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
Val Kilmer the stories about him, so I checked him out. I called Bob De Niro and Michael Mann, who'd worked with him on "Heat", and they both gave him raves... I had a wonderful experience, in spite of all the naysayers." Jeffrey Katzenberg (producer of "Prince of Egypt") talks about the actor: "Val was one of the first people cast in "The Prince of Egypt". He was there every step of the way; patient, understanding, and phenomenally generous with his time." In 2011, Kilmer sold his ranch in New Mexico, where he would track, hike, fish, and raise bison. Kilmer is