Zack Snyder thinks Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Flashpoint version of Batman "could have been cool." Morgan made his DC Extended Universe debut as Thomas Wayne in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Unlike other DCEU actors, Morgan's role was small, limited to only an uncredited appearance in the one movie. However, Thomas and Martha Wayne's deaths fuel Bruce throughout Batman v Superman, as well as Justice League. Despite its brevity, Morgan's appearance was enough to make some hope he would play Flashpoint Batman in the upcoming The Flash movie. It would have paid off on the popular comics storyline where Thomas becomes Batman instead of Bruce.
Despite The Flash adapting the Flashpoint storyline, it seems Morgan won't play Batman. Instead, Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck will reprise their roles as Bruce Wayne in the film. Though both returns are exciting in their own way, they mean Flashpoint Batman won't factor into the movie, at least as of now. This is disappointing to some fans, especially since Morgan previously expressed interest in playing the Flashpoint version of Thomas Wayne. Now, it appears a prominent DCEU figure was interested in Morgan's take on Flashpoint Batman as well.
Speaking with TheFilmJunkee, Snyder discussed casting Morgan, including if he did so with the thought he would one day play Batman. Snyder explained:
I don't think it was, although I will say that I love Jeffrey Dean. I cast him because I liked the idea that Thomas Wayne was like a bit of a tough guy, not a pushover. I like also the duality that that's the reason why they got shot, you know, was that he didn't give his wallet right away. He tried to fight back a little bit, which I think is a thing that has haunted Bruce in some ways.
Snyder went on to say of Morgan playing Flashpoint Batman, "Clearly, he can do the work, that's no problem. I don't think they're doing it, but it could have been cool."
Snyder makes some excellent points about why Morgan's Thomas Wayne would have been an exciting Flashpoint Batman. Even in his short appearance, Morgan added layers to the character that would have made him an interesting Dark Knight. Additionally, the actor has shown his aptitude for playing tough characters in the past, including Negan on The Walking Dead. This experience would have served him well as Flashpoint Batman.
However, it makes sense the DCEU is going a different direction in The Flash. His upcoming cut of Justice League is Snyder's last planned film in the franchise, marking a new era. Additionally, Warner Bros. is focused on Robert Pattinson's new Batman, who is seen as the future of the DCEU. Affleck's role in The Flash came as a surprise for this reason. However, despite his role in the movie, it doesn't make a lot of sense to focus on that character's father while the franchise as a whole prepares for a new Bruce Wayne. Though it's interesting to imagine Morgan as the Flashpoint version of Batman, hopefully Affleck and Keaton's roles in The Flash prove equally satisfying.
Source: TheFilmJunkee
