https://screenrant.com/michael-keaton-batman-return-dc-flash-aquaman-batgirl-wasted/
Michael Keaton's Batman almost became DC's definitive live-action Dark Knight, but Warner Bros. repeatedly prevented that from happening.
'With more than five live-action Batman actors in between performances, Keaton could have broken a record', having played the first big-screen Dark Knight and the latest one'
Um, what record would he have broken? And more than five? Kilmer, Clooney, Bale, Affleck, Pattinson... Who else? Even if they're including TV, as far as I know Iain Glen never suited up on Titans, and the kid in Gotham's final episode had his lower face CGI'd onto a stand-in for one brief scene. I wouldn't count either of those as playing a 'live-action Batman'.
'Michael Keaton's Batman Return Deserved Something Special After 31 Years Of Waiting'
That's an understatement.
'while Michael Keaton's Batman is a highlight of The Flash, he doesn't have enough room to develop as a character [...] Batman only works as a plot device in The Flash'
I disagree. He's a supporting character, it's not his story. But he develops, seen from the self-satisfied look he gives himself in the mirror when he's patching himself up (you can tell he feels 'alive' again), and his words to Barry just before he dies, 'You already did'.
'Unfortunately, Michael Keaton got caught in the DCEU's chaotic shakeups and the franchise's early conclusion.'
That was disgusting. You have an actor of that calibre, that experienced and respected, agreeing to a return that some have been literally praying for for 30 years (anyone who doubts that doesn't know fanboys), and you **** him around like that. I don't care what crap Warner were dealing with, that was unforgivable. Talk about pissing on the talent. I hope he got very well compensated.
'Nevertheless, the possibility of Michael Keaton's Batman return isn't completely off the table.'
With multiple universes and timelines it would be easy if Warner wanted to. And if they ever do want to I really hope Keaton says yes - but I won't blame him if he doesn't.
All that being said, just taking The Flash in isolation, I think Keaton did fantastically and his Batman got a good send-off going out like a boss.
I liked him in the Flash movie. The real problem is that DC decided to reboot the movie universe the very year they had sequels coming out. That's the real problem.
shareDC's Multi-Movie Plans For Michael Keaton's Batman & Why It Was All Cancelled
https://screenrant.com/michael-keaton-batman-movies-dcu-future-canceled/
The Flash was supposed to be the first of many Michael Keaton Batman appearances in the DCEU. Here’s why those are no longer happening.
Nothing there we didn't already know. Just reiterates what a total upf**k this has been.
shareMichael Keaton's Perfect Batman Return Was Secretly Pitched 4 Years Ago
https://screenrant.com/michael-keaton-batman-dark-knight-returns-lindelof-pitch/
Damon Lindelof once made a pitch for Michael Keaton's return as Batman that would have been far better than his actual return in The Flash.
“I think it would be really interesting to wait for somebody like, you know, Michael Keaton, who had already done Batman, or a Christian Bale 25 years from now and then do Dark Knight with them. So, it’s someone who we actually saw play a younger version of Batman.”