Michael Keaton’s casting as Batman in the 1989 film initially sparked controversy, but he now credits director Tim Burton with transforming the comic book movie genre.
In a interview, the Beetlejuice actor reflected on the backlash he faced when Warner Bros. cast him as the Dark Knight, with 50,000 comic book fans protesting the decision at the time.
Keaton praised Burton’s vision, stating, “Tim deserves enormous credit. He changed everything.”
He suggested that without Burton’s bold casting choices, there might not be a Marvel or DC Universe as we know them today. “He was doubted and questioned,” Keaton added.
Keaton acknowledged the skepticism surrounding his casting, particularly after his comedic role in Beetlejuice.
However, he believes Burton saw something more serious in him after watching Clean and Sober, his first non-comedic role.
“I get the credit, but I don’t know that [Burton] got enough credit for making that move. That was a bold move,” Keaton said.
Burton also spoke highly of Keaton, citing the actor’s unique energy as one of the reasons he wanted him for the role of Batman.
“You just look in his eyes, and he seems intelligent, scary, crazy, everything all at once,” Burton told.
Despite initial doubts, Keaton’s portrayal of Batman is now regarded as one of the best, even among other actors who have donned the Batsuit, such as George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson. Keaton reprised his role as Batman in 2023’s The Flash and the now-canceled Batgirl movie.
When asked if he was disappointed by the shelving of the Batgirl film, Keaton responded with a quip, “No, I didn’t care one way or another. Big, fun, nice check.”
However, he expressed genuine concern for the film’s directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, saying, “I like those boys. They’re nice guys. I pull for them. I want them to succeed, and I think they felt very badly, and that made me feel bad.” Keaton added, “I’m good.”
Reflecting on his overall experience as Batman, Keaton expressed pride, saying, “I’m proud of it actually because I like to prove everybody wrong. It’s fun for me.”
Burton’s *Batman* went on to win an Oscar in 1990 for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration.
