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As mad as fans were to see him return inThe Flashtrailer , there was a prison term when fans were asking why wasMichael Keaton roll as Batman . Tim Burton’sBatmanin 1989 was meant to herald a new old age for comic book films and the Caped Crusader especially , stick to a foot race of more comedic - disposed interpretations of the character . Jack Nicholson ’s casting as the Joker sent a vindicated signaling that the studio and creatives were taking this loop of Batman more seriously than ever before , but choose Tim Burton to direct and Michael Keaton as the spark advance was view as to be detrimental toBatman1989 ’s core object .
At the clock time , Michael Keaton and Tim Burtonhad ferment together on the 1988 filmBeetlejuice , with Keaton known mostly for drollery role , includingMr . Momand the romantic comedyTouch and Go . It did n’t experience like a good fit for the Dark Knight in the eyes of many fans . The intensity of the outrage was even have on the front Sir Frederick Handley Page of theWall Street Journal , and an estimated 50,000 letters were station to Warner Bros. decrying Keaton ’s cast . The cast turned out to be perfect with Keaton ’s depiction of Batman and Bruce Wayne is now one of the most beloved live - action version of the character - but more recent casting backlash prove that not much has change since the late eighties .
Michael Keaton’s Batman Casting Backlash Was Always Unjustified
The negative response to theMichael KeatonBatmancastingwas certainly blown out of symmetry , as thespian do not get cast in high - visibility roles for no reasonableness . One of the more minor cause for the repercussion was his lack of a superhero physique . Tim Burton , however , recognized that what was more important was understanding why a humans like Bruce Wayne decide to become Batman , rather than it being physically naturalistic that he could shell up criminals . Prosthetics and suits could make up for any brawn that Keaton might have missed at the fourth dimension , and an imposing physical bearing is n’t even the most of import aspect of playing a role . After all , Hugh Jackman ’s first sashay as Wolverinedidn’t involve the same character of physique audience became used to from his later appearances , but he embodied the character nonetheless .
In accession to this , Keaton ’s acting resume should n’t have put so many off so easy . It might have mostly list comedic deferred payment , but an actor ’s Book of Job is to retrieve the spunk and soul of the quality and portray that as best they can . Even Michael Ulsan , one of the producers of theBatman1989 movie , was convinced that Keaton was go to drop down the movie until he saw an early screening of the filmClean and Sober , which hadcast Michael Keatonin a more dramatic role . An actor might be most famous for playing one character , but that does n’t mean that they should be limited to the same character of roles forever .
Keaton’s Batman Controversy Proves Little Has Changed
The backlash against Keaton ’s casting inBatman1989 proves that not much has changed over the last 30 years . Instead of letter - writing campaigns , audiences now convey their distaste for certain casting determination online . When Daniel Craig was first announced to be the next James Bond , there was scandalization over his appearance . Jack Nicholson ’s successor as a cinematic Joker , Heath Ledger , was also meet with fan resistance before his performance was see . WhenBen Affleck was announced as the next Batman , a request was circulated to get him discharge , which gained nearly 100,000 touch .
Though understandably , hearing reaction become heighten when beloved franchises are involve , it ’s important to remember that actor are chosen for roles for various reasons . They should be given a chance to establish what they can do before being subjected to monolithic amounts of vitriol . Michael Keaton ’s cast in the 1989Batmanproved to be the right decision , and legion other scorned casting announcements since have proven the same .
Keaton’s Appearance In The Flash Trailer Shows A Lot Has Changed Too
The stifle - jerk reaction from fans might not have change much , but the interrogation of " why was Michael Keaton cast as Batman ? " change to " why did Michael Keaton ever break off work Batman ? " After leaving the iconic part behind after 1992’sBatman Returns , Keaton is returning as Batman inThe Flash . The first trailer for the movie last hit duringSuper Bowl 2023 , showing Keaton back in his character , complete with his trademark smirk under the cowl and even featuring a brief tease of Danny Elfman ’s beloved score . Not surprisingly , Keaton ’s appearance in the trailer earned a much different reply from audiences this time around .
As much as his career has produce beyond Batman , it must be nice for Keaton to compare the initial backlash to his molding against the gush of excitement to see him give to the persona after so long . Keaton ’s return inThe Flashhas been know for quite some time , yet with all the revelations in the new preview , he is get all the aid . From the return of Zod to the first appearance ofSupergirl in the DCUto the multiverse plot line , it all come in a distant 2nd toKeaton back as Batman . EvenThe Flashgetting his own solo movie and fellow Batman Ben Affleck return feel like an second thought as fans celebrateMichael Keaton ’s Batmanback on the crowing screen .
NEXT : The Flash ’s Michael Keaton Return Will Settle Burton ’s Batman Canon Debate
