UPDATE: Reports of Michael Keaton replacing Ben Affleck as Batman have been debunked.
Michael Keaton's Batman is poised to be the future of the DCEU, not Ben Affleck's. Initially appearing to be DC's answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DCEU has changed drastically over the years. The franchise originally focused on connected storylines like the MCU, but that proved to not be the best way forward. Now, the DCEU is more centered on solid standalone features. This shift has been in the works for years, as original franchise mainstays like Ben Affleck (as Batman) have departed. However, recent developments have led to much confusion about what the DCEU will look like in the future.
With Affleck out, Robert Pattinson was cast to play Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves' The Batman, which will remain separate from the DCEU. In regards to the connected franchise, the Batman spot remained open for some time until, last summer, news broke that Michael Keaton will reportedly return for the first time since Batman Returns in the 2022 film The Flash. Reports were quick to emerge about Keaton's DCEU role, but it later became clear he won't be the only Batman in The Flash. Affleck will be back too, thus giving fans hope that he's back for good.
That does not appear to be the case. Last week, DC Films president Walter Hamada gave an interview with the NYT wherein he outlined the franchise's future in broad terms. At one point, it was mentioned that Warner Bros.' will soon have "two different film sagas involving Batman — played by two different actors — running at the same time." Pattinson is very clearly one of those Batmen, but there was some confusion over who the other is. On social media, Nestor Cine reached out to the writer of the piece, Brooks Barnes, for clarification, and Barnes confirmed the second Batman will be Keaton.
When the news of Keaton's Flash appearance broke, it was reported that his role within the DCEU would be akin to Nick Fury's within the MCU - that is, he will appear as a mentor figure in various films while not actually taking on a lead role. It sounds like those plans are still in motion, as DC is aiming to keep Keaton around for the second of their so-called "film sagas." As for what this means for Affleck, that is less clear.
Dedicated fans of Affleck's Batman have hoped that his turn in The Flash, as well as the release of the Justice League Snyder Cut, will result in more roles for the actor. The dream is for Affleck to get the chance to actually make his solo Batman movie. However, if DC follows along with what they currently have planned, Affleck's Batman won't be hanging around for very long. It's almost impossible to predict the patterns of the DCEU these days, but this is where things stand right now.
Source: Nestor Cine, Brooks Barnes
