THE FLASH Star Michael Keaton Talks Returning As Batman And Struggling To Understand Multiverse Storyline

THE FLASH Star Michael Keaton Talks Returning As Batman And Struggling To Understand Multiverse Storyline

Michael Keaton talks about returning as Batman in The Flash ("I bet I could go back and nail that motherf***er") & admits that he had to read the script multiple times before understanding the Multiverse.

By JoshWilding - Aug 18, 2021 10:08 AM EST
Filed Under: The Flash
Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Michael Keaton last played Bruce Wayne in 1991's Batman Returns, but the actor will reprise the role in The Flash next year. Playing an older version of his Caped Crusader, the actor will suit up again for a team-up with the Scarlet Speedster and Supergirl that could see him join them on a trip through the DC Multiverse.

However, when he was presented with Christina Hodson's screenplay, the actor struggled to get his head around the concept of alternate realities and how his Batman ultimately fits in.

"I had to read it more than three times to go, ‘Wait, how does this work?’" the actor tells The Hollywood Reporter. "They had to explain that to me several times. By the way, I’m not being arrogant, I hope, about this. I don’t say it like, ‘I’m too groovy.’ I’m stupid. There’s a lot of things I don’t know about. And so, I don’t know, I just kind of figured it out, but this was different."

Despite that initial confusion, Keaton was impressed by Hodson's work and director Andy Muschietti's vision, so he jumped at the chance to don the Batsuit again. "Frankly, in the back of my head, I always thought, ‘I bet I could go back and nail that motherf***er. And so I thought, ‘Well, now that they’re asking me, let me see if I can pull that off.’"

"What’s really interesting is how much more I got [Batman] when I went back and did him. I get this on a whole other level now. I totally respect it. I respect what people are trying to make," Keaton continues. "I never looked at it like, ‘Oh, this is just a silly thing.’ It was not a silly thing when I did Batman. But it has become a giant thing, culturally. It’s iconic. So I have even more respect for it because what do I know? This is a big deal in the world to people. You’ve got to honor that and be respectful of that. Even I go, ‘Jesus, this is huge.’"

For fans of the original big screen Batman, these comments are only going to get them more excited to see what he brings to the table in The Flash next year. Rumour has it he'll be sticking around as this version of the Dark Knight, possibly becoming the DCEU's permanent Batman in the process.

Time will tell on that front, but we'll hopefully learn more about The Flash at DC FanDome this October.


Click on the "Next" button below for a breakdown of
reveals from a recently leaked promo for The Flash!

7. "A Solar-Powered Alien And Two Idiots"

SG

In the promo, Muschietti talks about The Flash featuring a much different Justice League, one he describes as having "a solar-powered alien and two idiots."

We don't think Batman is one of those idiots; instead, he's likely referring to Barry Allen and whoever that character hidden behind the spoiler warning is. Once upon a time, we're guessing that was meant to be Cyborg, but speculation is already running wild that it could be anyone from Booster Gold to Hal Jordan and even an alternate version of Wonder Woman. 

Whatever the case may be, this is a casting addition that's been kept fully under wraps. 

As for the "solar-powered alien," it looks like Batman, the Flash, and their unknown ally find Supergirl in a chamber bathed in Kryptonite, likely because she's been held captive by...someone! 
 

6. Batman Returns

BM

Concept art shown in this leaked video reveals Michael Keaton once again suited up as the Dark Knight driving the Batmobile and spending time in the Batcave (which looks very cool). 

While Ben Affleck is set to reprise the role of Bruce Wayne in The Flash, that's expected to be little more than a cameo appearance, and one that serves as an end to his tenure. 

Despite being quite a bit older than when we last saw him in Batman Returns, it seems Keaton's Caped Crusader continues to watch over Gotham City, and he's clearly going to be joining the Flash and Supergirl on whatever this mission they're embarking on to save the world actually is. 

Needless to say, that awesome on so many different levels!
 

5. The Mystery Character

CY

So, who is that character hidden by a great big spoiler warning? 

They seem to be wearing a coat of some sort, so perhaps it's a character like John Constantine? The Flash is certainly adhering to the Flashpoint comic books to a degree, with Supergirl taking Superman's place and Michael Keaton's Batman front and center instead of the Thomas Wayne version. 

However, there's no one there aside from Cyborg who really makes sense, leaving us to wonder whether this is another actor from the past who has been enlisted to reprise their role here. 

As well as fighting alongside the heroes we know about, it seems they'll be tagging along for a ride in the Batmobile too; wouldn't it be nuts if this was Batfleck, minus his memories?
 

4. Barry Allen Embraces Being A Superhero

FLA

In both cuts of Justice League, Barry Allen was finding his feet as a superhero and seemed somewhat reluctant to step out of the shadows and let the world know of his existence. 

It seems that will have changed in The Flash because this is no longer a Scarlet Speedster who takes down someone like Captain Boomerang before speeding away. Instead, concept art shows the hero in Central City in an unexpected, though undeniably heroic position. 

The Fastest Man Alive leaps through the air catching babies who have somehow been flung through the sky. Your guess is as good as ours when it comes to what's led to that! 

One piece of concept art even shows Barry giving Supergirl what looks like a pep talk, so it seems he'll be instrumental in her journey to becoming a superhero. 
 

3. An Underdog Story

FLA1

"I embrace the fact these underdogs are going to save the world," promises Muschietti before Miller vows that The Flash is a movie that "will blow people's heads off."

Who are the underdogs? Well, a rookie speedster who has somehow changed reality, an older Batman, and a Supergirl who has spent most of her life in darkness certainly seem to fit the bill! The filmmaker's comments also confirm that whatever threat it is they're facing here is one that sees the fate of the whole world on the line. 

We don't know if that world is a newly created DC Extended Universe, a different reality that Barry Allen visits, or a combination of both, but it looks like we're in for a wild ride. 

What's particularly intriguing about all this is how the other films will acknowledge what could be quite sweeping changes!
 

2. Multiple Versions Of Batman

FLE

In case it wasn't already clear, Miller confirms here that The Flash will include multiple versions of Batman. That might only mean two (Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton), but we have an inkling other versions that will make their presence felt.

In some respects, Flashpoint was just as much Batman's story as it was Barry's. The Thomas Wayne version of the Dark Knight wanted to fix reality in order to save his son, and while we're not convinced this Batman will have a similar mission, the character looks set to be a pivotal part of proceedings. 

We'd be willing to bet that at least one more familiar face returns as Batman (Val Kilmer), but Miller could have been referring to heroes like Batgirl or even Batman Beyond.

Reliable outlets have reported that this Batman will serve as a mentor to Batgirl down the line, so her showing up in this film doesn't seem outside the realm of possibility.
 

1. Still No Sign Of A Big Bad

RE

Right now, the weirdest thing about The Flash is that it doesn't seem to have a villain. 

Someone is clearly going to put the Earth at risk, so there has to be a big bad of some sort. Heroes like these need someone to punch, and it's can't just be whoever was holding Supergirl captive. 

We're going to take a wild swing here and suggest that Miller could be playing Reverse-Flash, a twisted version of himself who has tapped into the Speed Force and lost his mind. That's not what fans want to see, but it might make more sense than a somehow completely secret casting addition!

It's hard to say, but there are few clues to be found in this leaked new look at the film. 
 

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DCRISEN0609
DCRISEN0609 - 8/18/2021, 10:03 AM
Batman always deserve Respect...
regularmovieguy
regularmovieguy - 8/18/2021, 10:04 AM



soberchimera
soberchimera - 8/18/2021, 10:04 AM
They had to explain that to me several times. By the way, I’m not being arrogant, I hope, about this. I don’t say it like, ‘I’m too groovy.’ I’m stupid. There’s a lot of things I don’t know about. And so, I don’t know, I just kind of figured it out, but this was different.
Yeah, you're not stupid or arrogant Michael, this movie is basically just WB trying to put a band-aid on the massive headwound that is their shared cinematic universe.
Battabing
Battabing - 8/18/2021, 10:27 AM
@soberchimera -
Or maybe he doesn't get why there are two Batmen running around. He could be just as confused as to why there are 3 men named Peter Parker running around as Spider-Man.

McMurdo
McMurdo - 8/18/2021, 12:14 PM
@soberchimera - yup. It’s No Way Home squared.
dracula
dracula - 8/18/2021, 10:05 AM


Needs to happen
slickrickdesigns
slickrickdesigns - 8/18/2021, 10:05 AM
Probably gonna have to watch a YouTube video explaining what happened after the premiere
KWilly
KWilly - 8/18/2021, 10:08 AM
I'm more than sure I will walk out the theater confused after seeing this Flash movie. You're not alone Keaton, lol
ElricReturns
ElricReturns - 8/18/2021, 10:08 AM
Let's not mess around, this film should be called Batman Returns.
ElricReturns
ElricReturns - 8/18/2021, 10:34 AM
@Waddles - I've also always found it odd the movie that introduced Robin wasn't called Batman and Robin but Batman Forever, and the movie that introduced the Bat family in Batwoman and Robin should have been called Batman Forever not Batman and Robin.

LSHF
LSHF - 8/18/2021, 2:06 PM
@ElricReturns - Batman Return Again?
ElricReturns
ElricReturns - 8/18/2021, 3:33 PM
@LSHF - Batman Continues To Return Once Again
LSHF
LSHF - 8/18/2021, 4:30 PM
@ElricReturns - I like it! Lol!
ModHaterSLADE
ModHaterSLADE - 8/18/2021, 10:09 AM
His Bruce Wayne was definitely more obscure than the other takes on the character, but I like just how menacing his Batman was despite his smaller frame than the other Batman movie leads in the role. An older and wiser take on the character is pretty interesting.
PicolasCage
PicolasCage - 8/18/2021, 10:11 AM
Two articles about Keaton being confused by multiverse in one day lmao.

Confused by Batman and confused by Vulture. Poor Keaton's head is spinning
bkmeijer2
bkmeijer2 - 8/18/2021, 11:01 AM
@PicolasCage - maybe we should just tell him he's playing alternate universe versions of himself. Can't have enough Keatons in my opinion.
IronGenesis
IronGenesis - 8/18/2021, 10:14 AM
When you watch all the original media from 1989…
Interviews, BTS Footage, Documentary, Plugging the Film on Late Night Circuit…

You def get the sense that for the “Adults” of that era. The idea of Batman…was at best Silly and at worst embarrassing. When putting it into live action.

Which makes sense. On set…stepping out of wardrobe…under those lights…with the rubber…probably thinking “this is where my career dies.”

It’s hard to do “Batman” and then bump into Al Pacino or Deniro or whomever and feel legit.
Blergh
Blergh - 8/18/2021, 10:31 AM
@MUTO123 - got to admit I haven't seen that one. But Wan knows his horror, so I trust him on this.
Doomsday8888
Doomsday8888 - 8/18/2021, 10:25 AM
The Man.
The Myth.
The Batman.
TheManWithoutFear
TheManWithoutFear - 8/18/2021, 10:29 AM
Sounds like he always knew he would be back in the cowl one day.

I kinda wish it was for Batman Beyond though.
Blergh
Blergh - 8/18/2021, 10:30 AM
@TheManWithoutFear - matter of fact this still is a possibility for the future now.
Blergh
Blergh - 8/18/2021, 10:30 AM
These interviews just make me love the guy more and more. He seems so baffled and yet fascinated by the concept of the multiverse.
Especially since he gets to be in two movies that deal with the same thematic but by two companies.
Personally I can't wait for Keaton to step into the shoes again, he's my favorite live-action Batman by default (just like with the Doctor, it's always the one you grew up with). And I just love Michael Keaton in general.
Also a fun little touching point for the Arrowverse and the DCEU since we traveled to Batman 89s world for a short scene in the 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' crossover.

What is kinda funny is how I'm more pumped for everything around the films main character (Batfleck, Keaton, Supergirl, CW Flash) than the lead actor
PapaSpank54
PapaSpank54 - 8/18/2021, 10:40 AM
@Blergh - is Grant Gustin confirmed?
Hawkguy
Hawkguy - 8/18/2021, 10:40 AM
Gotta love Michael Keaton, man.
GhostDog
GhostDog - 8/18/2021, 10:41 AM
He’s Batman he can be confused if he wants
inkniron
inkniron - 8/18/2021, 11:03 AM
@BlackBeltJones - Isn't that like the last thing you want from the world's greatest detective?
GhostDog
GhostDog - 8/18/2021, 11:24 AM
@inkniron -

LSHF
LSHF - 8/18/2021, 2:09 PM
@BlackBeltJones - Just blame it on how poorly it was explained to him. Having had various teachers on the same subject, how well it is explained makes a BIG difference.
blitzkreg
blitzkreg - 8/18/2021, 10:47 AM
To this day, Still not a fan of Keaton's Batman ! I love his other work, but when I look at him...he isn't The Batman from the comic book pages. I have yet to see an actor pull off both Bruce Wayne and Batman convincingly ! I will stick to the original Batman animate series by Bruce Timm.
inkniron
inkniron - 8/18/2021, 11:02 AM
Don't worry MK, I'm sure you're not the only one asking ‘Wait, how does this work?’
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