It seemed like a done deal. Flash director Andy Muschietti said it was happening. But the ink may not be dry yet on a contract for Michael Keaton to return as the Dark Knight.
That’s the impression the star of Batman and Batman Returns gave on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night. Keaton didn’t deny he’s moving toward a return to his iconic role in The Flash but he didn’t confirm it either.
“I can’t confirm anything,” Keaton said of his reported involvement, adding he is in the middle of talks. “We’re having discussions as they say. We’re talking about it and we’ll see if it happens.”
Keaton’s wait-and-see attitude seems to be more of an actor playing evasive with the scoop. That game is rehashed a lot. Ewan McGregor denied he was playing Obi-Wan Kenobi again in a Disney+ series before it was eventually, and predictably, confirmed.
On the other hand, reports of Keaton reprising the Caped Crusader and Muschietti’s assertion of same may simply be evidence they are courting him and have a plan in mind.
It’s just a matter of hammering out the details of a deal that is thought to include more than one movie.
Related — Rumor: Michael Keaton’s Talks Include More Than One DC Movie; Batman Beyond Could Be One
One theory going around is he will remain a fixture in DC movies as a retired Bruce Wayne mentoring young heroes. Terry McGinnis is on that list and so is a live-action Batman Beyond – or so goes the rumor.
Based on all the evidence, it’s reasonable to assume Keaton’s services have been acquired for The Flash. They’re just waiting to make the official announcement closer to 2022, which is only a guess.
Keaton’s Batman takes the place of the Flashpoint Batman that was Thomas Wayne under the cowl in the comic storyline. Joining him is Ben Affleck’s portrayal of the Snyderverse Earth.
Andy Muschietti says The Flash is adapting Flashpoint but it won’t be what longtime DC readers expect.
Finally, Michael Keaton was asked by Jimmy Kimmel who the best Batman is. He fittingly responded he himself is the best.