Batman (1989) cast: Where are they now?

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton changed the game with his performance as Batman / Bruce Wayne in the 1989 movie. While many had thought his previous roles in comedies meant we’d be getting a light-hearted Dark Knight, the actor delivered a stoic, nuanced performance that introduced movie audiences all over the world to the modern day Batman.

He has since gone on to enjoy an incredibly successful career in the decades since, even reprising the role in Burton’s 1992 sequel Batman Returns. Though he chose not to return for the gimmicky sequel Batman Forever, he continued to appear in many high profile movies throughout the ’90s and ’00s, including Much Ado About Nothing, Jackie Brown and Jack Frost.

However, he would experience a career renaissance in the 2010s, earning acclaim for his performance in Birdman (as well as a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination). From there, he would go on to star in the critically-acclaimed Spotlight, The Founder, and even play the villainous Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming. He also took his star-power to television, winning an Emmy Award for his leading performance in Hulu’s Dopesick.

In 2023, he made a triumphant return to the role of Batman in The Flash, delivering a show-stealing performance that reminded us all why he is – and always will be – considered the best Batman.

Batman is available to stream on Max. It will also make a one-day to return to movie theaters in honor of Batman Day.