DC Studios and Warner Bros. have released the first official trailer for The Flash, featuring the dynamic return of Michael Keaton's Batman 31 years after Tim Burton's Batman Returns. Showcasing his iconic Batcave and impressive skills, it looks as though Keaton's return will be exactly what fans of the classic Dark Knight have been hoping for. However, the epic moments seen in this new trailer are undercut in light of some recent developments.
In the new Super Bowl trailer for The Flash, Michael Keaton's Batman helps two versions of Ezra Miller's Barry Allen, who are attempting to reset the world that's been massively altered. As such, the trailer is largely centered around Keaton's return as well as the debut of Sasha Calle's Supergirl:
Although the multiversal return of such a classic Batman is very exciting, Keaton was originally slated for much more beyond The Flash. However, Keaton's role has since been limited to this film, and perhaps a cameo as Batman in Aquaman 2. This is due to the recent restructuring at DC Studios with James Gunn and Peter Safran now in charge.
Keaton's Batman In The Flash Movie Looks Incredible
Without a doubt, Michael Keaton's return as Batman is going to be a major highlight in The Flash. Confirming that he is indeed Batman before diving to take on a crowd of assailants, everything from his updated cape and cowl to the return of his signature batarangs is meant to generate ample amounts of excitement. In this trailer alone, the levels of nostalgia are extremely high even before the reveal of the 1992 Batmobile.
It's also worth noting that the use of the classic Danny Elfman score from Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns makes Keaton's moments in the trailer even more memorable and exciting. However, the updated special effects will allow Keaton to actually move far better than he was able to in the early 90s. As such, it certainly looks as though The Flash will be providing a prime Burton Batman overall.
The DCU's Future Means Keaton's Batman Return Is Already Hurt
However, these amazing shots from The Flash's new trailer of Keaton's Batman are somewhat tragic and bittersweet. In light of the recent restructuring at DC Studios with Gunn and Safran, a new era for the DCU is coming without the original plans to have Keaton as a recurring Dark Knight. Originally, Keaton was going to be featured in the canceled Batgirl film as well as having a role in a potential Batman Beyond feature. Now, it looks as though 2023 will be all audiences get from Keaton's Batman, a decision that now hurts even more after seeing him in action.
