21 Apr – After much speculations, it was revealed that Michael Keaton will indeed return as Batman in the upcoming "The Flash" movie. The news was revealed by The Wrap, stating that Keaton's talent agency, ICM Partners, has confirmed this particular piece of news, making it his first return to the DC universe after nearly 30 years. Keaton sparked speculations of his comeback last month when he revealed to Deadline that he might not do the movie due to COVID-19 concerns.
"To be honest with you, you know what worries me more than anything about all this stuff? It's COVID," Keaton said at the time. "I'm more concerned. I keep my eye more on the COVID situation in the UK than anything. That will determine everything, and so that's why I'm living outside the city here on 17 acres, staying away from everybody, because the COVID thing has got me really concerned." "So, that's my first thing about all projects. I look at it and go, is this thing going to kill me, literally? And you know, if it doesn't, then we talk," he added. Keaton first donned the black cape in 1989 for Tim Burton's blockbuster of the same name, and again in 1992 for "Batman Returns". However, he quit while movie number three was in the works after Burton was replaced by Joel Schumacher.
Loosely based on the 2011 DC Comics crossover event "Flashpoint" - the story sees Barry Allen a.k.a The Flash travelling back in time to prevent the death of his mother, only to inadvertently create another universe protected by Keaton's Batman. Aside from Keaton and Ezra Miller - the latter to reprise his role as the titular superhero, the movie also will star Ben Affleck as Batman (yes, another Batman), Sasha Calle as Supergirl, Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, and Maribel Verdú as Nora Allen, Barry's mother. On the other hand, Ron Livingston will be replacing "Justice League" actor Billy Crudup as Barry's father. "The Flash" is set to hit theatres in November 2022.