Tim Burton's "Batman" turns 25

A quarter-century has passed since Michael Keaton first donned a black cap and cowl to protect Gotham City. Tim Burton's ground-breaking "Batman" celebrates its 25th anniversary this week. The big-screen adaptation of the DC Comics legend served as the launching pad for a cinematic franchise when it became one of the biggest blockbusters from the summer of 1989. See what crew and cast members like Jack Nicholson and Kim Basinger have been up to since "Batman" first took flight.

Read more: Tim Burton's "Batman" turns 25

By: Ken Lombardi

Michael Keaton -- Then

When Keaton was initially cast as the Caped Crusader, more than a few comic book fans raised their concerns, given his less-than-strapping build and reputation as a comic actor, with previous roles in comedies like "Mr. Mom" and Burton's "Beetlejuice." Keaton was able to easily sway the skeptics upon the film's release.

Michael Keaton -- Now

Keaton went on to reprise the role in 1992's "Batman Returns," also directed by Burton and co-starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito. Keaton then went on to star in films like 1996's "Multiplicity," 2005's "White Noise" and 2010's "The Other Guys."

Now 62, Keaton will next star in "Birdman," which pokes fun at his old Bruce Wayne persona.

Jack Nicholson -- Then

Jack Nicholson stole the show as Batman's ultimate nemesis, The Joker. In this incarnation, The Joker (here known as Jack Napier), is the one responsible for murdering Bruce Wayne's parents, marking a shift from the comics where Joe Chill had been their killer.

At the time of the film's release, Nicholson was entitled to a percentage of the film's box office gross, which turned out to be substantial. It's been said that he ultimately pocketed roughly $60 million for the role, a record at the time.

Jack Nicholson -- Now

The 77-year-old actor has had a prolific career in Hollywood, with three Academy Awards under his belt. Notable roles since "Batman" have included 1992's "A Few Good Men," 1996's "Mars Attacks," 1997's "As Good As It Gets," 2002's "About Schmidt," 2003's "Anger Management" and 2006's "The Departed." His last acting credit was 2010's "How Do You Know."

Kim Basinger -- Then

Basinger stepped into the role of photojournalist Vicki Vale, a love interest for Batman who was originally to be played by "Blade Runner" actress Sean Young, until she broke her collar bone while riding a horse just a few days before filming was set to begin.

Kim Basinger -- Now

In 1998, Basinger won a best supporting actress Oscar for her turn in "L.A. Confidential."

At 60, the actress still remains in the spotlight. She most recently starred alongside Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone in 2013's "Grudge Match."

Tim Burton -- Then

Burton was just 30 years old when he sat in the director's chair for this big budget Hollywood super-hero flick. He surpassed just about everybody's expectations with the release of "Batman," which gave a much-needed jolt to the Dark Knight's image.

Tim Burton -- Now

"Batman" helped solidify Burton's place as a prominent filmmaker. Some of his other works include 1990's "Edward Scissorhands," 1994's "Ed Wood," 1996's "Mars Attacks!," 2003's "Big Fish," 2005's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," 2010's "Alice in Wonderland" and 2012's "Frankenweenie." His next film, "Big Eyes," is due out on Christmas Day.

Robert Wuhl -- Then

Wuhl had previously starred in films like 1987's "Good Morning, Vietnam" and 1988's "Bull Durham" when he was cast as Vicki Vale's wise-cracking colleague Alexander, one of Batman's vocal critics.

Robert Wuhl -- Now

Wuhl went on to create and star in the hit HBO series "Arli$$" from 1996-2002. He most recently had a reoccurring guest star role as a judge on the legal comedy series "Franklin and Bash."

Jerry Hall -- Then

Hall was famous as the longtime girlfriend of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger when she agreed to play the Joker's crippled girlfriend, Alicia.

Jerry Hall -- Now

Hall went on to marry Jagger in 1990, before eventually divorcing in 1997. At 57, she spends most of her time raising the couple's four children in the U.K.

Billy Dee Williams -- Then

Billy Dee Williams was perhaps best known for his turn as Lando Calrissian in 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back" and its 1983 sequel "The Return of the Jedi" when he agreed to star in "Batman" as Gotham City District Attorney Harvey Dent, a role eventually recast with Tommy Lee Jones when the character became Two-Face in "Batman Forever."

Billy Dee Williams -- Now

Williams has amassed more than 130 acting credits during his lengthy career. He has made guest appearances lately on several TV series, including "NCIS," "Glee" and "Modern Family." He also reprised his Lando role for 2014's "The Lego Movie."

Prince -- Then

Prince's "Batman" soundtrack mirrored the film's success with record album sales. The soundtrack spent several weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 chart and spawned several hit singles, including the now-infamous "Batdance."

Prince -- Now

During the 1990s, Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol due to a dispute with Warner Bros., before going back to his original moniker in 2000. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The 56-year-old entertainer is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, with worldwide sales topping over 100 million albums.

Michael Gough and Pat Hingle

Michael Gough, who portrayed Bruce Wayne's trusted butler Alfred, and Pat Hingle (Commissioner Gordon) were the only two actors to star in all four original Batman films. Hingle died in 2009 at 88 while Gough died in 2011 at 94.