Uma Thurman Reflects on Batman & Robin as a “Children’s Movie”

Uma Thurman Reflects on Batman & Robin as a “Children’s Movie”

Uma Thurman recently offered new insights into her role in the 1997 film Batman & Robin, describing it as a movie created specifically for children. During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Monday, the actress opened up about the film’s lighter tone compared to modern Batman adaptations.

Host Kelly Clarkson mentioned her children’s fondness for the movie, saying, “My kids are obsessed with Batman & Robin. They love Poison Ivy.” Thurman, who played the iconic villain Poison Ivy, responded with a smile, “It’s the one that was actually made for children.”

Thurman explained that Batman & Robin was intentionally designed as family-friendly entertainment, contrasting it with the darker, more brooding interpretations of the Batman universe helmed by directors Matt Reeves and Christopher Nolan. “It’s tonally much lighter than those films,” Thurman noted, highlighting the PG-13 rating it received ahead of its release.

While Batman & Robin was certainly less violent than its successors, Thurman acknowledged that the film leaned into a more playful form of provocation, particularly in its costume designs. The decision by costume designer Jose Fernandez to include suggestive elements, like the infamous nipples on the Batsuit, has remained a topic of discussion for decades.

Even George Clooney, who portrayed Batman in the film, expressed bewilderment over the costume design. In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, Clooney humorously reflected on the wardrobe choice. “I wasn’t thrilled with the nipples on the Batsuit,” Clooney admitted. “You know, that’s not something you really think about when you’re putting it on… Batman was just constantly cold, I guess.”

The lighthearted tone continued during Thurman’s conversation with Clarkson, as they discussed her memorable costumes from various films. In a Halloween-themed segment, Clarkson asked Thurman about her experience wearing the Poison Ivy costume in Batman & Robin, as well as her iconic yellow jumpsuit in Kill Bill. Thurman recalled the Poison Ivy outfit as a challenge, noting that the skin-tight rubber ensemble made it difficult to move.

“It was really difficult, actually,” Thurman explained. “It was like putting on the worst pair of airplane tension hose you’ve ever worn in your life. It was the original, meanest sort of Spanx imaginable. But it was fun and creative!”

Though Batman & Robin continues to spark debates over its design and tone, Thurman’s playful reflections highlight the film’s enduring appeal as a colorful, child-friendly entry in the Batman franchise.