Michael Keaton as Batman? 35 years ago, superhero fans strongly disagreed with Tim Burton and reported

In retrospect, Michael Keaton’s choice to play Batman/Bruce Wayne in Tim Burton’s 1989 blockbuster is an obvious one. Dark, confrontational and unabashedly charismatic, the actor’s portrayal of the beloved DC superhero set the bar for subsequent iterations — a role he would reprise in 1992, Batman: The Challenge and 2023. Although several other actors have played the hero since then, his interpretation of the character has stuck with audiences, with some hailing him as one of the best in the franchise.

And yet in 1988, following the success of Frank Miller’s dark reinterpretation of the beloved comic book character, The Dark Knight ReturnsFans wanted a dark and brooding take on Batman. Accordingly, when Michael Keaton It was announced that he beat out several top stars for the coveted role from the much-anticipated film Tim BurtonHis casting was met with skepticism by loyal fans due to the actor’s reputation for comedic roles.

Michael Keaton It was indeed a “bold” choice, as he recently stated in a career retrospective interview for GQ magazine: “When they said, “We’re thinking about doing a Batman movie,” I said, “Wait, you’re thinking about doing a Batman movie?”Keaton said. “The fact that Tim said, “This guy, I want this guy”… The fact that people care one way or another is always confusing. But it was a bold move on his part. We also had a good working relationship after Beetlejuice, so he felt that he and I could mesh and work well together.“

But the negative reaction to his casting was swift and fierce. According to Vulture, Warner Bros. Tens of thousands of angry letters were flooded, and tabloids capitalized on the controversy with front-page headlines. Some of the fans interviewed didn’t stop calling him a “wimp”, criticizing his build for not being muscular enough and his side not being “macho” enough, as you can hear in the video below (original version).

Tim Burton and Warner to the rescue

in the face of confrontation, Tim Burton He was quick to defend his co-star, telling the New York Times: “I could imagine some really good Square Jaws, but I couldn’t see them in Batman suits. You look at Michael and see that everything is happening inside.“

At the same time, fearing a negative reaction to the casting Michael Keaton may affect the reception of the film, Warner Bros. It also wasted no time in putting fans to rest. The studio specifically commissioned the co-creator BatmanBob Kane, responsible for the film’s vocal support. Thus, the latter called the villain Joker (Jack Nicholson) a “maniacal killer” and told the Wall Street Journal: “The film is not a comedy at all. It will be heavy melodrama.” Jeff Walker, a marketing consultant for Warner Bros., echoed Caine’s sentiments, saying that despite occasional laughs thanks to Nicholson’s character, “Batman is nothing to joke about.“

Despite these claims from insiders, ultimately, by the time the film’s trailer was released, minds had changed—and the anticipation built up as a marketing frenzy, “Bat-mania,” captured fans. While fairly minimalistic, these premieres gave viewers a look at the hero, his nemesis, the Batmobile, and Gotham City, and that’s (almost) over. As The New York Times reported in April 1989, the trailer was greeted with “Applause and often cheers follow his electrifying image sequences.“

With Hollywood’s marketing machine in full swing, Batman opened in theaters on June 23, 1989, grossing $40 million, setting the record for the highest-grossing opening weekend at the time. Widely praised by audiences and critics alike, the film became the biggest hit of the year, grossing $411 million worldwide and winning an Oscar for its scenery.

As for Michael KeatonPreviously pessimistic fans have forgotten or dismissed their outrage over his casting, especially in light of the film’s massive success. And while the film won the People’s Choice Award in 1990, he was on stage next to the speech during his acceptance speech. Jack Nicholsonthat Michael Keaton He decided to silence his opponents.

“I also want to say something in response to all the people who wrote these notes, who sent these cards and letters, you know, who said I can’t do my job. And I just want to say that when you come from a family like mine and where I come from, all you have to do is say “no son” to me. So keep sending those cards and letters.“

He thanked everyone involved in the film and those who helped make his dream come true. Michael Keaton He left the stage after giving the best answer: he criticized his enemies with sarcasm and left Jack Nicholson Without a word!

Example for Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill told Wired magazine last year that Keaton had a backlash over the casting. Batman This was partly what inspired him to voice the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, which ran from 1992 to 1995. Hamill was widely admired and adored by fans for his portrayal of the Batman villain. Seeing Keaton overcome the backlash to become the iconic Batman gave Hamill the confidence he needed to get comic book fans ready to accept a Luke Skywalker actor as the Joker.

“I had a confidence boost that really helped because there was a lot of hype around Michael Keaton being cast as Batman.Hamill said at the time. “”Oh, it is mr mom He is a comic actor.’ I mean they didn’t even see it or know how big it was going to get. But there was a big controversy.“

Decades later, the interpretation of the hero Michael Keaton continues to be praised, while new incarnations of the hero always remain a controversial topic – such as Ben Affleck or Robert Pattinson – until the public is convinced after the project is finished.

The actor, in full promotion of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, recently shared an anecdote from the sets. the show tonight Jimmy Fallon recalls the child’s priceless reaction after seeing him at the airport shortly after his release Batman.

Hear – and especially watch – him recount his hilarious anecdote in the video below:

The little boy, who was going crazy with his parents, died as soon as he noticed the actor, as the latter explained by imitating a child whose face completely changed from happy to surprised. Michael Keaton He went on to say that he should have told his parents that he saw Batman, but they shouldn’t have believed him.