Although Michael Keaton was initially criticized for his casting as Batman in the 1989 film, he is now convinced that director Tim Burton’s vision for the comic book adaptation actually “changed everything.”
In a recent interview with GQThe Beetlejuice Beetlejuice The actor looked back on his controversial role at Warner Bros.’ Batmanagainst which 50,000 comic fans protested.
“Tim deserves tremendous credit. He changed everything,” Keaton said of Burton’s decision to cast him as a superhero despite the uproar. “I can’t say that necessarily, but there’s a strong possibility that without Tim Burton there would be no Marvel universe, no DC universe. He was doubted and questioned.”
“He didn’t get enough credit for saying, ‘Yeah, that guy,'” the actor continued. “And everyone said, ‘Wait, Michael? You worked with him on Beetlejuiceright?’ But I think what happened was that Tim saw Clean and sober (Keaton’s first non-comedic role). I get the credit. I don’t know if he got enough credit for that move. That was a brave move.”
Burton also praised Keaton because “he has a certain energy,” which is one of the reasons he “wanted him to be there.” Batman.” The director added GQ“When you look into his eyes, he seems intelligent, scary, crazy, all at once.”
Keaton’s Batman ultimately became known as one of the best portrayals of the superhero, although other notable actors donned the Batsuit in later films, including George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson. Birdman The actor even repeated his role in 2023 The Flash and the one abolished by Warner Bros. Batgirl Film.
Whether Keaton was disappointed that the Batgirl When the film was shelved, Keaton joked, “No, I didn’t care. Big, funny, nice check.”
But, to be more serious, the actor said of Batgirl Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah: “I like these guys. They’re nice guys. I’m rooting for them. I want them to succeed and I think they felt very bad and that made me feel bad.” He added of Keaton: “I’m fine.”
Looking back at his Batman role overall, Headlights Star said he was “actually proud of it because I like proving everyone wrong. I enjoy it.”
Burton’s Batman won an Oscar for Best Interior Design and Best Set Design in 1990.
