The Flash director Andy Muschietti has just dropped another cool teaser for the DC Comics movie, and this one should get fans of Tim Burton's Batman very excited indeed.
As you can see, Michael Keaton is clearly going to don that familiar costume for the 2022 release, which is no great surprise when it was showcased in concept art during last year's DC FanDome. Whether this confirms the actor will be de-aged to play this version of the Dark Knight remains to be seen, but that would contradict reports that he'll be reintroduced as an older Batman and a mentor to the likes of Batgirl and Nightwing in the DC Extended Universe moving forward.
Honestly, we'll just be happy to see this version of Bruce Wayne team up with the Scarlet Speedster, but there's another very interesting talking point in the photo.
The classic logo is splattered with blood for what appears to be a homage to Watchmen. Could that be a hint that the Flash will visit that world as well? DC Comics' Doomsday Clock toyed with the idea of Dr. Manhattan having a role in the DC Universe's creation, so it's certainly possible.
We'll have to wait and see, but as teasers for a movie go, this is awesome. We're not expecting a trailer until October's DC FanDome, but keep racing back here for updates on The Flash!
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some of the biggest rumours about The Flash!
8. Warner Bros. Wants To Include Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman 1984 didn't strike a chord with many fans, but it's still hard to fault Gal Gadot's take on the Amazon warrior.
A Wonder Woman 3 is in the works, but with Patty Jenkins set to tackle Rogue Squadron for Lucasfilm, it could be a long time before the spotlight is put on Diana Prince again. However, one recent rumour suggests that Warner Bros. is actively pursuing Gadot for a "small supporting role."
It's worth mentioning that the actress is currently expecting a baby, but she could film scenes as Wonder Woman when reshoots for The Flash take place or right at the end of production.
This is an interesting rumour, but one we're not 100% sure will pan out just yet!
7. No Reverse-Flash
The Flash movie is no longer a straightforward Flashpoint adaptation, and while elements from that may make it to the big screen next year, one crucial element will be missing.
According to one report, Eobard Thawne's Reverse-Flash won’t be the main villain in The Flash. Unfortunately, they didn't elaborate on whether he'll be included in any way or which other villains are set to potentially battle the Scarlet Speedster.
It's hard to believe we won't even get a cameo appearance from the Reverse-Flash here, though, especially as he's the one responsible for killing Nora Allen and framing Barry's father for the crime.
Chances are the movie will keep the spotlight on the hero's travels through the Multiverse and the creation of a new DC Extended Universe, with Eobard likely saved for the sequel (where he can receive the screentime he deserves).
6. How Michael Keaton Returns As Batman
The Flash will reportedly see the Scarlet Speedster travel back in time to prevent the death of his mother, an act that leads to the creation of another universe.
If that sounds familiar, it's because that was essentially the plot of the Flashpoint comic book series.
It's said that this new reality is protected by Michael Keaton's version of Batman, and both Batman Forever and Batman and Robin will be forgotten about, with The Flash revealing what this Dark Knight has been up to in the thirty years since we last saw him face The Penguin in Batman Returns.
It seems likely that this newly created world will be here to stay, especially as it's being widely reported that Keaton's Batman will stick around, acting as a mentor to a number of heroes (including Batgirl).
5. No Atlantean/Amazon War
Another negative rumour for fans of the Flashpoint series, this one claims that there are no longer plans for Barry Allen to arrive in a reality where Atlantis and Themyscira have gone to war.
It would have been epic to see Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman square off with Jason Momoa's Aquaman, but it seems that idea has fallen by the wayside for a slightly more personal story focusing on the Fastest Man Alive. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but if Diana Prince is showing up, then it won't be in this guise.
This might have been a little too much for The Flash to include, but a lot of fans out there are sure to be disappointed that another major part of the source material will not be featured in the movie.
Even though it won't be a pivotal plot point, here's hoping it's at least included as an Easter Egg!
4. Michael Keaton's New Batsuit
Concept art for The Flash showed Michael Keaton suited up in his original Batman costume, seemingly not having aged a day. However, we wouldn't be surprised if that was just a placeholder.
Why? Well, this rumour suggests that the Academy Award-nominated actor is going to don a Batsuit that's "heavily inspired" by what we saw the Dark Knight wearing in Kingdom Come. It's actually been confirmed that this Bruce Wayne will suit up, and a costume like this makes perfect sense.
After all, we're talking about a much older Batman, and one that likely needs all the help he can get after spending decades protecting Gotham City.
Turning to this Batsuit would be a great idea, especially after Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice made use of The Dark Knight Returns' armour.
3. Lynda Carter Suits Up As Wonder Woman
So, we might see Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman, but it sounds like another Amazon warrior could be making an appearance (which wouldn't be too surprising when we're getting two versions of Batman).
Apparently, Lynda Carter is in talks to reprise her iconic role as Wonder Woman in the Scarlet Speedster's movie.
The actress played Diana Prince in the 1970s live-action television series which was set during World War II initially before moving to the present day. Catching up with an experienced Wonder Woman in the future could be fun, especially if Michael Keaton's Batman is part of a Kingdom Come-type Universe. It also makes sense to include her in a story about the Multiverse!
We're not sure if Wonder Woman 1984 will have an impact on these cameo plans, but perhaps that could be retconned to tie into what we see in The Flash?
2. Some Familiar Batman Villains
By the time The Flash is released in theaters, it will have been more than three decades since the Dark Knight battled The Penguin in Tim Burton's classic Batman Returns. Danny DeVito delivered an iconic performance which now means Colin Farrell has a lot to live up to in The Batman, but might there be more in store for his memorable take on Oswald Cobblepot?
Well, Warner Bros. is said to have plans for DeVito to appear in this movie, and while there's no word on what role he'd play, it's worth noting that Penguin did die in Batman Returns.
As a result, we're not convinced this is legitimate, but rumblings that Michelle Pfeiffer could be back as Catwoman do have us pretty excited. Batman Returns teased her return, and it would make sense for Keaton's Dark Knight to spend his later years with Selina Kyle.
However, these cameos barely scratch the surface of what might be on the way in The Flash...
1. A Series Of Major Cameos
One report claims that after Barry Allen messes up the timeline, he will find himself in a number of alternate universes. Producers are hoping the Fastest Man Alive will be able to visit Christopher Nolan's version of Gotham City, and the hope is Christian Bale might return as Batman.
That lines up with previous reports that Warner Bros. was considering approaching him for Keaton's role, but another big surprise is that Batman Forever's Val Kilmer and Batman and Robin stars George Clooney and Chris O'Donnell are also being approached.
As expected, The Flash TV show star Grant Gustin is also likely to appear as that Barry Allen.
The biggest and boldest claim, however, is that Nicolas Cage is being lined up to play the Superman who inhabits the same world as Michael Keaton's Batman. That makes sense as filmmaker Tim Burton was once set to direct a film starring the actor called Superman Lives. Unfortunately, the door seems to have been closed on Jeffrey Dean Morgan also playing Batman.