Keaton's '89 Batmobile Set To Return In Upcoming Flash Movie?
Hold onto your cowls, Batman fans! Today, we are looking at a seemingly innocent photo posted on Instagram and how it could be a little secret message. A few days ago, UK-based company called Picture Vehicle's Ltd posted a photo on their Instagram account of the front of a car. But it was not just any car. It was a very specific part of an easily identifiable car (for a lot of people), namely the Batmobile! Again, this may not seem like a big deal, as there have been many Batmobiles now. However, this wasn't just any Batmobile. No, no no, this was THE Batmobile, from Batman (1989).
Picturevehiclesltd Instagram
Released in 1989, it starred Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader and the wonderful Jack Nicholson as the Joker. This movie was, by all accounts, a huge game changer for the movie industry. In today's world, superhero films are pretty much standard now and, more often than not, we usually get a new superhero movie at least every year, if not several in a year. But this Batman was released in a completely different world, where superhero movies weren't that big of a thing.
Despite this, the movie was a huge success. It took in over 400 million dollars at the box office, against a budget of 48 million dollars. It would later be revealed that the movie didn't actually make money due to it apparently falling victim to a case of Hollywood accounting, but that's a whole other story. The film received rave reviews from critics and shot Keaton well and truly into the limelight, as well as giving Nicholson a shot at a performance he was, seemingly, born to play. (Can you tell it's my favorite film yet?)
Keaton has gone down in history as the definitive Batman to many, based on his excellent performance. This is very similar to how people feel about Sean Connery being the definitive James Bond - they were both the first portrayals exclusive to feature films, and the characters would go on to be played by numerous other actors throughout the years.
He is also only one of few actors to don the cape and cowl in at least two films. Firstly in Batman, as mentioned above, then secondly as the Caped Crusader again in its sequel Batman Returns, released in 1992, both directed by the amazing Tim Burton. He would have likely returned for the third film, however chose not to when Tim Burton was replaced as Director. Out of the various actors to have played Batman on the big screen, only Keaton, Bale, and Affleck have played the character more than once.
So why is all this important and what does it have to do with The Flash?
Since 2013, Warner Bros. have been doing everything in their power to get a big screen version of The Flash out, but it hasn't exactly been an easy journey for them. In the last couple of years, it seemed like we were getting so close that we could taste it. Recently, we even got a 2022 release date. Also, in the last year or so, we have had numerous reports involving Keaton and Affleck.
However, as it stands at the moment, six directors and five screenwriters have come and gone, as well as numerous issues with other stars joining the production, then leaving before seeing it through. Fans have long speculated that, due to the apparent inclusion of Keaton and Affleck, the movie will be based on a version of the famous Flashpoint comic story arc, which involves alternate realities. A very similar storyline played out in the Arrowverse. Comic book movie rival Marvel Studios also seems to be gearing up to experiment with the multiverse.
Despite the numerous rumors, it is still unconfirmed if Michael Keaton has in fact signed on the dotted line to the reprise the role of the Dark Knight again. And following the outbreak of COVID-19, he has actually stated that he is on the fence about whether or not he would get/stay on board. Or is this all a big cover up to trick us?
Now that you have some background, it is time to get back to the photo. As we said earlier, Picture Vehicles LTD, a company fairly well known for servicing Hollywood movies, posted a photo of the front of the '89 Batmobile days ago on their Instagram account, with no real clear reason as to why. The photo was captioned, ''anyone know what this is?'' We know it's the '89 version rather than the '92 version thanks to the upward pointing central-bracket. In '92's, it pointed down. Based on all the information that's come out so far and what we covered above, it would seem like very coincidental timing.
Could this be a genuinely innocent photo, or could it be the tease Batman and Flash fans need? Could this be a hint that Keaton is on board and, dare I say it, bringing his original, sweet ride with him? What do you think? It is worth mentioning that the photo has since been taken down. As always, when more details become known, we will do our best to keep your updated.
Source(s): The Direct, Instagram