The news that DC's Batgirl film will not be released in theaters or on HBO Max paints a pretty bleak future for Michael Keaton's return as Batman. As a result of a recent merger at Warner Bros. and a new regime being put in charge of DC films, it seems the $90m Batgirl film starring Leslie Grace in the titular role alongside Keaton's Batman now won't see the light of day anytime soon (despite being nearly completed), if ever. As such, Keaton's Batman future is more uncertain than ever now that his one and only confirmed appearance is to be in The Flash, a film bearing its own uncertainties. Likewise, recent news about Ben Affleck and his version of the DCEU's Batman is potentially concerning for Keaton's Dark Knight as well.
A bombshell for the movie industry and the DCEU, Warner Bros. has decided that the best way to recoup their losses on Batgirl following additional COVID-related costs is to not release it at all and instead take it as a tax write-down. Even though the film was in post-production and nearly completed, it seems as though even an HBO Max release for Batgirl would not provide the returns WB is looking for. Naturally, the move has created quite a bit of controversy and frustration from audiences and film industry professionals alike.
While things are looking rather unfortunate for the DCEU as a whole following this news, it's specifically concerning in regards to the greater future that was rumored to be in the works for Keaton's Batman. As such, it seems possible that The Flash will be the beginning and end of Keaton's return as the Dark Knight. Here's what Batgirl's cancellation means for Michael Keaton's Caped Crusader as well as what this could mean for Ben Affleck's Batman.
What Batgirl's Cancellation Means For Keaton's Batman Return
Initially, Michael Keaton was set up to make an iconic return as Batman in multiple upcoming DC films, reprising the role of Bruce Wayne whom he played 30 years ago in the Tim Burton-directed Batman films. Beginning with The Flash starring Ezra Miller in the titular role, Keaton's Batman will seemingly meet the Fastest Man Alive following some multiversal travels that will bring Barry Allen to the Burton universe. It was also reported that Keaton was going to have a role in the subsequent Batgirl movie as well as a cameo in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. As such, rumors were circulating that Warner Bros was looking to position Keaton as the DCEU's new Batman following a potential timeline reboot thanks to the Flash and his ability to alter timelines (a la Flashpoint). However, Keaton's cameo in Aquaman 2 was eventually reported to have been cut. Combined with the news about Batgirl being canceled, Keaton's Batman is now only confirmed to appear in The Flash.
Seeing as how Keaton's Batman is presently only confirmed for one film, his future may have been limited to this single appearance. It's quite possible his role as an ongoing Batman won't be happening at all. Likewise, it's been reported that Warner Bros. is still unsure about what they'll be doing with The Flash in light of the multiple controversies surrounding Ezra Miller. While the cancellation of The Flash seems very unlikely at this stage, it is clear that anything's possible following Batgirl.
Will The DCEU Be Banking On Affleck's Batman Again Now?
The other element that generates concerns about Michael Keaton and his Batman future in the DCEU is that there will still be a Batman in Aquaman 2. Revealed on social media by Aquaman star Jason Momoa, Ben Affleck will be reprising his role as the DCEU's Dark Knight alongside the King of Atlantis rather than Keaton as was allegedly planned. While this could be the result of schedule changes that occurred where Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is now set to release ahead of The Flash (and before any potential timeline shifts), it's still not great for Keaton's Batman.
In an incredibly short time, Keaton has lost an appearance as Batman and Ben Affleck has gained one beyond his already reported role in The Flash alongside Keaton. As such, the possibility now exists that Warner Bros. may be looking to keep Ben Affleck's Batman on as the DCEU Dark Knight. Taking all of this recent news into account and the instability of the one film Keaton's Bruce Wayne will be appearing in now that Batgirl is no more, things are looking grim for the Burton Batman's future.
