The Flashwas one of the most anticipated films of 2023. Having opened with a disastrous domestic box, the future of the character is unknown. The film was faced with numerous controversies surrounding its release. One of the agreed-upon, and exciting announcements was the return of Michael Keaton as Batman. His portrayal of the caped crusader is beloved by many. His return was one of the film’s biggest benefits, even if some viewers considered him underutilized. Some folks wonder if Keaton could return to James Gunn’sDCU.
Before the change in regime, Keaton was meant to anchorthe late DCEU. He was meant to be a Tony Stark-like presence in forming the universe. Now with Gunn taking the reins, it is unknown if Keaton will return. Having a “one-and-done” appearance inThe Flashwould be a wasted opportunity for the character. Keaton deserves to continue the legacy of the character he first portrayed in 1989. His return can happen in two different ways that will excite fans. The first is something they have wanted to happen in live-action for years.
Related:5 Reasons the DCU Should Release a Batman Beyond Movie
Batman Beyondwas a 1999 animated series that is beloved by audiences and critics. That series followed an older Bruce Wayne who took on an apprentice named Terry McGinnis. Keaton’s role inThe Flashproved he was up for the task of being a mentor. His role was more than teaching Barry (Ezra Miller) about the mechanics of the multiverse. Bruce is there to help Barry realize any universe was worth saving. In return, Barry gave this version of Bruce a purpose to keep going.
Alive-actionBatman Beyondmovie was planned ifThe Flashwas financially successful. The potential has now been squashed thanks to the lackluster box office results.The Flash’sfailure has seemed to make thisBeyondmovie an impossibility. Even with the failure, Keaton deserves a chance to tell this story.
The character’s arc inThe Flashwas one about redemption. Bruce becoming a recluse made his return to the action feel cinematically rewarding for longtime fans. Barry was able to teach him that the world was still worth fighting for. Such inspiration could help Bruce teach others to become a hero like those around him.
Bruce does not have to continue as the popular caped crusader. He can train the next generation to wear the suit. His experiences inBatman,Batman Returns, andThe Flashhave molded him into a mentor. Spending time with Barry and Kara brought a new element into his life.
Their wild and unruly energy made him try and become a teacher to them. The events ofThe Flashcould inspire Bruce to become a mentor and train the next generation of heroes. With some of thefilm’s alternate endings, this theory could have become a reality. Becoming a mentor is not the only option for Keaton to continue in James Gunn’s DCU.
Related:James Gunn ‘Blown Away’ By Screen Tests for Leads in Superman: Legacy
Keaton Has to Be Nick Fury For the DCU
Gunn has been vocal about his plans for aBatmanfilm following the comicBrave and the Bold. One can assume that this version ofBatmanis meant to cross paths withSuperman Legacy’sSuperman. That does not mean this DCU will avoid the concept of the multiverse altogether. Keaton’s Batman could appear in any corner of the DCU that he would like for one reason. His version of Bruce Wayne now knows how to access the multiverse, thanks to Barry. That is not the only way Keaton could appear in future in-universe projects.
He was meant to appear in the canceled project DC projectBatgirland was even rumoredto appear inAquaman and the Lost Kingdom. In those films, his version of Bruce Wayne was meant to be retired. Thanks toThe Flash, he can now skip the boring part for audiences. Instead of being sidelined from some of the action in another superhero’s film, Keaton can be brought into action full-force.
His Bruce Wayne needs to make an appearance in the upcoming and confirmed DCU film,The Authority. This obscure superhero team would be perfect for an original character to appear. He could even be teased in another hotly-anticipated DCU film,Superman Legacy.
The Authorityisrumored to appearin the upcomingSuperman Legacy. At this time, it is unclear what their role in the film could be. What we do know is that Superman is going to be a younger hero. This version is someone who has not come into his own but simply wants to help the world.
The Authoritycould secretly be working for Bruce Wayne for the entirety of the film. At the end of whatever battle may take place,The Authoritycould mention something to Superman. To make a substantive “tease,” this reveal could be applied in an after-credits sequence.
Superman could have committed acts that saved lives within the film. His actions could have impressedThe Authorityand made him a necessity for their team. Keaton’s Batman could be the person who negotiated these character’s meetings. Revealing this would excite fans and promise a future that respected what came before. It is a narrative kick in the teeth that can correct the past, and simultaneously, it can start a proper path to a great future for the DCU.
