Michael Keaton recently spoke out about the cancellation of Batgirl and, in his usual laid-back manner, made it clear just how little the project meant to him. In fact, his comments also seem to throw a bit of shade toward his role in The Flash, hinting that he wasn’t exactly losing sleep over either film.
Fresh off the release of the latest trailer for Beetlejuice 2, it’s clear that Keaton is more than happy to return to some of the iconic characters that defined his career. As he steps back into the chaotic, offbeat role of the bio-exorcist in Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel, fans are reminded of how Keaton reprised another legendary role recently—that of Batman. His return to the cape and cowl happened twice: in the ill-fated Batgirl, which Warner Bros. scrapped in 2022 despite a $90 million budget, and in The Flash—a movie that many critics and fans alike would rather forget.
Batgirl? Keaton Was Unbothered
In a candid interview with GQ, Michael Keaton didn’t mince words when asked about his thoughts on Batgirl being canceled. To sum it up: he didn’t care. While the directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were heartbroken by the studio’s decision to pull the plug on the film, Keaton seemed completely unfazed.
“I didn’t care [about Batgirl’s fate],” Keaton admitted. “It was a nice paycheck, and it was fun. I like those guys [the directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah]. They’re good guys. I support them, and I felt bad for them because I think they were really bummed out, which made me feel bad. But me? I’m good.”
His response is a prime example of Keaton’s nonchalant attitude towards the Hollywood machine. Sure, he enjoyed working with the directors, but for him, it was just another gig. The disappointment and shock from the filmmakers, who poured their hearts into the project, didn’t seem to weigh on Keaton beyond a bit of sympathy. For him, Batgirl was simply one more role in a long and storied career—nothing to dwell on.
Batman or Birdman?
Keaton’s take on the Batgirl cancellation might as well apply to his experience in The Flash too. His role in the 2023 film was largely inconsequential, and judging by his comments, it’s clear that the actor’s return to Batman wasn’t driven by any deep passion for the character—at least not this time around.
Instead, it seems like these roles were more about the paycheck than any desire to revisit Gotham. And honestly, who could blame him? With The Flash turning out to be a box office disaster, Keaton might have dodged a bullet by not being more invested in these DC projects.
What’s Next for Keaton?
While Keaton may not have cared much for Batgirl or The Flash, fans can still look forward to his return as Beetlejuice in Beetlejuice 2, slated for release on September 11, 2024. This character, unlike his recent run as Batman, seems to hold a special place in Keaton’s heart. Whether it’s the nostalgia or the sheer fun of playing such an unpredictable role, his excitement for Beetlejuice 2 is palpable.
In the end, Michael Keaton is an actor who has earned the right to pick and choose his projects without worrying about their fates. For him, it’s about having fun, getting paid, and moving on to the next thing—and that’s exactly what makes him so refreshingly honest.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.