The Batman must be old and well beyond his best. He is a superhero who is on his way out from the vigilante business. True that Ben Affleck has done well portraying a worn out crime fighter who is struggling to keep going. However, the upcoming Matt Reeves solo might take things further. It might even reintroduce someone who is actually much older. In our opinion, Michael Keaton would be a great choice for the role. Although, George Clooney can also be a great continuation of Ben Affleck.
A lot of discussions are going on about Ben Affleck exiting the Batman’s character after Justice League’s promotions are over. Affleck had originally signed to write, direct and play the lead role in The Batman. However, last one year saw him stepping down from directorial duties and later from writing the film, and now we feel, he might be leaving the whole thing, and Matt Reeves is hunting for the new Dark Knight. Reports have come about Jake Gyllenhaal’s interest in the role, but, WB isn’t confident about him. The ideal actor might be hidden in plain sight and just waiting for the question: Are we ready to see Michael Keaton play Batman again?
Michael Keaton debuted as Bruce Wayne in the iconic 1989 Batman film by Tim Burton which unleashed the Batman mania. Keaton reprised the role in Batman Returns, but, exited during the writing of the third film as he wasn’t in agreement with the soft nature of things. Michael Keaton was the one who introduced the dark, fierce and thoughtful Batman and everyone who followed him has taken cues from his version. Now that the character is back to being dark and enigmatic Michael Keaton’s return to take his place might be the best option.
It was a shocker for DC fans when Ben Affleck was cast in Batman v Superman especially due to his age. People felt that Affleck was too old to play Bruce Wayne and many others believe that he wasn’t the ideal choice to play the role. Affleck has been seen twice as Batman with a mixed outcome. However, nobody talks about his age anymore as all talks are now focused on his successor. Michael Keaton is back, and he has shown that he is game for some action work even at 66. Keaton’s career has been all about taking the unpredictable course and returning to play Batman is as unpredictable as anything ever. In 1989, his selection as Batman was a controversy and fans had written angry letters to WB, stating that Keaton was unsuitable and they didn’t realize that it was his weirdness which made Tim Burton select him. This is what Burton had said back then.
“He’s got all that wild energy in his eyes, which would compel him to put on a Batsuit… He does it because he needs to because he’s not this gigantic strapping macho man.”
Keaton’s Batman reinvented the superhero portrayals in Hollywood. It showed the hesitation; the self-critical alter ego nature which is being replicated even after almost thirty years. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Batman might not have been this big if Keaton had not played the classy version. He removed the cheesy comic book version and exited the franchise when an attempt was made to bring back the cheesy style. Batman had to wait for 13 years until Christian Bale’s arrival to once again reintroduce Keaton’s style.
A lot of people might say that Ben Affleck is good to go or even Jake Gyllenhaal, but, we feel that it is time for Michael Keaton to return as Batman. DC and WB have wandered off with the character, and they seem clueless about what do with it now. Jeffrey Dean Morgan might be good to play Flashpoint, but, Michael Keaton must come back to revive The Batman. If anything, fans must launch a petition to bring Michael Keaton into the DCEU and get Batman the boost it needs. We are thankful to The Guardian for providing us the quotes.
