey. On the side of the bar opposite of the entrance Robin finds a stack of crates, leading to a passage way.
They find a "Riddlercave" and see all of the Riddler's plans. They hear a shot and Riddler scream. They reach a room full of question marks and see Two Face has shot a round into the ceiling to threaten Riddler. Batman tackles Two Face, but then Riddler stands up and hits him in the head with his cane. The two laugh and attempt to take down Robin, who breaks Riddler's cane and throws away Two Face's gun. Robin tries to hold the two of them off but is knocked down. Batman gets back up and takes down Riddler and Two Face.
Gordon takes Two Face and Riddler off to Arkham, being interviewed by Vicki Vale. As the interview concludes, Vale is shown being picked up by Bruce Wayne.
-Plot summary of Batman: The Dark Knight, batmanpedia.com