Before we dive into the specific differences, a quick definition. In the pre-digital era of film editing, a "workprint" was a physical print of the film (literally developed from the original camera negative) used by the editor and director to assemble a rough cut. It contains temporary sound effects, placeholder music (often temp tracks from other films), unfinished visual effects (green screens, wire rigs, uncolored animation), and, crucially, scenes that will later be cut for pacing or rating.
So, where is the Batman Forever Workprint today? Unfortunately, it appears that the original workprint has been lost to time. Despite numerous searches and alleged discoveries, the film's whereabouts remain a mystery. In 2015, Joel Schumacher revealed in an interview that he had searched for the workprint but was unable to locate it. Batman Forever Workprint
One of the most notable differences, however, is the absence of certain characters and subplots. The workprint features a greatly reduced role for Robin (Chris O'Donnell) and a more minimal presence for Val Kilmer's Batman. Furthermore, some characters, such as the seductive and villainous Catwoman (Nicole Kidman), are barely present in the workprint. Before we dive into the specific differences, a
Two-Face (Harvey Dent) in the theatrical cut is a one-note joke: a screaming goon who flips a coin. In the workprint, there is a 15-minute sequence set in a ruined courtroom (deleted entirely from the theatrical version). Here, Two-Face is holding a trial of his own split personality. In a chilling monologue, he argues with the "Harvey" side of his face in a shattered mirror. He cries. He begs for death. He flips the coin to decide if he kills himself or Batman. So, where is the Batman Forever Workprint today