Michael Keaton is donning the cape and cowl once again in The Flash, but his return as Batman needs to avoid a nostalgia problem. After multiple setbacks and going through numerous directors, filming is finally underway on the Scarlet Speedster’s solo film. From a script by Christina Hodson, Andy Muschietti directs the blockbuster and Ezra Miller returns as Barry Allen. Interestingly, he will be joined by not one but two Batmen – Ben Affleck and Keaton.
The Flash marks Keaton’s third outing as the Dark Knight following Tim Burton’s Gothic adventures, Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). Keaton’s original casting instantly provoked controversy, not unlike the trepidation when Affleck was announced as the crimefighter. Fortunately, Keaton’s subtly deadpan portrayal of hero and eccentric billionaire Bruce Wayne was a hit with critics and audiences. Exactly what this version of Batman has been up to in the last 30 years is a mystery full of exciting possibilities, and storytelling pitfalls.
Although Michael Keaton’s return is highly anticipated, there’s a very real danger of The Flash running primarily on nostalgia. So far, most news regarding the production has been Batman-related, with set photos teasing Wayne Manor, the Batmobile, and Batcave, while even Muschietti revealed a glimpse of Keaton’s bloodied Batman suit. Seeing these elements revived is undoubtedly exciting, but the film needs to provide solid reasoning for his presence and develop his character to ensure a natural continuation of Keaton’s storyline.
Why has The Flash specifically chosen to bring back Keaton’s Batman? Obviously, the character is far older now, automatically lending him the aura of a mentor figure to Barry. However, Affleck reportedly shares this role, therefore Keaton needs to offer something different. Affleck's Batman had lost his way, and his story shifted from brutality to redemption. Curiously, Keaton’s version never seemed to mind a little bloodshed. Perhaps this was overlooked because Tim Burton created such a twisted world that justified killing, but The Flash offers a compelling avenue to directly confront the characters’ use of violence. What will Keaton’s Batman make of Barry’s world, and what could he learn from the young superhero? Concept art displays the Flash in a new costume, fighting alongside Keaton in full costume, enticing fans with a fun team-up but providing no insight regarding their dynamic. The film might coast on the thrill of seeing his Batman in action, but this would be as meaningless as the nostalgia-fuelled insertion of Danny Elfman’s Batman theme into 2017’s Justice League.
In DCEU canon, Affleck’s Batman is likely on the way out, having successfully established a new generation of heroes. The Flash may continue this idea and could provide a fascinating contrast to the older yet still-active Keaton. Muschietti’s film must address what Keaton’s Batman has been doing all this time – how he might have changed and why he is possibly yet to retire. Alfred has surely passed away, and Keaton’s Batman perhaps never trained a Robin to continue his legacy. If his rogues' gallery still runs rampant in Gotham, this could all be used to explore his reluctance to give up Batman. Still, rather than shamelessly namedrop Jack Nicholson’s Joker and Danny DeVito’s Penguin, to whom Barry has zero connection, Keaton’s return needs to expand his world. Catwoman could still be at large, while Harvey Dent has likely undergone his transformation into Two-Face. These factors are more likely to affect Batman’s stance on crimefighting than aimless references to dead foes.
Keaton appears to have a substantial role in The Flash, but his impact is entirely dependent on lending purpose to his return. The critically-panned Space Jam: A New Legacy and Scoob! both revealed the depths of Warner Bros. aggressively pushing nostalgia over compelling storylines. Whether a one-off appearance or the beginning of something larger, the film must provide a tangible future for Keaton's Batman, not a "greatest hits" of the past.
