Warner Bros. missed the mark in doing justice to Michael Keaton’s iconic Batman character despite his highly anticipated return in “The Flash.” Keaton’s portrayal had established the dark and realistic superhero, becoming a reference point for the genre. Unfortunately, plans for Keaton’s Batman to appear in other DCEU projects like “Batgirl” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” were ultimately scrapped due to franchise shakeups and cancellations.

Michael Keaton’s Batman Return Deserved Something Special After 31 Years Of Waiting:

Michael Keaton’s Legacy:

Michael Keaton‘s portrayal of Batman helped redefine the character as a dark and realistic superhero, departing from Adam West’s lighthearted portrayal in the 1960s Batman TV show. His performance was pivotal in pioneering the golden age of superheroes on the big screen and remained a reference point throughout the years.

The Flash’s Underwhelming Treatment:

The return of such an iconic figure warranted a solid script and a well-thought-out journey for the character. However, in “The Flash,” Keaton’s Batman lacked enough room to develop as a character and ended up serving more as a plot device. This left fans unsatisfied and disappointed with the missed opportunity.

DC’s Michael Keaton Batman Plans Could Have Been Great:

Potential For More Appearances:

Behind-the-scenes footage hinted at Keaton’s Batman being set to become the definitive DCEU Batman during The Flash’s ending, replacing Ben Affleck’s version of the character. Keaton’s Batman was also set to appear in “Batgirl” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Additionally, there were speculations about a potential “Batman Beyond” movie, where Keaton’s Batman would mentor Terry McGinnis.

Innovative Stories And Batman’s Legacy:

Multiple appearances of Michael Keaton as Batman would have opened the gates for innovative storytelling, showcasing Batman’s first steps as a hero and his twilight years. Keaton’s involvement could have played a significant role in shaping an entire era of Batman history.

What Went Wrong With Michael Keaton’s Batman Return:

Chaos And Cancellations:

Michael Keaton’s return got entangled in the DCEU’s chaotic shakeups and franchise cancellations. Issues with “The Flash,” including logistical problems, delays, and controversial behavior, affected Keaton’s performance as Batman. Poor test screenings and Warner Bros. Discovery’s changes led to the shelving of “Batgirl,” causing a domino effect on Keaton’s appearances in other DCEU projects.

Uncertain Future:

With the DCEU’s impending reboot and the cancellation of “Batgirl,” there was no longer a clear path for Michael Keaton’s Batman to continue in the franchise. As a result, his scenes in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” were also scrapped, leaving fans uncertain about the possibility of Keaton’s Batman appearing in future DCEU movies.

Will Michael Keaton’s Batman Ever Return Again?

DC Universe’s Approach:

The new DC Universe is expected to learn from the DCEU’s mistakes, possibly allowing only one active version of Batman in the franchise. Robert Pattinson’s portrayal in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” will continue in its own Elseworlds universe, leaving limited opportunities for other Batman actors.

Hope For A Return:

Although the current circumstances may make a return seem unlikely, future developments, like a franchise-wide event, could bring back iconic DC actors like Michael Keaton. The possibility of Keaton’s Batman returning is not entirely off the table, but for now, his appearance in “The Flash” remains his last in the DCEU.

Conclusion:

Despite high expectations and the potential for Michael Keaton’s Batman to become the definitive DCEU Dark Knight, Warner Bros. failed to deliver a satisfying continuation of his legacy. Hindered by franchise shakeups and cancellations, Keaton’s appearances in “The Flash,” “Batgirl,” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” fell short of what fans had hoped for, leaving uncertainty about his future in the DC Universe.