How Keaton’s Batman Could Fit Into the DCEU

By now you all should have heard the rumor circulating that Michael Keaton (1989 Batman, Spider-Man Homecoming) is in discussion to play Batman in the upcoming Flash movie staring Ezra Miller. However, this development brings up some questions that we here at the Spoilerverse believe many fans are pondering. So, lets dive in and see what we can figure out as we put together everything that we do know so far.

1989 Batman

While there are some who report Keaton will be portraying Flashpoint’s Thomas Wayne our sources say that Michael will be reprising his Bruce Wayne/Batman role from the two Tim Burton Batman Films (Batman & Batman Returns).

Over at THR their Sources tell them that the role being envisioned for the veteran actor is akin to the role played by Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, something of a mentor or guide or even string-puller.

This is interesting but brings up a few other questions.

What about Affleck?

*Potential spoiler for Zack Snyder’s Justice League*

For those of you who have been following Zack Snyder and his little reveals of his story over the years. You may know that Affleck’s Batman was supposed to die, sacrificing himself to save the World in the final installment of Snyder’s films. While we know Snyder is getting a chance to put his original Justice League together and release it via HBO Max in 2021. It is uncertain if he will be able to fulfill his plans and have his version of Batman die.

For those who are questioning then how Aflleck’s Batman film/project could happen if he dies in Snyder’s film. Know that his project was to take place after Justice League but before the events of Justice League 2 and 3. Even if he does die we can still get a Batman vs. Deathstroke movie we are all clamoring for.

What About Pattinson?

Matt Reeves‘ Batman film is due to release in 2021. Robert Pattinson will be taking on the role of the world class detective, Batman, and it has been rumored this will be the start of a trilogy.

While many want to believe that Pattinson will be replacing Affleck in the DCEU it’s important to understand that all signs are pointing to something much larger happening within DC films and in some capacity DC television.

How does this fit in with Flashpoint

While Andy Muschietti‘s Flash film will be inspired by Flashpoint events. He has stated that it will be a

“different version of Flashpoint than you’re expecting.” – source

We have to believe that we will see a few bits and pieces that are Flashpointesque. But it is a safe bet that this film is doing something more than Flashpoint. It isn’t exactly resetting the DCEU but rather establishing WHAT the DCEU is becoming.

Establishing the Multiverse

People want to see a continuation of Gal Gadot‘s Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa‘s Aquaman, Ray Fisher’s Cyborg, Henry Cavill‘s Superman and Ezra Miller‘s Flash. However, there are many who would LOVE to see other actors fill those roles and make them their own.

ENTER the Multiverse.

DC has a rich history when it comes to their Multiverse in the comics. Crisis, Flashpoint and Rebirth story lines have all utilized the Multiverse with much success. So much so that the TV side of things built onto and showed us that all of our beloved DC properties are connected in some form or fashion. Doing so will allow creators, writers, directors and actors to have a chance and use their own voice when playing within the DC sandbox.

For years DC and WB has wanted to create a film version of a Multiverse. It’s believed they were on course establish this in 2009’s scrapped film, Justice League: Mortal. However things did not go as planned. But now, with AT&T supporting WB and DC it seems they are getting their chance to finally make it happen.

We have already started to see the multiverse with the release of Joker. But that is only the beginning.

In a two year span, not only will we get Affleck as Batman, but Robert Pattinson, Michael Keaton and possibly Jeffrey Dean Morgan. All of who will be just as valid as the other.

Back to Keaton

If Keaton does come to play. And boy do we want him to! And if the rumors of him sorta shifting from the Burtonverse to the Snyderverse come to fruition. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that Keaton would then, in a way, replace Affleck’s Batman. Whether it is from Ben’s Batman dying or simply Flashpoint changing things around, cause we all know how Barry Allen loves to mess with timeline, Keaton is a fantastic choice to continue forward with.

The only complaint I have seen from anyone is how there are fans who would LOVE to see a Batman Beyond film with Keaton playing old Bruce Wayne. And while that is an exciting idea that isn’t what is happening at this time. It’s ABSOLUTELY a possibility in the future. Even more so if Keaton returns for this Flash movie. But let’s take this one step at a time. The possibilities are endless at this point.

Could we see a return of Bale, Clooney or Kilmer at some point? I don’t see why not. And that is the beauty of what they are doing here.

It is truly an exciting time to be a DCEU fan. I can only imagine what sort of news will drop at their FanDome event in late August.

What are your thoughts? How would you like to see this play out?