Tim Burton’s Batman was an instant hit following its release in 1989, and did so well at the box office that it went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of its time. As is usually the case in a situation like that, the movie’s success quickly led to a sequel going into production. By September 1991, principal photography began on Burton’s follow-up, Batman Returns, which included appearances from even more iconic characters from the Dark Knight’s universe. One person who was noticeably absent, however, was Batman’s sidekick, Robin, who was actually very close to being in the movie.

The role had officially been cast and, believe it or not, was set to be played by Marlon Wayans. The 19-year-old comedian would’ve been the second Black actor to play a major role in the Batman films after Billy Dee Williams, who starred as Harvey Dent in the previous entry. Wayans had his wardrobe fitted and got paid for his time, but Burton ultimately decided that there were too many characters in the movie. Robin even made it far enough that an action figure was released, complete with a hi-top fade, though it ended up being repainted white due to Wayans’s departure.

Burton was looking to cast Wayans in a third film as well, which eventually became Batman Forever, but although Burton served as a producer, Joel Schumacher stepped in to direct that time around. According to Wayans, Schumacher had a different vision for the character and opted to give the part to Chris O’Donnell instead. A long list of others were considered before that, among them Leonardo DiCaprio, who said he wasn’t ready for a movie like that at that point in his career. Wayans didn’t walk away empty-handed, though, because on top of his initial payment for his brief involvement with Batman Returns, he also apparently receives residual checks to this day.

Looking back, Wayans feels that losing the role was a blessing in disguise, and that he likely would’ve wasted his life away because he wouldn’t have known how to handle the success and money that came with making such a huge movie at that age. Furthermore, he believes that missing out on the opportunity put him on the path to creating things for himself. Years later, when asked if he was happy about not being in Batman Forever, Wayans told Gizmodo, “No, look—I get why they picked Chris O’Donnell, because it would be messed up to have Batman and you’ve got Robin, and his bulge is somewhat bigger than Batman’s. Batman would have a serious problem with that.”