Back in January, director Andy Muschietti confirmed that The Flash movie is still based upon DC’s Flashpoint event; which rewrote history when Barry Allen attempted to change the past. Now, according to The Wrap, Michael Keaton is in talks to join the film as Batman, a role he hasn’t portrayed since 1992.
The report notes that “talks with Keaton are in the very early stages, it is far from a sure thing, and can go either way.” It also states that there’s no indication how big the potential role would be. But it did indicate that Keaton would play Bruce Wayne, and not the Thomas Wayne Batman from the comic.
Additionally, The Wrap indicated that The Flash movie will ignore Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Instead, it will “explore what Keaton’s version of Batman has been up since we last saw him.” Deadline has now confirmed the initial report, and added that “Keaton would play Batman in a Nick Fury-like role… and could continue to play the Dark Knight in other upcoming DC movies like Batgirl.”
RELATED: The Flash Movie Is Still Based on Flashpoint
Within Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert’s Flashpoint series, The Flash’s warped version of history included the death of Bruce Wayne as a child. However, Thomas and Martha Wayne were spared, and became Batman and Joker, respectively. If the report is accurate, it sounds like the film may be more about the multiverse than changing the past.
Keaton starred in Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989, before reprising his role in Batman Returns. He famously turned down a chance to return again in Batman Forever; which led Val Kilmer to take over the role. More recently, Keaton portrayed the Vulture in Spider-Man: Far From Home.
The Flash doesn’t have an official release date. Regardless, it is expected to begin filming next year.
Are you excited about the potential return of Michael Keaton’s Batman? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Flashpoint
