Michael Keaton played an important role in Batman a global hit. The other hit versions of Batman in DC movies have been portrayed by Christian Bale and Ben Affleck. Robert Pattinson is set to portray the Dark Knight next in Matt Reeves’ version of Batman.
It’s been almost two decades since Keaton played Bruce Wayne, but the actor confirmed on December 22. He is going to reprise the role of Batman in The Flash movie. Keaton is also reported to be in HBO Max’s Batgirl.
Return of the 1989 version of Batman
Michael Keaton first portrayed Batman in 1989 for Tim Burton’s film Batman. Keaton’s billionaire vigilante went up against the Joker, who was played by Jack Nicholson. The film is widely regarded as one of the best versions in the Batman franchise. It was partly because of Nicholson’s performance as the Clown Prince of Crime. Keaton portrayed the character once again in Burton’s 1992 sequel Batman Returns. Michelle Pfeiffer starred as Catwoman. Danny DeVito played the role of Penguin. That was the last time Keaton played Batman. Val Kilmer took the iconic role in Batman Forever in 1995. George Clooney appeared as Batman in Batman & Robin in 1996.
However, after his two-decades-long absence from the role, Keaton is going to return for The Flash and he is reportedly doing the same in Batgirl, both of which are expected to be released in 2022.
Keaton spoke to Variety about playing Wayne once more by saying: “‘What would that be like?’ or ‘What if I had to do that again?’ Just because I was curious didn’t mean I wanted to do it. So, it took a long time, frankly… I’m not just gonna say I’ll do it. It has to be good. And there has to be a reason.”
Keaton’s Batman alongside ‘Batfleck’ in The Flash was confirmed in August 2020. Ben Affleck’s Batman last appeared in Justice League. Andy Muschietti director the director of The Flash told Vanity Fair on Affleck’s return: “His Batman has a dichotomy that is very strong, which is his masculinity—because of the way he looks, and the imposing figure that he has, and his jawline —but he’s also very vulnerable. He knows how to deliver from the inside out, that vulnerability. He just needs a story that allows him to bring that contrast, that balance.”
The film will have no relation with Pattinson’s version of the character. The new version of Batman is set to be released in March 2022.
There are rumours that Keaton will reprise the role in Batgirl, which stars Leslie Grace. Warner Bros. has yet to confirm it.
Role of Michael Keaton in Flash
The Hollywood Reporter suggested that Keaton would show up in several DC superhero movies. He might play the role of a mentor to young superheroes.
Burton’s Batman universe is a ridiculous place where Penguin can become mayor and be licked by a bunch of cats that can resurrect a dead. So, Burton’s universe is a ridiculous one.
The Flash movie is also the perfect opportunity to bring the concept of Batmen from different universes. Ezra Miller’s cinematic Flash will introduce different Flashes in one universe. Andrés Muschietti’s The Flash is the adaption of the 2011 comic book story Flashpoint. In that story Flash unintentionally created a dark alternate reality by travelling back in time to prevent his mother’s murder which was committed by Reverse-Flash. Flash’s actions had a ripple effect that made Bruce’s father Thomas Wayne becoming a brutal Batman, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman engaging in an apocalyptic war, and Superman being raised in captivity by the American government scientists. It all created chaos which made earth face its extinction.
Keaton will possibly replace the role of Thomas Wayne in the movie. There is no confirmation of how similar his attitude towards violence will be now in The Flash film. Fans’ reaction towards Keaton’s return is very positive.
Michael Keaton’s Role in Batgirl
Keaton’s Batman will introduce new members of the Bat-family on screen. The rumours say that Keaton will appear in HBO Max’s upcoming Batgirl movie. Batgirl and Batman always had a complicated relationship. Bruce Wayne had played different roles in Batgirl’s career of fighting against crime. He sometimes plays the role of a mentor, sometimes as a comrade, and most notoriously as a love interest. It is better to leave it for the filmmakers.
Introduction of Batman Beyond
Fans are demanding Batman Beyond film for a long time. Keaton could introduce the cinematic version of Batman Beyond. The animated series Batman Beyond is always loved by fans. Keaton might play the role of an older version of Bruce Wayne to help the new Batman fight against crime.
The Movie Culture Synopsis
The Flash which is directed by Andrés Muschietti is set to be released on 4 November of 2022. This will introduce the concept of the Multiverse in DCEU. The Flash will feature many top actors and superheroes from DCEU and will have a significant impact on future DCEU movie releases.
Grant Gustin’s televisional Flash has already brought the idea on screen with Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. At the end of the story, Ezra Miller’s cinematic Flash met Grant Gustin’s televisual Flash. This incident might trigger Ezra Miller’s Flash to create Flashpoint.
Fans who do not prefer to read comics can watch the animated version of the comic, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox of 2013. The Flash will be the biggest movie after Justice League which had a disastrous outcome.
