One of DC’s coolest characters, Batman aka Bruce Wayne has been the subject of tons of comics and movies revolving around him and his fights against many other DC villains. But only a select few actors were chosen to embody the billionaire vigilante who excelled in this area.
The first that comes to mind is Chrisitan Bale, Michael Keaton, then Ben Affleck, in that order. But only two of those three names still stand (as with Keaton, his plans were scrapped after bat girl‘s cancellation, with only one appearance as the flash left for him) standing strong for a spot in the DCU as Batman. And now it looks like there will soon be only one bat left standing.
Must Read: ‘If Kingdom Come Happens, Michael Keaton’s Batman Makes Sense’: After James Gunn Hints DCU Could Bring Iconic Arc to the Big Screen, DC Fans Demand Keaton Play Old Batman
Reports claim DCU is moving towards just one actor for Batman
To the new generation, Michael Keaton was the Christian Bale of the late 80s and 90s, only in the sense that he became the face of Batman for a considerable amount of time.
The 71-year-old actor led the cast for Batman(1989) and Return of Batman(1992). He would leave behind a legacy that would later give him a second chance to once again show his vision for the character in Batgirl, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and the next film directed by Ezra Miller the flash.
However, leaving aside the flashhis screen time is not that important in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, where he will only reprise his role as Batman in a deleted scene. As for bat girl, it was simply canceled by Warner Bros.
Related: ‘If You Want To Get Paid, You Have To Put On A Cape’: Michael Keaton Reportedly Paid $2 Million For Showing Up For A Week’s Work For Canceled Batgirl Movie
And now his role in the flash was also relegated to a faceless cameo, according to industry scooper Mike Sutton. Sutton broke the news after listening to Syl Abdul’s YouTube channel, and the stars decided against lining up for Keaton after all.
Abdul and Sutton have together reported that Michael Keaton will face reduced screen time for the upcoming Andy Muschietti-directed film. Abdul confirmed this when talking about the actor’s involvement in the sequel. Aquaman-
“Ben signed a contract. Ben will be there. Keaton? I don’t hear about any contract, any other project… the relationship has not changed.
As for the subject, Abdul had this to say in his latest video-
“There is always a possibility that Keaton’s role will indeed be reduced in The Flash.”
Well, it’s one bad news after another for Keaton, given that these reports are telling the truth.
Also Read: ‘It Ended Up Being the Canary in the Coal Mine’: Brendan Fraser Hints at WB’s Doomed Batgirl by Turning It into a Made-for-TV Movie
No Favors for Michael Keaton as David Zaslav and James Gunn’s Batman
Michael Keaton is 71 years old and he must now follow instructions from Warner Bros. Discovery David Zaslav, a man who doesn’t want an elderly actor as the face of one of his company’s most valuable assets.
It also explains why favorite Batman actor Ben Affleck would have had his role in the upcoming sequel. Aquaman rewritten and promoted in place of the supporting character.
Related: ‘I’m the Best Batman, Ben Affleck Was the Best Available’: George Clooney Claims He’s Better Than Batfleck, Completely Forgetting He Starred in ‘Batman & Robin’
James Gunn is also your new co-director of DC Studios with Peter Safran following the departure of Walter Hamada. Gunn, much like Zaslav, dislikes Keaton as Batman, with the biggest concern over his age coming into play.
A bleak future for him in the DCU awaits Keaton, who has nowhere to go after his final DCU appearance ends as the DCU. the flash is gearing up for release next year on June 23.
Source: Leaping into the Comics
