As a hardcore Batman fan and avid film enthusiast, I can’t help but be fascinated by behind-the-scenes stories from the set of my all-time favorite superhero movies. And the tale of Danny DeVito’s encounter with a monkey co-star while filming “Batman Returns” is one that has always intrigued me.
Numerous film productions feature stories that are hard to accept as true. One such extraordinary anecdote is that of Danny DeVito, who was reportedly bitten on his testicles by his monkey costar during the filming of Batman Returns. Previously unseen footage of this incident has recently reemerged on the internet, having been preserved from a YouTube channel that previously housed it but later shut down.
In the early ’90s, when “Batman Returns” was produced, most animal characters in movies were portrayed by real animals on set instead of relying heavily on CGI technology for their furry co-stars, unlike today. This was no exception for the monkey member of the Penguin’s Red Triangle gang in Tim Burton’s follow-up to the successful 1989 superhero film.
Sadly, an incident nearly caused an unpleasant mishap for DeVito, the details of which are now available for viewing in somewhat pixelated videos taken back then.
In the dimly lit video, it’s hard to discern what the monkey is doing. However, DeVito’s swift response provides some insight into the situation, aligning with his descriptions of the event during interviews last year.
Why Did Danny DeVito Get Attacked by a Monkey on Batman Returns Set?
When I was filming a scene as Oswald Cobblepot in “Batman,” I went the extra mile to get into character. During one take, I used some unusual makeup for my lips, smearing them with black and green mouthwash to resemble Penguin’s distinctive look. Everything seemed fine during our first rehearsal; Batman delivered the note, and we continued with the scene. But in a later take, my simian friend reacted unexpectedly, causing quite a stir on set. I can still remember him lunging towards me after seeing my blackened lips – it was quite an unsettling moment for everyone involved!
I filled my mouth with this dark, almost black mouthwash, intending for the Penguin goo to seep out when I spoke. Suddenly, a monkey appeared before me, startlingly close and directly at my private area. I was taken aback, swearing it was a terrifying experience. Upon removing the suit, we discovered a large piece missing from it. So, we decided to repeat the process.
Although the actor was unhurt during the old incident, and his retelling of the story decades later brought amusement, it’s unfortunate that the genuine footage of the event has largely been hidden on the internet. Now, this precious clip has been saved from obscurity to be shared with everyone once more, even if DeVito himself might not find it so entertaining.
Lately, “Batman Returns” has been a popular topic among fans due to Michael Keaton’s recent reprisal of his role as Bruce Wayne in “The Flash,” and the entertaining cameo by Keaton, DeVito, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as Batman icons at this year’s Academy Awards.
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2024-07-21 18:03