Summary
The Flashdirector Andy Muschietti revealed why Michael Keaton’s Batman retired in the first place, adding a whole new layer to the character and the film.
The Flashreceived mixed reviews from fans and critics. It was also a box office flop expected tomake less money thanGreen Lantern. For many fans who sawThe Flash, Keaton was one of the movie’s highlights. InThe Flash, Keaton’s Batman has been retired for 25 years until Barry Allen comes along and needs his help. The film doesn’t address why he is retired.
Related:Ben Affleck’s Batman Dons Never-Before-Seen Batsuit In The Flash BTS Pics
In a featurette titledLet’s Get Nuts: Batman Returns, Again,Warner Bros. gives a behind the scene look at Keaton’s return as Batman. In the video, Muschietti reveals that Keaton’s Batman retired after accidentally killing a criminal in front of their child. This was supposed to mirror the way Bruce Wayne’s parents were murdered in an alley in front of him. The same thing that created Batman was also what made him quit.
A deleted scene by Discussing Film on Twitter shows the two Barry’s talking about this while in the back of the Batwing. It has yet to be revealed why this was cut from the film. It could have been Muschietti’s decision, or it may have been the studio’s decision. It is known that one of the first things James Gunn did when he became Co-CEO of DC Studios was tochangeThe Flashending, so he may have decided to cut this scene as well.
Muschietti said he wanted to “subvert expectations” with Keaton’s Batman inThe Flash, and this backstory would’ve done it. There are many ways in comics, TV, and movies that Batman’s retirement can be handled, whether it be the death of someone close to him, being injured, or realizing that he has gone too far. This version falls into that final option by mirroring Batman’s story wonderfully.
The Batman scenes inThe Flashwere some of the film’s best parts. It is clear why Gunn choseMuschietti to directBatman: the Brave and the Bold. Although fans may be worried about another superhero film directed by Muschietti afterThe Flashdid so poorly, hopefully, a more grounded story and a character that he works well with proves to be more successful.
