Michael Keaton Doesn’t Care About Canceled Batgirl Film
One of the most controversial movie studio decisions in recent history was when Warner Bros. Discovery decided to shelve an already completed Batgirl film in order to receive a tax write-off. Some fans objected out of sheer principle (making and then shelving the film was a colossal waste of both time and money) and others objected because they wanted to see this ambitious and star-studded film. However, the film’s biggest star is nonplussed by the cancellation: when Michael Keaton was asked if he felt bad about what happened with Batgirl, he bluntly said “No, I didn’t care one way or another” and praised the “nice check” he got.
The Directors
It’s entirely possible that Michael Keaton was letting some of his usual quirky humor slip into his answer regarding Batgirl. After all, he was reportedly rubbing his fingers together while answering the question as if to symbolize his great love of money.
And he did soon get a bit more serious in response to how the movie’s cancellation affects the other talented people who brought the film to life.
During the interview, Michael Keaton mentioned the two Batgirl directors, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah.
“I like those boys,” he said, going on to describe them as “nice guys.” He clarified that he supports the directors and wants “them to succeed” while noting how “I think they felt very badly” about the film getting shelved.
Keaton Feels Bad For The Others
The directors feeling bad “made me feel bad,” the actor said. But regarding himself, he emphasized, “I’m good.”
While some fans may dunk on Michael Keaton for sounding so dismissive about the canceled Batgirl film, it sounds like his answers came from a very pragmatic place: he took this role for the money and he got paid for his efforts, and he won’t be losing any sleep in his Batcave over the fact that the world will never be able to see his performance.
Michael Keaton In Batgirl
But just what would Michael Keaton’s role have been in this Batgirl film? By all accounts, he didn’t appear in too many scenes—otherwise, the return of the 1989 Batman might have threatened to overshadow the advent of the newest hero.
As fans of that original Tim Burton adventure, we must admit we would have liked to see Keaton suiting up again, especially after seeing him in action in The Flash.
Batgirl
Incidentally, Michael Keaton wasn’t the only big name that starred in Batgirl: in addition to Leslie Grace playing the title hero, J.K. Simmons was going to reprise his DCEU role of James Gordon, and Brendan Fraser was going to play the firebug supervillain Firefly. Honestly, the cast alone makes this film sound enticing, and it’s endlessly frustrating to know that we’ll never get to see it.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Of course, while DC fans are understandably annoyed that we’ll never get to see this film after Warner Bros. hit it with the tax-repellent bat spray, Michael Keaton isn’t too worried about what happened with Batgirl.
It seems the veteran actor is more focused on upcoming projects and the release of his long-awaited sequel to Beetlejuice. It may be “showtime” for his undead icon, but maybe Keaton can find time to give the canceled Batgirl film a parting gift.
May we recommend The Handbook for the Recently Deceased?
Source: Variety
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