The Flash, a film that has been plagued with rewrites and delays is finally set to go into production. Originally set to be released in 2018, the film has lost numerous directors and writers including Chris Lord and Phil Miller, Greg Berlanti, Rick Famuyima, Marc Webb, Robert Zemeckis, and John Francis Daley, among others. Finally, Andy Muschietti is set to direct, and will begin filming in March. 

Along with all these behind the camera changes, and rewrites, the film seems to be looking at a Flashpoint type story, and will look at multiple versions of characters, including, The Batman. While we will be seeing Ben Affleck make his return as the DCEU character, we will also be seeing an iconic actor return to the role. In June 2020, it was announced that Michael Keaton would be returning as Bruce Wayne/Batman. We last saw Keaton in the role in 1992’s Batman Returns, and previously 1989’s Batman. 

Now we got some interesting news about the film, New York Times writer Brooks Barnes writing an article about DC Films President Walter Hamada released an interesting quote that set off a chain events that were pretty exciting to watch unfold. Hamada was quoted in saying:

“Coming up, for instance, Warner Bros. will have two different film sagas involving Batman — played by two different actors — running at the same time,”

Pretty innocent quote if you look at it. Two sagas, each have at least one Batman. Robert Pattinson in The Batman, and then there is the Justice League Saga/DCEU with Ben Affleck, and now Michael Keaton.

However, in that DCEU Universe, while we know Keaton will now show up as a Batman, THE Batman has been Ben Affleck. He has been our Justice League leader. So, seems like that is who we got. However, Barnes was asked that clarify who the second Batman saga was focusing on a side from Pattinson’s, and his answer lead to some crazy thoughts

However, late in the day on Monday, Barnes finished moving apartments, and figured out he might have misspoken a little….

Been offline (moving apartments) and return to see this Michael Keaton craziness. I was referring to the *one film* that Keaton has been announced as being in, not a set of his own Batman films. If I had info on him beyond "The Flash," I would have obviously put it in my article

— Brooks Barnes (@brooksbarnesNYT) January 5, 2021

So, seems like all we really know is that Keaton will be in The Flash. We seem to be back at square one. Now we have two ways to look at this. That yes, we are back to square one, Keaton is involved in The Flash, and that is where it ends. Or, WB/DC called up Mr. Barnes and said “Yo, fix this!” and he backtracked on what he knew to be true. This is all speculation on my part, but, with DC and their fan reaction to everything they have created, the smart move would be to keep Keaton around. Giving us a Batman Beyond film could really be something special. Especially if Keaton is willing to jump on board at that level. 

I will be perfectly happy to see Batfleck continue to dawn the cape and cowl, however at the same time, Keaton would be an iconic old man Wayne. So, no matter what direction they take the Batman in the DCEU, I am excited. But what about you? Answer the call and let us know your thoughts in the comments below

The Flash is set to be released on November 4^th 2022. It is directed by Andy Muschietti, and stars Ezra Miller, Billy Crudup, Ben Affleck, and Michael Keaton.