Batman Beyond started trending on Twitter after an entertainment critic published a piece for the New York Times on Michael Keaton's return as The Dark Knight in 2022's The Flash film.

The series started trending after NYT reporter Brooks Barnes replied to a user on Twitter asking if Keaton would continue to play Batman following his role in The Flash. Barnes previously interviewed DC Films' president Walter Hamada who laid out his future plans for DC Films. Fans are now asking for a live-action Batman Beyond film, starring Keaton.

RELATED: McFarlane Toys Announces Batman Beyond Action Figure

Within Brooks' article for the NYT, he wrote, "'The Flash,' a film set for release in theaters in 2022, will link the two universes and feature two Batmans, with Mr. Affleck returning as one and Michael Keaton returning as the other. Mr. Keaton played Batman in 1989 and 1992."

In response to this piece, a fan asked him on Twitter if this meant that there would be two Batman franchises. Barnes replied with "Keaton," which didn't directly answer if this is true or not; although since this post, fans speculated that it means there will be two.

Fans started speculating on the possibility of Keaton portraying an aged Bruce Wayne in a live-action Batman Beyond film. Actor Zelda Williams also expressed her desire to see a Batman Beyond film and to portray the shape-shifting villainess Inque. Other actors have expressed their desire to bring Batman Beyond to life, including Teen Wolf alum Tyler Posey.

Batman Beyond was part of the DC Animated Universe and followed teenager Terry McGinnis as he inherited the Batman mantle from Bruce Wayne. The entire series is currently available to stream on HBO Max, which may have also sparked its trending on Twitter.

RELATED: Batman: Michael Keaton's Original Cowl is Being Sold - And It'll Cost You

The Flash will see Barry Allen traveling the multiverse, encountering various versions of DC heroes. Although recent concept art for The Flash featured Keaton as Batman alongside Allen, Keaton confirmed in October that his return isn't a done deal. "We're talking about it and we'll see if it happens," Keaton said previously on his return to portraying Batman.

Directed by Andy Muschietti with a script by Christina Hodson, The Flash stars Ezra Miller. The film arrives in theaters on June 3, 2022.

KEEP READING: Batman Beyond Documentary Explores the 'The Classic Nobody Wanted'

Source: Twitter, NYT