is batman returns not really a direct sequel to the 1989 batman film?

Question

I was browsing around the batman returns production notes on the 4 film favorites batman movie collection dvd set and it mentioned batman returns not being a sequel to the 1989 batman film. I don't know if this is an error on their part or not! But i don't get how its not a sequel because Bruce mentions Vicki Vale to Selina Kyle On Batman Returns when she asked does he have a girlfriend,

I find it strange that it said its not a sequel then does that make it a reboot?

Answer 1

It is a direct sequel to the 1989 Batman. It must have been an error. Perhaps they meant Batman Forever.

Answer 2

Michael Keaton plays plays Batman in the original movie as well as in Batman Returns. perhaps they said that because it doesn't exactly pick up where it left off. So it's meant to stand on it's own. Te reboot of the actual movie franchise are the ones starring Christian Bale.

Answer 3

Batman returns has nothing to do with the prior movies. It's a franchise reboot.