One Batgirl Actor ‘Didn’t Care’ That Warner Bros. Cancelled The Movie

Key Takeaways

• Keaton’s response to Batgirl being scrapped was nonchalant, stating, “Big, fun, nice check.”
• Tim Burton praised Keaton’s portrayal of Batman for his intelligence and intensity.
• Despite Keaton’s celebrated return as Batman, Warner Bros. decided to replace him in future films, disappointing many fans and actors.

After Batgirl was canceled, many actors from the film expressed disappointment with Warner Bros.’ decision to scrap the nearly complete movie. However, one actor admitted that one way or the other, they were fine with the studios’ choice.

Batman actor Michael Keaton reprised his role as the Caped Crusader opposite Leslie Grace’s titular heroine in Batgirl. However, fans would never see this on-screen team-up, as Warner Bros. canceled Batgirl, citing shifts in the company’s strategy regarding the DC Universe and HBO Max. Later reports claimed the Batgirl movie’s poor quality and the financial benefits of writing the film off for a tax break factored into Warner Bros. decision. Regardless, most people involved in Batgirl and DC fans were disappointed.

While Batgirl stars Leslie Grace and Brendan Fraser have expressed their disappointment with the film’s cancelation, Keaton has a different response. “No, I didn’t care one way or another. Big, fun, nice check,” Keaton said when asked if he was disappointed by Batgirl‘s cancelation during an interview with GQ. Keaton then noted that he did feel for Batgirl directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. “I pull for them. I want them to succeed, and I think they felt very badly, and that made me feel bad,” he said. “Me? I’m good.” The former Batman actor concluded by discussing what he gained from the role.

I’m nothing but only respectful and grateful, 100%. And proud of it actually, because I like to prove everybody wrong. It’s fun for me.

Keaton’s casting as Batman was controversial at the time, as the actor was then known for comedic roles and was not what most fans imagined when they thought of the physically imposing Caped Crusader. While speaking with GQ, Batman ’89 director Tim Burton discussed why he felt Keaton was perfect for the role. “I love Michael because he has a certain energy,” Burton said. “That’s why I wanted him to be in Batman, because you just look in his eyes and he seems intelligent, scary, crazy, everything all at once.” Keaton returned the compliment by suggesting the MCU and DC Universe might not exist without Burton’s Batman movie.

Tim deserves enormous credit. He changed everything. I can’t necessarily say this, but there’s a strong possibility there is no Marvel Universe, there is no DC Universe, without Tim Burton. He was doubted and questioned.

With Batgirl‘s cancelation, many fans believe Warner Bros. and DC wasted Keaton’s return as Batman. Reports indicated Keaton’s Batman would play a significant role in the DCEU after reprising his role as the Dark Knight in Ezra Miller’s The Flash movie. However, Batgirl‘s cancelation, and Warner Bros. decision to reset the DCEU and replace it with James Gunn’s forthcoming DC Universe, effectively means Keaton’s trumpeted return as Batman is a one-and-done deal.

Now, Warner Bros. and Gunn are searching for a new actor to play Batman in the DCU. Fans have their preferred choices, but whoever lands the role will have big shoes to fill with Keaton’s performance still considered the gold standard by many.

Batman (1989) is available on Max.

Source: GQ