Over the years, many actors have played Batman in movies, but Michael Keaton is still a fan favorite. He recently reprised his role as the Dark Knight in the 2023 film The Flash, bringing his version of Batman into the current DC movie universe.
Michael Keaton recently received an award from Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals, where he was named Man of the Year for 2026. Attendees got a special surprise: the 74-year-old actor dressed up as Batman again! You can watch a video of the event here:
Tim Burton directed both the 1989 Batman film and its sequel, Batman Returns, before the series became more geared towards children. When Michael Keaton returned for The Flash, the plan was for it to launch a new series of films featuring his version of the DC hero.
Before James Gunn announced the first chapter of the new DC Universe, “Gods and Monsters,” The Flash movie was intended to completely reset the DC Extended Universe. The plan was for Michael Keaton to become the main Batman for future films, and he even filmed a cameo for Batgirl, which was meant to happen after The Flash’s story.
Despite completing filming for Batgirl, Warner Bros. Discovery ultimately decided not to release the movie. They famously cancelled it, choosing instead to take a tax break by writing it off. In a 2024 interview with GQ, Keaton shared his thoughts on the DC film’s cancellation, saying:
I honestly didn’t have a strong opinion either way. It was a big, enjoyable project, and the paycheck was good. I really like the directors, Adil and Bilall – they’re great people. I was rooting for them, and I was sad to hear about what happened, which naturally made me feel down too. But I’m doing alright.
DC Studios has two big Batman projects in the works. One is a continuation of Matt Reeves’ darker Batman universe, which will exist outside the main DC Universe. The other is a new Batman film, The Brave and The Bold, that will be part of James Gunn’s DC Universe. Production on Matt Reeves’ The Batman – Part II, starring Robert Pattinson as Batman, is scheduled to begin this year.
You can now watch Michael Keaton’s Batman, Batman Returns, and The Flash on streaming services or by purchasing them for home viewing.
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2026-02-08 18:38