Robin Williams was offered the role of Joker when Jack Nicholson hesitated. He had even accepted the role, when producers approached Nicholson again and told him Williams would take the part if he did not. Nicholson took the role, and Williams was released. Williams resented being used as bait, and not only refused to play Riddler in Batman Forever (1995) but also refused to be involved in any Warner Bros. productions until the studio apologized. His next project with the studio would be Drôles de pères (1997).
Michelle Pfeiffer, who was dating Michael Keaton at that time, was asked to audition for Vicki Vale, but Keaton was against it, saying it would be awkward. Pfeiffer would later be cast alongside Keaton as Selina Kyle/Catwoman in Batman : Le Défi (1992), after their relationship had ended.
Michael Keaton, who calls himself a "logic freak", was concerned that Batman's secret identity would, in reality, be fairly easy to uncover, and discussed ideas with Tim Burton to better disguise the character, including the use of contact lenses. Ultimately, Keaton decided to perform Batman's voice at a lower register than when he was portraying Bruce Wayne. This technique became a staple of future portrayals of Batman in film, television, and video games, especially those of Kevin Conroy and Christian Bale.
Jack Nicholson said of his role, "The thing I like about the Joker is that his sense of humor is completely tasteless." He later said The Joker was one of his favorite roles he played.
Jack Nicholson received a percentage of the gross on the film, and due to its massive box-office take, he took home around $60 million. When adjusting for inflation, this equals roughly $157,147,718 in 2025.
Tim Burton: [Le Magicien d'Oz (1939)] When trying to defend herself from the Joker, Vicki Vale throws water to his face. The Joker replies with a mocking imitation of the Wicked Witch of the West saying "I'm melting! Melting!"
Tim Burton: [opening credits] The opening credits pass slowly over the length of a large bat insignia. Other examples of the opening credits passing slowly over objects are in other Burton films such as Beetlejuice (1988), L'Étrange Noël de monsieur Jack (1993), and Mars Attacks! (1996).
Tim Burton: [Citizen Kane (1941)] Numerous visual and thematic cues. E.g., Harvey Dent gives a speech while standing in front of a large poster of his own face.
Tim Burton: [Le Cabinet du docteur Caligari (1920)] Some set designs from this German film are imitated.
Tim Burton: [classical music] When Vicki Vale enters the Flugelheim Museum, the soundtrack is playing Eine kleine Nachtmusik by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.