Michael Keaton is no stranger to comic book films. In fact, you could argue that outside of Christopher Reeve, Keaton might be one of the most influential superhero actors of all time beginning with his role in Tim Burton’s 1989 “Batman.” But after 1992’s “Batman Returns,” the actor shied away from superhero storytelling for decades until he reappeared as Vulture in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” in 2016. Now, he’s set to appear as Batman, once again, in next year’s “The Flash,” as well as “Batgirl” and potentially other projects. So, with all of this superhero pedigree, you’d imagine Keaton must be a fan of these films, right? Well, to be a fan, he’d actually have to watch one of these movies.
Speaking to Variety, Michael Keaton was asked why he chose to return to superhero films now and what his thoughts are on the genre, as a whole. Believe it or not, it appears the iconic actor, who has appeared in both Marvel and DC films, has yet to actually sit down and watch one of these movies.
“I know people don’t believe this, that I’ve never seen an entire version of any of those movies — any Marvel movie, any other,” he said. “And I don’t say that I don’t watch that because I’m highbrow — trust me! It’s not that. It’s just that there’s very little things I watch. I start watching something, and think it is great and I watch three episodes, but I have other shit to do!”
So, if he’s not a fan of the superhero film genre and doesn’t really have any idea what’s going on in either Marvel or DC cinematic universes, then why make such a splashy return?
“It seemed like fun,” Keaton admitted. “I was curious what it would be like after this many years. Not so much me doing it — obviously, some of that — but I was just curious about it, weirdly, socially. This whole thing is gigantic. They have their entirely own world. So, I like to look at it as an outsider, thinking ‘Holy moly!’”
Cynical minds might also add that money probably doesn’t hurt either, as Keaton is probably commanding a fairly high price tag to suit up as Batman in future DC projects. That said, it does appear that the actor is at the point in his career where he’s ready to just do whatever seems like fun. And for fans of Batman, it doesn’t matter the reasons why Keaton decided to return, as long as he’s back in the cape and cowl.
But don’t go quizzing him on the ins and outs of the superhero universes. He’s not the guy to ask.
“The Flash” is expected (maybe, who knows?) to arrive in theaters on June 23, 2023.