Director Joel Schumacher publicly criticised Val Kilmer after working with him on 1995’s Batman Forever, describing the actor as “a deeply troubled man in need of psychiatric help”. The dispute matters because it helped cement Kilmer’s reputation in the 1990s as a highly talented but difficult Hollywood star, despite praise from other collaborators.

Schumacher said Kilmer could be charming off set but alleged that he behaved aggressively towards crew members, including an assistant director, and that the pair had a confrontation in Kilmer’s trailer. Kilmer disputed the characterisation, saying their disagreement stemmed from Schumacher refusing to let him view daily footage and from his belief that the film prioritised merchandising over acting; he later declined to return for another Batman film.