Actress Michelle Pfeiffer, famed for her portrayal of Catwoman, recently unveiled pages from her script for *Batman Returns*, showcasing that Batman’s rarely used moniker was initially present in Tim Burton’s 1992 film. Despite it being three decades since the release of *Batman Returns*, Pfeiffer continues to be celebrated as one of the most memorable live-action Catwoman actresses. She made a singular appearance in Burton’s Batman universe, with a planned Catwoman spinoff that never came to fruition. Since then, Catwoman and Batman have encountered each other multiple times in live-action adaptations.
Log in – Create an account
Unlock Unlimited Access & Enjoy All Features!
Unlimited Access • All Features • Complete Experience!
Password Error
Log in
Forgot your password?
Create an account
*Required: 8 chars, 1 capital letter, 1 number
By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You also consent to receive our newsletters, with the option to unsubscribe at any time.
No Thanks, Keep Reading
Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram to share a glimpse of her *Batman Returns* script. In it, the mayor of Gotham City refers to Batman as “The Caped Crusader.” This scene was crossed out in Pfeiffer’s script, and it ultimately didn’t make it into the film. This means the last time Batman was referred to as “Caped Crusader” in a live-action DC film was in the 1966 *Batman* featuring Adam West. Check out Michelle Pfeiffer’s post below:
Origins of Batman’s Caped Crusader Nickname
Batman’s Caped Crusader Moniker Highlights The Dark Knight’s Lighter Qualities
The moniker “Caped Crusader” was introduced early in Batman’s comic lore, encapsulating his less serious side, often used in more whimsical narratives. As Gotham’s primary vigilante, driven by a fervent pursuit of justice, Batman earned the title of “crusader.” His distinctive cape, naturally, distinguishes him from other heroes and vigilantes.
Azrael, the religious anti-hero, is the only Gotham vigilante who could potentially rival Batman for the “Caped Crusader” label.
The 1960s *Batman* series frequently referred to Batman as “Caped Crusader.” For example, in the very first episode of season 1, “Hi Diddle Riddle,” Commissioner Gordon calls Batman and Robin “Gotham’s two stalwart crime-fighters — the Dynamic Duo, the Caped Crusaders.” This was part of the series’ playful and campy tone, where characters often used flamboyant titles for Batman and Robin. Over time, the moniker “Caped Crusader” fell out of use in live-action, with “the Dark Knight” becoming Batman’s primary epithet.
DC's Newest Catwoman Might Be Her Most Changed On-Screen Depiction Yet
Currently, the animated series *Batman: Caped Crusader* is reintroducing the titular nickname with a more serious approach. Unlike the light-hearted Adam West *Batman* series and film, or the realistic tone of Christopher Nolan’s *Dark Knight* trilogy, this animated series portrays a similarly dark and comic-style Gotham City akin to Tim Burton’s *Batman* and *Batman Returns*. Perhaps the success of the animated series will inspire other adaptations to revive Batman’s “Caped Crusader” nickname.
Source: Michelle Pfeiffer/Instagram
Batman Returns
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
Joker: Folie a Deux
Superman (2025)
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
