The actors who have played Batman on film generally fall in two camps: those who still regret their turn as the Caped Crusader and those who are forever proud. Michael Keaton seems to be among the latter group.
Unlike Christian Bale, who most recently portrayed the superhero in Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy, Keaton told the ShortList that he’s not jealous that Ben Affleck will soon be donning the cape and cowl in “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
“No,” he simply said when asked if he feels envious. “Do you know why? Because I’m Batman. I’m very secure in that.”
In light of the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton’s “Batman,” Keaton said he’s proud of the director for ushering in the era of superhero movies.
“Tim changed, or started, everything,” he said. “And I’m proud of the choice I made, in terms of how to play Batman. It’s probably easier now because Tim paved the way, and if I did anything to pave the way, I’m proud of that, too.”
Aside from the first “Spider-Man,” Keaton said he’s never watched a superhero movie from beginning to end.
“You can step into it more easily now, is my guess,” he said. “Technically, (superhero movies) do everything for you. They create a world where all you’ve basically got to do is show up, not f— it up too much and you’ll come off OK.”
Meanwhile, the actor has received critical acclaim for his role in “Birdman,” where he plays a has-been actor still obsessed with his role as an iconic superhero.
Michael Keaton… the best Batman ever, PERIOD. i remember when the decision was made that he would play Batman, and people just PUMMELED him saying it was a terrible choice. all those who did are now on unemployment…
Adam West was the best Batman ever.
Adam West was the best comedy satire of Batman ever, he satirized the Batman movie serials and the Batman comic books of the ’60s era. Michael Keaton was the best Batman ever, the mysterious noir-esque dramatic thriller that Batman was created to be.
Marvel should snap Keaton up for something – Adam Warlock, Black Bolt, etc.
Michael Keaton was not ‘Batman.’ He is an actor who played the character. The only actor who actually looks the part, so far, is Ben Affleck. Tall, dark hair and handsome. Of which Michael Keaton is none of. Then second is Val Kilmer (with darker hair that is, and by the way I feel that Kilmer was in the right role but just had the wrong movie production and director and everything else that could have been better about that movie.) Bale comes in third because he’s not as charming as Kilmer can be but he is a good ‘Batman.’
keaton was easily the best batman ever
You got “handsome” wrong. If he wasn’t a famous actor, he would be average joe.
He should be secure, he’s the best one to don the cape and cowl yet.
Why are people still asking Keaton about Batman? Lazy journalism.
“Meanwhile, the actor has received critical acclaim for his role in “Birdman,” where he plays a has-been actor still obsessed with his role as an iconic superhero.”
Because it’s relevant in this instance.
Because he’s BATMAN!!
When you’re right you’re right. Even though Affleck is a joke I find none of this amusing.
Too bad Keaton played the wimpiest Batman. He was frail and losing his hair. Having read the comics my whole life, it was a shame to see Batman so puny.
Clooney was a joke. Kilmer wasn’t too bad but, along with Clooney, he happened to be in one of the worst Batman movies ever made.
Bale was good. Dark and brooding. But he wasn’t big enough. Keep in mind Batman in the comics is 6’2″ and very brawny. Also, Bale’s lisp is hard to forgive. That and a growling Batman was never seen in any adaptation. So it came off as being odd.
Affleck is actually 6’2″, Batman’s height in the comics, and is by far the most physical Batman thus far. Finally. Batman isn’t supposed to be a wimp. He doesn’t have superpowers, so it’s important that he be very physical. I’m not going to judge his acting yet, because I haven’t seen it… and neither have you.
Such a cool guy. No wonder he’s proud of his Batman, he was in the best Batman film – “Batman Returns”, after all.
Michael Keaton wasn’t a frail little toothpick with bald spots. Batman’s look in the comics changes from artist to artist over the decades. Some drew him thinner and most exaggerate him and draw him bulkier and over-muscled. Realistically Batman would be a thin and fast Bruce Lee-esque martial artist more like how Bob Kane originally drew him in 1939 and how Michael Keaton looked, not built like a huge bulky bodybuilder the way Frank Miller, Jim Lee, etc. drew him.
Keaton was my batman and has a lot to be proud of. Christian bale is bruce wayne nolan made the best batman and Keaton has the best batman voice, thats how I look at it
Michael Keaton…fine actor, generous actor,a great Batman, a good guy and now getting some long overdue props. Bravo!
Its about Batman to me. Not the actor playing him.
Affleck is a better director then actor. Affleck was properly cast in Gone Girl and Argo. He was badly cast in Paycheck, Daredevil and is not Jack Ryan in The Sum Of Fears. He was outstanding in The Town but I simply do not see him as Batman!! The Dark Knight trilogy is a masterpiece of filmmaking,only second place behind the greatest trilogy in The Godfather. Everything depends on Zack Snyder. If it’s as great as Watchmen I may get over the,casting of Affleck?
Enough already we get the fact Ben Affleck is not everyones first chose to play batman nor should he. Christian bale is the one And only dark knight in my thoughts. But micheal keaton did a great job in the 80 s so ill give him some credit as well. But Ben Affleck is totally wrong for batman he’s a great actor but they need to find the right comic character for him to play.
Keaton did alright because of the tone of the movie. Bale was the only one who came close to looking the part. Aflac is a joke, they should have kept Bale. Also no movie Superman has been right either and other than the first 10 minutes of the 1st C Reeve, none have been worth watching. The 50’s George Reeves show and moments of Smallville are still the high water marks.Come on Hollywood, do better.
Right on Keaton, YOU are Batman!