In the aftermath of “The Flash”‘s underwhelming performance, speculation abounds: could Michael Keaton reprise his iconic role as Batman? As the dust settles on the Scarlet Speedster’s lackluster outing, Keaton himself has addressed the potential for a comeback.
“The Flash” was intended as a grand celebration of DC’s beloved characters but stumbled, drawing more attention to poorly executed cameos and Keaton’s return as the Dark Knight than to the titular hero. Despite seemingly bidding farewell to Keaton’s Batman, the actor hinted at the character’s enduring appeal. In a recent interview with the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Keaton admitted that while he doesn’t dwell on the idea, he remains open to the possibility, stating, “I don’t think about it much…never say never. I don’t think – everything’s dependent upon something else, I guess.”
“The Flash”‘s lackluster box office performance may have dampened enthusiasm for revisiting that corner of the DC Universe. However, Keaton’s return as Batman sparked renewed interest, with sales of Batman merchandise soaring despite the film’s overall disappointment.
Before “The Flash,” plans were in motion for Keaton’s Batman to play a significant role in expanding the DC cinematic universe. A live-action “Batman Beyond” movie was in development, exploring an aged Bruce Wayne mentoring a new, younger Batman. Unfortunately, the commercial failure of “The Flash” cast doubt on this project’s future.
Additionally, Keaton was set to return in the shelved “Batgirl” project, where he would mentor Leslie Grace’s Barbara Gordon. While the fate of “Batgirl” remains uncertain, the mere prospect of Keaton reprising his role as Batman excited fans.
In the unpredictable world of superhero cinema, nothing is certain. While “The Flash” stumbled, Michael Keaton’s Batman remains a beacon of possibility, his return subject to the whims of fate and Hollywood’s shifting tides. As Keaton himself wisely noted, “never say never.” The Bat-Signal may yet illuminate Gotham’s skyline, beckoning its Dark Knight back into action.
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Shobith C