Despite his established prominence in Hollywood, Tommy Lee Jones required persistent persuasion to accept the role of Two-Face in Joel Schumacher's 1995 Batman sequel. When producer Peter Macgregor-Scott sent the screenplay to the actor in Texas, Jones quickly rejected it, claiming he did not understand it. Macgregor-Scott responded with a direct rebuke, reminding Jones of his Academy Award status before abruptly ending the conversation.

Within hours, Jones reconsidered and agreed to take the part. Batman Forever proved a substantial commercial venture, generating significant profits despite its enormous production budget. Whilst the film received mixed critical reception overall, Jones' performance as the villain earned favourable reviews from critics and helped establish him as one of the decade's most bankable actors.