Val Kilmer reported to be a top contender, though just days after Keaton dropped out, Kilmer was cast. Kilmer took the role without even knowing who the new director was and without reading the script. Released in June 1995, "Batman Forever" was a success at the box office, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. There was debate about Kilmer's performance: some critics, like "The New York Times" Janet Maslin, thought Kilmer was a poor successor to Keaton in the part; while others, such as Roger Ebert, had kind words for Kilmer. "Batman" creator Bob Kane said in a "Cinescape" interview that of
Michael Keaton surname due to an attraction to actress Diane Keaton is incorrect. Keaton's film debut came in a small non-speaking role in the Joan Rivers film "Rabbit Test". His next break was working alongside Jim Belushi in the short-lived comedy series "Working Stiffs", which showcased his comedic talent and led to a co-starring role in the comedy "Night Shift" directed by Ron Howard. His role as the fast-talking schemer Bill "Blaze" Blazejowski earned Keaton some critical acclaim, and he scored leads in the subsequent comedy hits "Mr. Mom", "Johnny Dangerously" and "Gung Ho". He played the title character in Tim Burton's