Michael Keaton’s DCU Batman Future Just Got Even Worse

Michael Keaton once appeared to have a bright future as the DC Universe’s Batman, but the outlook on what lies ahead continues to get worse. Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans for Keaton to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne in the DCU a few years ago. Decades after he last appeared in Batman Returns, Michael Keaton was seemingly being positioned to take over for Ben Affleck as the franchise’s main Batman. A lot has changed since then, including studio mergers and new leadership for DC. WBD CEO David Zazlav has now put Michael Keaton’s DCU Batman future in further question by mentioning there will not be four Batmans going forward.

The remark by Zazlav indicates that DC Studios will have a more streamlined approach when it comes to Batman’s movie future under new DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. It is expected that there will be at least two Batmans in movie theaters, though. Robert Pattinson will continue to lead The Batman‘s shared universe, while someone will be the main Batman in the DCU. Michael Keaton may have been positioned to do this before, but momentum is growing for Ben Affleck’s Batman to remain front and center (especially after Henry Cavill’s Superman return). Limiting the number of on-screen Batmans could leave Michael Keaton’s Batman with no DCU future.

How WB Has Hurt Michael Keaton’s Batman Return

The once-promising outlook for Michael Keaton’s Batman return has continued to be hurt by Warner Bros. and various decisions. The original plan was for Keaton to make his grand return in The Flash through the multiverse and then have appearances in Batgirl and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. There were even reports that Warner Bros. wanted Keaton’s Batman to be a Nick Fury-type character for the DCU and connect the franchise together. Nothing has changed with the actor’s return in The Flash, but the plans for what was meant to come after have continued to change.

Following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, the shocking decision was made to cancel Batgirl for tax purposes. The move completely wiped out what was going to be a major role for Michael Keaton’s Batman. WB further complicated his future after delaying The Flash so it would come out after Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. This led the sequel to add a cameo from Ben Affleck’s Batman during reshoots. While additional release date changes have now put Aquaman 2 after The Flash once again, there is no guarantee that Michael Keaton’s Batman DCU future will be restored – especially if Zazlav, Gunn, and Safran agree to decrease the number of Batmans.

Michael Keaton Should Still Have A Batman Future

Michael Keaton’s Batman future certainly looks smaller than it did before, but there is still a chance that he could have a future. It is unknown where The Flash leaves his character or the state of the multiverse. DC Studios’ new leadership will have to figure out if Michael Keaton is the one they want to be the DCU’s Batman for years to come. There is no doubt that many believe the iconic actor should be given a chance to have a larger role. All that is guaranteed right now for Michael Keaton’s DCU Batman future is that his return in The Flash is not changing.