It’s been almost three decades since Michael Keaton last played Batman but the icon is squeezing back into the Batsuit on two projects this year.
Keaton is set to portray the caped crusader in HBO Max’s highly-anticipated Batgirl, with the veteran vigilante rumoured to serve as a mentor to Leslie Grace’s titular main character.
And we now have the clearest photo evidence of his iconic Batsuit. Keaton flew into Glasgow this week – the Scottish city is quickly becoming a Hollywood hotspot with Batgirl, The Batman, and the new Indiana Jones all filming there recently – on a private jet to shoot his scenes. Filming for the movie has transformed Glasgow’s city centre into Gotham.
The new photos from the movie’s set show his stunt double in his iconic Batsuit looking rather menacing indeed. Who needs overwhelming CGI in superhero movies when you have someone looking that powerful in a simple rubber suit? In another shot, he stands broodingly beside Commissioner Gordon (played by Spider-Man legend J.K. Simmons) as he apprehends a criminal.
Plot details remain thin for Batgirl but the presence of Keaton alone is enough to get fans tuning in. It’s unclear how big his supporting role in the movie will be. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (Bad Boys for Life) are directing the film, with a script from Christina Hodson (Birds of Prey). The rest of the cast contains some serious talent, including Brendan Fraser making his return to big-time acting as Firefly.
Keaton will also portray Batman in The Flash opposite Ezra Miller, a sign that the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) will keep the actor as its main caped crusader.
Batgirl doesn’t have a release date yet, although it’s expected to be released this year. It’s also expected to forget a theatrical release and hit HBO Max immediately.
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Man, Keaton is still the GODDAMN BATMAN!
Here's the clearest shot of Michael Keaton's Batsuit on the set of #Batgirl
[📸©️ Alan Fettes] pic.twitter.com/fGgx0oXSrJ
— Batgirl Film News (@BatgirlFilm) February 15, 2022