A new rumor suggests that Michael Keaton's Batman character in The Flash will be based on the Kingdom Come storyline.
According to Jeremy Conrad's DCEU Mythic, Keaton's batsuit will be heavily inspired by the one Batman dons in the 1996 limited series. While it is unclear if the exo-skeleton that Bruce surgically implants into his body will be shown, the suit will feature the heavier armor that replaced Batman bulletproof kevlar.
While not set in stone, Keaton is expected to return to the role of Batman after appearing in 1989's Batman and 1992' Batman Returns. The DC Extended Universe is looking to create an older version of the character who will act as a guide to Ezra Miller's Flash as well as other DC heroes, similar to Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Written by Mark Waid and Alex Ross and drawn by Ross, Kingdom Come is a darker take on the DC Universe and part of the Elseworlds imprint. The series pits Superman and traditional, idealist superheroes against a new generation of amoral and violent vigilantes. The Batman character was recently loosely adapted for The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover, with Kevin Conroy portraying the disgruntled hero.
Directed by Andy Muschietti with a script by Christina Hodson, The Flash stars Ezra Miller. The film arrives in theaters June 3, 2022.