While the upcoming DC solo film The Flash will be headlined by the controversial Ezra Miller, its long-slated return of Michael Keaton's Batman remains a strong selling point, as evidenced by some early merchandise that reveals a slightly new twist on a familiar Batsuit.
A revelatory look at Keaton's new crime-fighting costume from the upcoming film has surfaced in the form of an official Christmas tree ornament, which has surfaced on Twitter, courtesy of The Flash Film News. The tree tchotchke, as made by keepsake licensee Hallmark, shows Batman in an action pose, wearing a suit aesthetically reminiscent of the star's suit in director Tim Burton's Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992) but clearly contains elements that identify it as new. Indeed, the reinforced shoulder pads, more-intricate breastplate design and even the additional armored striations added to the legs show that Keaton's Dark Knight has made some improvements since we last saw him 30 years ago.
The ornament isn't the only bit of prematurely dropped merchandising to reveal Keaton's new look in The Flash. Just this past August, a fan spotted a Michael Keaton Batman Halloween costume for kids being sold exclusively at Walmart, which brandishes a design similar to what this new item showcases. With multiple instances of corroborating official items, there is little to no doubt at this point over the veracity of this Batsuit design for the movie.
Michael Keaton's Caped Crusader Comeback
Keaton's return remains one of the most surreal and exciting developments for the shared-continuity DC Comics film franchise. It also happens to be a much-needed auspicious proposition since the franchise finds itself in uncertain, tumultuous times in the wake of machinations at Warner Bros. Discovery with the cancelation of the in-production Batgirl movie along with several other projects slated under the company's tentpole. In fact, the film's cancelation directly affected the Keaton comeback since the actor filmed what was to be a subsequent appearance as Batman alongside Leslie Grace's titular hero. However, a recent report claims that his role in that film -- for which he was paid $2 million -- was only minor, describing it as "a glorified cameo." Thus, notwithstanding the impact of the film's cancelation, fans of Keaton can take consolation that the loss of screen time was likely minimal.
While star Ezra Miller's highly publicized legal issues seemingly threatened to derail The Flash's prospects as well, Warner remains steadfast in its intent to move forward with the film. With that set, Keaton can focus on what he said initially motivated him to make this long-belated comic book movie comeback. "It seemed like fun," he recently said. "I was curious what it would be like after this many years. Not so much me doing it — obviously, some of that — but I was just curious about it, weirdly, socially. This whole thing is gigantic. They have their entirely own world. So, I like to look at it as an outsider, thinking 'Holy moly!'"
Of course, Keaton's comeback isn't the only thing reigniting fan enthusiasm for DC movies. The revered Superman actor Henry Cavill recently announced his return for another starring run as the Man of Steel in the newly tweaked DC Universe of films.
The Flash is still scheduled to hit theaters on Jun. 23, 2023.
Source: Twitter