The DC cinematic universe appears to be in yet another cloud of confusion after this month’s cancellation of Batgirl, the spin-off film that had already finished filming and was deep into post-production. Now, it appears that film will never see the light of day, to the disappointment of the fans as well as the cast and crew.
This move doesn’t just impact one single film, though. Rather, Batgirl was a major title in the new and improved DCEU that has been in the works for years now. After the Snyder films proved to be too divisive for Warner Bros.’ liking, and a brief time when the universe was fractured entirely (no crossovers, cameos, or references inside completely isolated movies like Aquaman, to example), the new era is said to bring everyone back together with some new characters, like Batgirl, playing major roles. Ben Affleck was officially replaced by Michael Keaton, the actor who played Batman in the late 80s and early 90s, and the latter was set to appear in Batgirl. However, with that film’s cancellation, not only is the entire DCEU in a state of unknown, but so is Michael Keaton’s return as Batman.
Keaton’s return in Batgirl was made possible by The Flash, the movie that is meant to usher in the new DCEU, if it ever comes to fruition. However, that movie has its own set of problems with lead Ezra Miller. Miller has had numerous run-ins with law enforcement and has a long list of allegations that include grooming, child abuse, child endangerment, and more. Recently, news was released that Warner Bros. are considering various possible options for The Flash, one of which is to cancel the film entirely because of the negative publicity brought by Miller’s heavy presence. The Flash’s plot is an adaption of Flashpoint, the famous comic story that was also covered in the Scarlet Speedster’s TV show. Keaton is playing the Thomas Wayne role in the film, an older Batman who teams up with The Flash.
If The Flash is indeed canceled, which is at this moment the least likely of the three options (but certainly possible), Keaton’s return would have no story explanation unless they redid it in another film. That seems unlikely, particularly as there’s no other film on DC’s upcoming slate that really gives an opportunity to dive deep into the multiverse and explain why the Batman from Tim Burton’s movies is now in this universe. The Shazam! and Black Adam section of the franchise is focused on gods and antiheroes, whereas Aquaman and Wonder Woman hone in on the mystical elements. Then there’s The Batman, with Robert Pattinson’s hero in his own world entirely. It seems that if The Flash is canceled, Keaton might never come back as the Caped Crusader.
The fact that Batgirl has been canceled might just be a reflection of the film’s quality (according to new CEO David Zaslav), but it could also mean a lot more. Batgirl’s place in the new DCEU was planned by Walter Hamada, the current head of the franchise who reportedly nearly left the role after the film was canceled, but instead agreed to stay on for a few more months. Zaslav is said to want someone else at the helm, perhaps suggesting that he isn’t a fan of Hamada’s vision. That vision is said to be solidified in The Flash, and the nature of that film “rebooting” the DCEU would be nearly impossible to undo. Michael Keaton’s Batman is a massive part of that vision, with Hamada saying last year that he will play a large role in the franchise going forward as he appears in a supporting capacity across several films (a la Nick Fury in Marvel). Zaslav’s disdain for this general direction is yet another sign that Keaton might already be on his way out once again, even if The Flash is released.
There’s also the small matter of Ben Affleck, the fan favorite actor who was said to be on his way out. But he’s now confirmed to appear in Aquaman 2 in replacement of Michael Keaton. This could be a mere symptom of that film now releasing before The Flash, but might suggest that he is open to returning in a more meaningful capacity once again. Affleck has certainly had an up and down relationship with his role as Batman, clearly wanting to leave the franchise at some points while being very enthusiastic about it at others, including right now. Keaton is a fan favorite, but it seems that if DC wants to get audiences excited and truly give them what they want, Affleck might be the choice they go with.
Keaton famously left the role as Batman in the early 90s when Warner Bros. removed Tim Burton from a third film after they were unhappy with the tone of Batman Returns, particularly as it prevented them from selling as many toys as they could have. That reasoning seems ludicrous in the modern day, but Keaton returning as Batman in two films (with many more planned) only to have at least one of them canceled entirely would be on a completely different level of unpredictability. It remains to be seen exactly what will happen to him in this new era of DC, but the uncertain nature of the franchise isn’t a good sign for his future.