Summary
AfterBatgirlwas canceled, many actors from the film expressed disappointment with Warner Bros.' decision to scrap the nearly complete movie. However, one actor admitted that one way or the other, they were fine with the studios' choice.
Batmanactor Michael Keaton reprised his role as the Caped Crusader opposite Leslie Grace’s titular heroine inBatgirl. However, fans would never see this on-screen team-up, asWarner Bros. canceledBatgirl, citing shifts in the company’s strategy regarding the DC Universe and HBO Max. Later reports claimed theBatgirlmovie’s poor quality and the financial benefits of writing the film off for a tax break factored into Warner Bros. decision. Regardless, most people involved inBatgirland DC fans were disappointed.
WhileBatgirlstars Leslie Graceand Brendan Fraser have expressed their disappointment with the film’s cancelation, Keaton has a different response.“No, I didn’t care one way or another. Big, fun, nice check,” Keaton said when asked if he was disappointed byBatgirl’s cancelationduring an interview withGQ. Keaton then noted that he did feel forBatgirldirectors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. “I pull for them. I want them to succeed, and I think they felt very badly, and that made me feel bad,” he said. “Me? I’m good.” The former Batman actor concluded by discussing what he gained from the role.
I’m nothing but only respectful and grateful, 100%. And proud of it actually, because I like to prove everybody wrong. It’s fun for me.
Keaton’s casting as Batman was controversial at the time, as the actor was then known for comedic roles and was not what most fans imagined when they thought of the physically imposing Caped Crusader. While speaking with GQ,Batman'89 director Tim Burton discussed why he felt Keaton was perfect for the role. “I love Michael because he has a certain energy,” Burton said. “That’s why I wanted him to be inBatman, because you just look in his eyes and he seems intelligent, scary, crazy, everything all at once.” Keaton returned the compliment by suggesting the MCU and DC Universe might not exist without Burton’sBatmanmovie.
Tim deserves enormous credit. He changed everything. I can’t necessarily say this, but there’s a strong possibility there is no Marvel Universe, there is no DC Universe, without Tim Burton. He was doubted and questioned.
WithBatgirl’s cancelation, many fans believeWarner Bros. and DC wasted Keaton’s return as Batman. Reports indicated Keaton’s Batman would play a significant role in the DCEU after reprising his role as the Dark Knight in Ezra Miller’sThe Flashmovie. However,Batgirl’s cancelation, and Warner Bros. decision to reset the DCEU and replace it with James Gunn’s forthcoming DC Universe, effectively means Keaton’s trumpeted return as Batman is a one-and-done deal.
Now, Warner Bros. and Gunn are searching for anew actor to play Batman in the DCU. Fans have their preferred choices, but whoever lands the role will have big shoes to fill with Keaton’s performance still considered the gold standard by many.
Batman(1989) is available on Max.
Batman
Batman is one of the most popular and well-known superheroes of all time. Created in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman has evolved into a cultural icon over the decades.As a child, Bruce Wayne’s parents were murdered in front of him. Since that day, Bruce made it his mission to fight back against the criminal element in Gotham City. Taking on the appearance of what scares him most, Batman faces off against powerful villains like the Joker, Two-Face, Bane, and the Penguin.
