George Clooney reveals why he's not reprising Batman in The Flash. Andy Muschietti's upcoming DCEU standalone film is in the final stretch of production. While plot specifics are still being kept under wraps, don't expect Batman & Robin's iteration of Bruce Wayne in the project, as Clooney has now confirmed that he's not involved in the much-anticipated blockbuster.
Starring Ezra Miller as the Scarlet Speedster, there are several details about The Flash that have been previously confirmed. Making her DCEU return is Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, who debuted in Zack Snyder's Justice League after being cut from its theatrical version in 2017. Meanwhile, the project will also see the introduction of a brand new superhero in Sasha Calle as Supergirl/Kara Zor-El. Arguably the most talked-about aspect of the project thus far, however, is the involvement of previous versions of the Caped Crusader. Both Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck are set to reprise their versions of Batman, as revealed by various set images, not to mention personal comments from the actors themselves.
However, don't expect Clooney to show up wearing his old superhero costume in The Flash. Speaking with Variety in light of the release of his latest directorial gig, The Tender Bar, the actor shared that he's not going to be in the DCEU film because he wasn't asked to be part of it. He then proceeded to joke about how it's a justified decision considering Batman & Robin's quality. Read Clooney's quote below:
“They didn’t ask me. When you destroy a franchise the way I did, usually they look the other way...I did have great nipples. It was winter all the time.”
The final installment of Warner Bros.' first Batman movie franchise, Batman & Robin, was fast-tracked as the studio wanted to capitalize on the success of Batman Forever. However, Val Kilmer wasn't able to reprise the titular role, resulting in the casting of Clooney. In the end, the project was a massive blockbuster disappointment, earning just $238.2 million globally against a production budget of $160 million. It was also critically panned — so much so, that it's been dubbed one of the worst films ever made. But instead of harboring regret and resentment for being involved in it, Clooney has learned to laugh it off as proven by his latest comment.
With a multiversal narrative, The Flash can still bring Clooney's Batman in. While production is nearing its end, the movie isn't due until November of next year. Keaton and Affleck's involvement will more likely be significant to the story. But if Warner Bros. wants to loosen up and just involve more versions of the Caped Crusader, they can find a simple way for a brief Clooney cameo. Perhaps, they might be even able to do that with Kilmer and Christian Bale.
Source: Variety
