Just In Case You Were Worried, Michael Keaton Is Fine With Ben Affleck Playing Batman
By Nick Tylwalk
Christian Bale might get twinges of jealousy when he sees someone else suiting up as Batman, but not the man who played the Dark Knight 25 years ago.
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Michael Keaton recently gave ShortList.com an interview that dealt mostly with what it was like filming Birdman, for which his acting is receiving Oscar buzz. But toward the end, talk inevitably turned toward Keaton’s turn as Batman in both of Tim Burton’s films.
Asked whether he gets envious like Bale when he sees someone new in the role — particularly Ben Affleck, who is taking over with Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice — he sounded pretty confident that he’ll always be remembered for contributing to the Caped Crusader’s legacy on the big screen:
"No. Do you know why? Because I’m Batman. I’m very secure in that."
Now you just need to imagine him saying that in his Batman voice like in the movie and all is right with the world. Keaton also gave most of the credit to his director for ensuring that those movies left their mark on super hero films in general:
"Tim changed, or started, everything. And I’m proud of the choice I made, in terms of how to play Batman. It’s probably easier now because Tim paved the way, and if I did anything to pave the way, I’m proud of that, too."
One thing’s for sure: the super hero movies we enjoy today might not be here, or at least not be the same kind of phenomena they’ve become, without the 1989 Batman. In that respect, Keaton really has no reason to be jealous of anyone who follows him, even if Affleck dazzles everyone.