Pierce Brosnan Talks BATMAN, "Any Guy Who Wears His Underpants On The Outside Of His Trousers Cannot Be Taken Seriously", Shares Thoughts On Gay/Black 007
Over the years, many actors have portrayed Gotham's Dark Knight in his many blockbuster outings. One such actor is Michael Keaton, but did you know the role was actually originally offered to Pierce Brosnan instead? Click the jump for details on what Brosnan recently said about turning down the role, as well as his thoughts on a gay or black 007!
Over the years, many actors have portrayed Gotham's Dark Knight in his many blockbuster outings. From Adam West's portrayal in the original Batman TV series in the 1960's, to Ben Affleck's upcoming take on the Dark Knight in Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, we've seen many different versions of the Caped Crusader grace our screens.
Now, many fans still believe that Michael Keaton's performance in the 1989 Tim Burton directed Batman was one of, if not the, best takes on the character we've seen to date. But, if things had have played out as they were originally intended, Keaton wouldn't have been cast in the role at all! Director Tim Burton originally wanted James Bond star Pierce Brosnan (though at the time, Brosnan had only been in Remington Steele) for the role of Bruce Wayne, and subsequently, his justice-fueled alter ego.
Fortunately for Keaton, Brosnan declined the role, and the rest is history.
Fast forward to the present - while speaking to Details in an interview to promote his upcoming film, No Escape, Brosnan had this to say about turning down the role of Batman:
"It was the beginning of these huge movies, and I just thought, Batman? Batman held such an indelible place in my own childhood, but I said something flippant to Tim Burton like, "Any guy who wears his underpants outside his trousers cannot be taken seriously." So, yeah".
Interesting. What's curious though, as Brosnan doesn't elaborate any further on the matter, is whether or not he still feels this way on the matter. Regardless, the decision certainly didn't get in the way of Brosnan developing a successful career, as he went on to play the notorious super spy, 007, in a number of films.
On the topic of 007, Brosnan also advocated the idea that the next incarnation of James Bond should be a great black actor. He also stated that it would "interesting to see a gay James Bond", but doesn't think it will happen while Barbara Broccoli, the producer of the James Bond films, is still around. When asked "Can you picture a gay 007?", Brosnan offered the following response:
"Sure. Why not? [Pauses thoughtfully] Actually, I don't know how it would work. I don't think Barbara [Broccoli, the James Bond producer] would allow a gay Bond to happen in her lifetime. But it would certainly make for interesting viewing. Let's start with a great black actor being James Bond. Idris Elba certainly has the physicality, the charisma, the presence. But I think Daniel [Craig] will be there for a while yet".
What do you guys think? Who, in your opinion, is the definitive Batman actor? Would you have preferred to see Brosnan take a shot at the role, or are you glad things allowed for Keaton to star in the film instead? And what are your thoughts on a gay/black incarnation of 007? Do you agree with Brosnan's comments on the previously-rumoured Idris Elba making a good Bond? Sound off in the comments below, and make sure to share and hit that like button!