Icons Unearthed: Batman

An unexpected champion vowed to bring back the dark knight to the screen, but it would take a visionary young director and a couple off the wall producers to get him there.

Production is off to a rocky start with an injured star, a troublesome vehicle, and an unyielding suit; maybe the producers and director can work out their differences to land the film.

After the success of Batman 89, the studio is ready for round two, but their director is not; given free reign, Burton and his handpicked team go wild.

A fraught production drives away the star yet delivers the toy friendly Batman the studio wants; when the sequel goes over the top, the franchise hangs in the balance.

To revive a dying franchise, the studio gives the key to the Batmobile to an indie director whose origin story and grounded aesthetic promise to resuscitate their hero.

On a mission to top his first outing, Nolan pushes his team harder than ever; when tragedy strikes, no one is prepared.