The Batman Who Almost Starred In Lost
The mysterious island featured in Lost almost had a caped crusader to help the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 fend off polar bears, smoke monsters, and “the others.” Well, sort of. Michael Keaton nearly played the role of Jack, but the part eventually went to Matthew Fox once things were re-written to keep Jack on the show after the pilot.
Jack Was Going To Be Killed Off In The Pilot
The studio was in talks with Michael Keaton, who was very interested in playing the Lost series lead, Jack. However, Keaton was only interested in the role since it would be a quick one-and-done job for the Hollywood icon.
The original plan was to have Jack killed off by an island monster at the end of the pilot. But what makes this axed storyline even more shocking might be reports that ABC was going to market the series with Michael Keaton as the leading star.
If you thought Ned Stark’s death was infuriating, this one would’ve surely topped Game of Thrones.
Michael Keaton Left Hollywood
Michael Keaton was not interested in taking on a full-time Hollywood job when Lost premiered. The actor discussed this in a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where he admitted that family came first.
For most of the ‘90s and early aughts, the Batman star limited his roles to spend more time with his family and to ensure he was there throughout his son’s childhood. And while it would have been interesting to see how Michael Keaton played Jack in Lost, ultimately, we’re glad things changed.
Love Or Hate Him, We Needed Jack
Love him or hate him (there never seemed to be any in-between for fans), Jack Shephard was the heart of the iconic sci-fi drama. His evolution throughout the show saw him go from being a man of science to a man of faith. Believing much more in destiny by the second time he travels to the island, Jack ends the series as the new island protector, giving his life to save his friends.
If Michael Keaton played Jack for just one episode in Lost, we would’ve never seen that spectacular character development through. And for all we know, the series could’ve taken a very different route without Jack at the helm of things.
We may not have even gotten six seasons, although some would say that would have been a good thing.
Michael Keaton’s Glorious Hollywood Comeback
As for Michael Keaton, the greatest Batman actor did eventually return to what he does best after Lost found its new Jack. Ten years after Lost premiered, Michael Keaton starred in Birdman, a film that would serve as his prodigal return to blockbuster films. Birdman received multiple accolades and landed Keaton a best actor Oscar nomination.
After that, he had roles in massive blockbuster films like Spider-Man: Homecoming and returned to his roots with a Batman cameo in The Flash and a lead role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
20 Years Of Lost
While we may only be able to imagine Michael Keaton saving lives in the Lost pilot today, now is the perfect time to revisit Jack, Kate, Sawyer, and everyone else from the series on streaming. The show just celebrated its 20th anniversary, and two decades later, it remains one of the most revolutionary shows in TV history.
