Michael Keaton: Tim Burton Key to Marvel and DC Universes’ Existence

Though Michael Keaton was initially met with criticism for his casting as Batman in the 1989 film, he now believes Tim Burton’s vision was transformative for the comic book movie genre.

In a recent interview with GQ, the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice actor reflected on his controversial role in Warner Bros.’ Batman, which faced protests from 50,000 comic book fans at the time.

“Tim deserves enormous credit. He changed everything,” Keaton said about Burton’s casting decision. “I can’t necessarily say this, but there’s a strong possibility there is no Marvel Universe, there is no DC Universe, without Tim Burton. He was doubted and questioned.”

Keaton continued, “He hasn’t gotten himself enough credit for going, ‘Yeah, that guy.’ And everybody went, ‘Wait, Michael? You worked with him on Beetlejuice, right?’ But I think what happened was Tim saw Clean and Sober [Keaton’s first non-comedic role]. I get the credit. I don’t know that he got enough credit for making that move. That was a bold move.”

Burton also praised Keaton for his unique energy, which played a significant role in his decision to cast him as Batman. The director told GQ, “You just look in his eyes, and he seems intelligent, scary, crazy, everything all at once.”

Keaton’s portrayal of Batman eventually became one of the most iconic renditions of the superhero, despite other actors donning the Batsuit in later films, including George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson. Keaton even reprised his role in 2023’s The Flash and the Warner Bros.-canceled Batgirl movie.

When asked if he felt disappointed about Batgirl getting shelved, Keaton jokingly replied, “No, I didn’t care one way or another. Big, fun, nice check.”

However, on a more serious note, he expressed support for Batgirl directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, saying, “I like those boys. They’re nice guys. I pull for them. I want them to succeed, and I think they felt very badly, and that made me feel bad.” Keaton added, “I’m good.”

Reflecting on his overall experience as Batman, the Spotlight star shared that he takes pride in proving people wrong. “I’m proud of it actually because I like to prove everybody wrong. It’s fun for me.”

Burton’s Batman went on to win an Oscar in 1990 for best art direction-set decoration.

Source: GQ, Warner Bros.