It's no secret that fans of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) have been skeptical about the future of the film franchise. Even with the announcement of Justice League's Snyder Cut making its debut on HBO Max next year, many are wondering if that alone will be enough to make it competitive with Marvel's Cinematic Universe. Now it seems DC may be trying to mix the old with the new by bringing back a fan-favorite actor to reprise his role.
After the release of Justice League and the subsequent cancellation of a Batman solo movie, Ben Affleck understandably left the DCEU project leaving a bat-shaped hole in the roster of heroes. And considering the upcoming Matt Reeves film The Batman will feature a significantly younger Robert Pattinson donning the cape and cowl, it's left many wondering what the fate of the older Bruce Wayne will be.
However, in light of some early rumblings, fans may not need to fear as much as they originally thought. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Keaton is currently in talks to reprise his role as the caped crusader. Keaton originally played Batman in 1989's Batman, as well as in Batman Returns in 1992.
This wouldn't be Keaton's only appearance though. Currently, the rumors indicate that he would appear in multiple movies, and may even function as the DCEU's Nick Fury. If this is to be believed, his first appearance would be in the upcoming The Flash movie starring Ezra Miller.
If this is all true, DC fans will be overjoyed at the news. Outside of the Dark Knight Trilogy, the Batman movies that feature Michael Keaton are widely beloved versions and are considered to be classics. His introduction to the DCEU not only would get fans excited about the movies' future but would generate excitement about the upcoming DC Comics shows coming to HBO Max as well. Fans will just have to wait and see if it's true.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter