Hopkins Passed on Batman?

Sir Anthony Hopkins, better known as “Hannibal Lecter”, is celebrating his 77th birthday today and to honor the legendary actor, Uproxx Movies has compiled a list of 5 movies Hopkins was in the running for.

Now, you’re probably already ahead of me here (read the title) but one of those movies was the 1997 misfire Batman & Robin. If you’re wondering, he wasn’t being considered for Batman, Bane or even Poison Ivy… but rather the man of ice himself, Mr. Freeze.

Could you imagine? “You’re not sending me to the cooler… with some fava beans and a nice chianti.” Hopkins was apparently in the running for the icy villain, as was Patrick Stewart. However, when Joel Schumacher wanted Mr. Freeze to have a spectacular build (why? he’s in a frickin suit!), Hopkins got the cold shoulder.

Would Dr. Lecter have saved the movie? Highly doubtful. This may have been one of those “dodged a bullet” moments for the great actor, who may not spend a minute of his life at 77 thinking back on the movie that almost killed Batman.