Article by Chris Foti
Ever since Batman Beyond first aired, fans have been asking for a live-action movie version, and the older Michael Keaton got, the more fans have clamored for him to return as an older Bruce Wayne for a film, based on Batman Beyond. Now 69, the former Caped Crusader is putting the cowl back on again in the upcoming Flash movie. This has re-sparked hope of a Batman Beyond movie with Michael Keaton coming to life.
It’s still unclear what Keaton’s role in the film will be, but concept art has shown Keaton’s Batman in the Batsuit next to the Flash.
So it’s highly likely, at least in The Flash, we’ll see a suited up Keaton in action, but what about Beyond that (get it)? As I mentioned before, Keaton’s now pushing 70, and likely either isn’t up to or capable of keeping up with the stunts that are required for a Batman project. If Keaton remains as the Bruce Wayne of the DCEU however, it’s a great opportunity to finally bring Batman Beyond to life.
Concept art of Michael Keaton’s Batman and Ezra Miller’s Flash
If there’s anyone who would have a worthy opinion on Keaton in Batman Beyond, it would be the series’ co-creator Bruce Timm. In an interview with Syfy Wire, Timm had this to say on Keaton playing an elderly Bruce Wayne:
I think the idea of Michael Keaton doing it is cool. Honestly, he looks a little too good. I know he’s probably in his mid 60’s now, but he looks pretty damn good for being over 60. I like my old Bruce Wayne to be like really old, but… who knows? It would certainly work. He looks like he could kick most guys’ asses.
Batman Beyond was created by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini and Alan Burnett as a sequel series to the tremendously successful Batman: The Animated Series. When Terry McGinnis makes his debut, Bruce is in his 70’s. So while Keaton may look good for his age, he’s not far off from the character’s age in the show. Funny enough, Batman: The Animated Series took a lot of inspiration from the Keaton Batman films. So it all could come full circle if he plays Bruce in Batman Beyond.
Is Keaton The Bruce Wayne Of The Future For Batman Beyond?
Of course, when the Keaton news first broke, many assumed he would be replacing Ben Affleck as the Bruce Wayne of the DCEU moving forward. However, as of now, it seems like The Flash will be his only appearance.
Never say never though, because if a Batman Beyond live-action film ever is made, they have Bruce Timm’s blessing.
It’s obviously super gratifying that people are still such fans of that show, especially because it was almost 25 years ago now that we did it. It’s crazy. We’re almost halfway to the future. We’re almost halfway to the time period it’s supposed to take place in. It’s super gratifying. Could it work in live action? Sure. Of course, it would. I think it’s ready-made for it. I do think it would be a little on the higher end production-value-wise, because it would not be a cheap movie to make because it’s set in the future. But there’s definitely some cinematic possibilities there, for sure.”
Whatever the future may hold for Michael Keaton and Batman Beyond, we’ll just have to remain patient and see. Keaton will return as Batman in The Flash on November 4, 2022.
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