Will Michael Keaton Replace Ben Affleck As Main DCEU Batman?

Rumors claiming Michael Keaton and not Ben Affleck is the main Batman in DC Extended Universe are doing rounds. However, this may not be true.

As DC Films attempt to explore the multiverse concept in the upcoming movies, it is expected to introduce different versions of Batman, played by different actors. While fans know Robert Pattinson will make his first appearance as Batman/Bruce Wayne in the 2022 release “The Batman,” actors Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton will reprise the role, too.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Walter Hamada, the president of DC Films revealed the company’s future plans. Hamada revealed that DC has planned four theatrical DC films a year, starting in the year 2022. In addition, Warner Media plans to release two movies per year exclusively on the streaming platform HBO Max.

Based on Hamada’s interview, speculations began to run rampant and assumptions were made that the studios is planning two franchises featuring Batman as played by different heroes, according to CBR.

Things began to spiral out of control when the New York Times reporter Brooks Barnes replied to a fan question on Twitter. Fan asked Barnes if Keaton was taking the lead in the second franchise as Batman.

“Hi@brooksbarnesNYT. Based on your Hamada piece, some have interpreted that WB is doing 2 franchises starring Batman, one with Pattinson, one with a new actor. Is that correct, or you were referring to Keaton as a second Batman, being part of a non-Batman-centric saga? Thank you!” wrote the Twitter user.

To this, Barnes simply replied, “Keaton.” And soon “Batman Beyond” started trending on Twitter leading to speculations of Keaton returning as the main Batman in DCEU. However, Barnes was quick enough to set the record straight that Keaton is currently only signed up for “The Flash” movie appearance.

“Been offline (moving apartments) and return to see this Michael Keaton craziness. I was referring to the *one film* that Keaton has been announced as being in, not a set of his own Batman films. If I had info on him beyond "The Flash," I would have obviously put it in my article,” Barnes wrote.

“The Flash” movie is live-action DC Comics adaptations starring Ezra Miller in the titular role, Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, Billy Crudup as Henry Allen, and Affleck and Keaton as Batmen. The movie is scheduled to release on July 1, 2022. This will mark Keaton’s return as the caped crusader since his 1992's “Batman Returns.”

As for Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman,” stars Zoe Kravitz (Catwoman), Paul Dano (Riddler), and Jeffrey Wright (James Gordon). The movie is slated to release on March 4, 2022.