Michael Keaton Confirmed To Play Batman In The Flash Movie

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Michael Keaton's return as Batman in The Flash movie is confirmed by the actor's talent agency as filming on the DC blockbuster gets underway. Last year, it was originally reported that Keaton was in talks to return as Batman for The Flash film, seemingly indicating the DC movie would explore the multiverse. Director Andy Muschietti confirmed as much last summer when he explained The Flash movie will unify the various DC film universes. However, since the initial reports of his casting, Keaton has cast doubt on his return as Bruce Wayne - a role he played in 1989's Batman and 1992's Batman Returns - making it unclear whether those talks fell through.

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Even still, pre-production on The Flash has moved forward, with the film bringing together its main cast to join lead Ezra Miller, who plays Barry Allen aka The Flash. Kiersey Clemons is on board to play Iris West, a role she was meant to originate in Justice League before her scenes were removed from the theatrical cut; they've since been included in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Additionally, Ron Livingston will replace Billy Crudup as Barry's father Henry, and Sasha Calle joins the DCEU as Supergirl. In addition to Keaton, it was also reported last year that Ben Affleck is back as the DCEU incarnation of Batman. Then today, it was announced The Flash movie has started filming, and on the heels of this news, it's been confirmed Keaton will in fact be back as Bruce Wayne.

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The Wrap is reporting that Keaton's talent agency, ICM Partners, has confirmed the actor will appear in The Flash movie. No other details about his role were confirmed, like how much of the film he'll be in or even whether he'll suit up as Batman or only appear as Bruce Wayne. Still, since the actor was casting doubt on his Batman return as recently as March, this serves as confirmation Keaton was able to reach a deal with Warner Bros. and DC Films to reprise his role.

It's unclear whether Keaton's deal was only recently hammered out or if the actor was playing coy when speaking about his Batman return in March at the behest of the studio. It seemed The Flash movie concept art featuring Batman fighting alongside Miller's Barry Allen all but confirmed Keaton's return, so it doesn't appear Warner Bros. or DC was trying to keep his role a secret. Elsewhere in the realm of comic book movie returns, Sony and Marvel have categorically denied former Peter Parker actors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield will appear in Spider-Man: No Way Home despite reports of their involvement. But while Warner Bros. hasn't confirmed Keaton's Batman return, they've not outright denied it either. Now that Keaton's publicist has confirmed his Flash movie role, though, that should put any confusion to rest.

In terms of what to expect from Keaton's return as Batman in The Flash movie, that's less clear. Previous reports have indicated Keaton will suit up as Batman in The Flash movie and serve as a mentor for Barry, which is supported by the concept art revealed at DC FanDome last summer. Additionally, reported story details revealed The Flash movie would pick up with Keaton's Batman after the events of 1992's Returns and will retcon the latter two movies set in that continuity (1995's Batman Forever and 1997's Batman & Robin). It's unclear why Barry would need Keaton's Batman to be a mentor when Affleck's Bruce already exists in the DCEU - though perhaps something will happen to Affleck's Batman. Still, it will be exciting to see Keaton return as Batman, reprising one of his most iconic roles for the first time in 30 years. More about how Keaton's Batman fits into The Flash movie will no doubt be revealed as filming commences.