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In 1997, Batman & Robin swung into theaters with high hopes, an all-star cast, and the kind of blockbuster buzz every superhero film dreams of. But behind the glossy costumes and neon lights was a whirlwind of chaos, confusion, and ultimately, heartbreak — at least at first. Now, nearly three decades later, stars Alicia Silverstone and Chris O’Donnell are looking back with laughter, warmth, and a new appreciation for the campy classic that just won’t quit.

For O’Donnell, who reprised his role as Robin after Batman Forever, working with Silverstone felt like a full-circle moment. “I met Alicia before Clueless even came out,” he recalled fondly. “We did this GQ photoshoot in the desert, and she was just so full of energy. None of us knew she’d soon be this massive star.”

By the time cameras rolled on Batman & Robin, Silverstone was fresh off her Clueless fame, joining O’Donnell and George Clooney’s Bat-fam as Batgirl. But the transition into superhero life wasn’t exactly seamless. “I remember thinking, none of this makes sense,” Silverstone said with a laugh. “We were filming in these huge warehouses, surrounded by extras and lights — it was just wild. George really looked out for me. He was like a big brother, always calm and kind when things got confusing.”

The costumes didn’t make life easier. “Getting into that Batgirl suit was an Olympic event,” Silverstone joked. “You’d have to cover yourself in baby powder just to squeeze in — and once you did, forget about bathroom breaks. It was all part of the adventure.”

But the real challenge came once filming wrapped and the movie hit theaters. The reception was… less than heroic. “You could feel it during the press tour,” O’Donnell admitted. “Suddenly, everyone was turning on the film. It was tough — we were proud of what we’d done, but people really hated it. Joel [Schumacher] was heartbroken.”

The criticism stung, but time has a funny way of rewriting stories. Over the years, Batman & Robin has found new life as a beloved piece of camp cinema. “Batgirl’s having a revival!” Silverstone said. “At the time, people didn’t get it. Now, all my gay friends tell me it’s one of their favorite movies. It’s so over-the-top — it’s fabulous!”

Even the Academy Museum got in on the fun, screening the film as part of its Summer of Camp! series. O’Donnell was floored when he heard the news. “The Academy showed Batman & Robin? That’s hilarious,” he laughed. “I can’t tell if they were celebrating it or teasing George.”

Still, both stars agree that the movie’s journey — from critical flop to cult favorite — is something worth smiling about. “My son actually wears a Batman & Robin hat,” O’Donnell shared. “I told him, ‘You’re out of your mind!’ But he loves it. I guess that’s the magic — it keeps finding new fans.”

For all the on-set confusion and critical backlash, the experience left an indelible mark on both actors. “I grew up playing with Batmobiles,” O’Donnell reflected. “Then one day, I got to drive one. How wild is that? I still can’t believe it.”

Today, what once felt like a cinematic misfire has transformed into something else entirely — a colorful, nostalgic time capsule that reminds everyone, even superheroes, that not every story needs to be perfect to be loved.

As Silverstone puts it, “It was chaotic, it was crazy, but it was ours. And honestly? I’m proud of it.”