Batman Director Tim Burton Doubts Making Another Superhero Movie

Filmmaker Tim Burton revolutionized superhero cinema with Batman in 1989, presenting a darker and more gothic take on the superhero genre compared to the Superman films. Burton also attempted to develop Superman Lives in the ’90s with Nicolas Cage. Despite his significant contributions, Burton currently has little interest in returning to superhero films. His possible retirement from the studio system suggests his storytelling style may not align with Marvel or DC in the near future.

In an interview with Variety, when asked about potentially revisiting superhero franchises, Burton stated, “At the moment, I would say no. Like I said, I come at things from different points of view, so I would never say never to anything. But, at the moment, it’s not something I’d be interested in.”

Burton’s last directorial effort was Dumbo in 2019. Since then, he has expressed frustrations with major studio restrictions. Last year’s release of The Flash saw Michael Keaton reprise his Batman role from Burton’s films, alongside a nod to Cage’s near-role as Superman. Similarly, Sam Raimi returned to Marvel with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022, after a 15-year hiatus from superhero films.

Given Keaton’s return as Batman, Burton’s recent work with Keaton on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Raimi’s comeback, it might seem plausible for Burton to re-enter the superhero genre. However, Burton appears steadfast in his current stance.

Although Batman significantly impacted superhero films, Burton reflected that he didn’t need to consider the notion of a “franchise” during its production.

“I was lucky because at that time, the word ‘franchise’ didn’t exist. So Batman felt slightly experimental at the time,” Burton recalled. “It deviated from what the perception [of a superhero movie] might be. So you didn’t hear that kind of studio feedback, and being in England, it was even further removed. We really just got to focus on the film and not really think about those things that now they think about even before you do it.”

Burton’s latest film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is set to release in theaters on September 6th.

Source: Variety