Why Keaton’s Batman Is More Important To The Flash Movie Than Affleck’s

Ben Affleck is returning in The Flash, but there’s a strong reason why former Batman actor Micheal Keaton appears more important to the story. Following years of delay and multiple directors departing the project, Andy Muschietti has finally wrapped filming on The Flash. The first trailer was released at DCFanDome 2021, providing a tantalizing glimpse of Keaton’s cowl and Batcave.

Continuing Barry Allen’s (Ezra Miller) character development from Justice League, the hero’s solo film introduces the Multiverse and is inspired by the Flashpoint comic arc. The Flash might see Barry travel back in time to prevent his mother’s death, thereby drastically altering the current timeline. His meddling with time somehow leads him to Tim Burton’s universe, where he meets Michael Keaton’s Batman/Bruce Wayne.

The plot and villain are being kept under wraps. Instead, The Flash’s trailer focuses on Keaton’s Batman. This version of the Dark Knight appears to have a considerably larger role than initially thought, whereas Affleck is curiously absent from the footage. Some hope for Affleck’s Batman to play a more prominent part in the film but highlighting Keaton’s importance suggests an emotional story that can connect both versions through their similarities. If Affleck ends his tenure in The Flash, Barry could be counting on Keaton’s Batman for support moving forward, making the vigilante’s role essential.

There has been much speculation about whether The Flash will definitively end Affleck’s time as Batman. Muschietti has confirmed Affleck’s Batman/Bruce has a strong purpose within Barry’s story, considering he is Barry’s mentor in Justice League and they share the tragedy of their mothers’ murders. However, reports claim Affleck’s time on set was brief, suggesting he might not have more than an extended cameo. Affleck’s Batman might be killed or survive to simply bookend The Flash. Once timelines and universes are disrupted, Barry would surely turn to Bruce for help. If Affleck’s Batman does die or is wiped from continuity, this would create a natural opening for Keaton and may feature a guilt-ridden Barry who is compelled to find a replacement. Either by stumbling upon Keaton’s version of actively seeking him out, Barry’s attachment to the vigilante and concerns for a world without the Dark Knight could greatly impact both their stories. Barry could hope for guidance from Keaton, only to be the one who passes on Afflecks’ knowledge to the veteran hero.

There are tremendous expectations for Keaton’s return after a 30-year hiatus. Warner Bros. obviously wants to emphasize this in The Flash‘s marketing, as it’s arguably the film’s biggest selling point for general viewers. The trailer showcases a seemingly deserted Wayne Manor and Batcave. Keaton’s Batman might be retired or could have become a recluse after many harsh years of protecting Gotham since Batman Returns (1992). He might even have suffered a similar tragedy to Affleck’s Batman, providing he ever trained a Robin. These factors can be used to draw further similarities between Keaton and Affleck’s interpretations, both of whom succame to their rage and strayed into killing criminals. Only, Affleck never fully gave up, and his faith in others was restored in Justice League. This could be the driving force behind Keaton’s Batman uniting with Barry. Hearing about Affleck’s hero overcoming darkness and Barry’s admiration for him could inspire Keaton’s version to undergo his own redemption story and develop more attachments to people.

Keaton’s Bruce and Barry should learn from each other. Barry’s world of metahumans could spark both admiration and fear, encouraging Keaton’s Batman to return and fight for Gotham’s soul. His presence in The Flash undeniably grabs attention but also requires a strong purpose, which is more important to depict than Affleck’s role. Barry luring a disillusioned Batman out of the shadows could further develop him into a mature hero while confronting the darkness within Keaton’s vigilante. Either way, all this speaks to the fact that it is actually Keaton’s take on the character, rather than Affleck’s that will be at the center of the story.