Val Kilmer named 'best Batman'

Val Kilmer has been named as the best actor to have played superhero Batman by director Joel Schumacher.

The director of 'Batman Forever' told IFC that Kilmer bought something special to the iconic role.

He told the publication: "For me, Val Kilmer was the best Batman.

"I thought he looked great in the costume, and I thought he brought a depth to the role."

Schumacher added that the relationship between Kilmer and Nicole Kidman was sexy and that Jim Carrey was the perfect Riddler.

It was announced in July 1994 that Kilmer would be taking over the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne from Michael Keaton.

He is perhaps best known for playing Iceman in 'Top Gun' (1986) and Chris in 'Heat', which was released in the same year as 'Batman Forever' - 1995.

Schumacher himself has directed 'Lost Boys' and 'A Time to Kill' and is currently due to direct thriller 'Hive', which is thought to star Halle Berry.