Batman Casting Call: Old Footage Reveals Fans’ Outrage as Michael Keaton Bags Lead Role in Batman

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

– The casting of Michael Keaton as Batman in 1989 triggered a wave of criticism.
– Vintage footage has surfaced revealing audiences’ initial rejection of Keaton as Batman.
– Despite uproar, the film released to positive response and Keaton’s portrayal was subsequently appreciated.
– Michael Keaton credits his success as Batman to his focus on Bruce Wayne’s character rather than Batman’s.
– Keaton reprised his role as Batman in 2023 in Ezra Miller’s The Flash.

Initial Backlash for Keaton’s Casting

Renowned actor, Michael Keaton, faced backlash during the initial casting as Batman for Tim Burton’s franchise in 1989. Not quite the reaction Burton expected, despite their earlier collaboration on Beetlejuice. According to Screen Rant, around 50,000 letters from moviegoers besieged Warner Bros., demanding a change of cast.

A recently circulated vintage footage shows a televised segment, illustrating the audience’s disapproval of the casting. Many viewers had strong opinions, with one stating, ‘I think he’s kind of a whim’. Another argued for someone sexier and macho to portray Batman, while a third discredited Keaton due to his physical attributes. These reactions were predominantly driven by the belief that Batman’s character and Keaton’s comic persona didn’t match.

Initial Doubts Turn into Acclaim

Despite the initial concerns, Keaton’s portrayal of Batman was the vindication he needed. The movie opened to a positive reception from both critics and the audience, with many eventually appreciating Keaton’s interpretation of Batman. Over the years, he emerged as a favorite actor who played Batman, demonstrating that the casting choice was, after all, perfect.

Keaton’s Approach to Batman and Bruce Wayne

In an interview with Backstage Podcast, Keaton revealed that his focus had always been Bruce Wayne rather than Batman. Holding the belief that the essence of Batman kept centering around Bruce Wayne, Keaton saw the interpretation of Batman’s character differently. This ideology was instrumental in his decision to walk away from Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever in 1995.

Keaton further disclosed that his reasons for not reprising the character in later films were due to the insistence of the then-director for a less somber representation of Batman. However, in 2023, Keaton reprised his role for Ezra Miller’s The Flash, feeding into the excitement of the audiences to see him on screen once more.

Conclusion

While Michael Keaton’s casting as Batman was a contentious decision initially, his portrayal of the titular character proved to be a turning point. His focus on Bruce Wayne’s character over Batman became central to his success, overturning adverse opinions. This serves as a prime example of how perceptions can change over time, marking his role as Batman a pivotal moment in his acclaimed acting career. Looking back, the vintage footage now functions more as an amusing artifact of the time, highlighting a fascinating piece of Batman history.