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The Flash: Michael Keaton's Unavailability Will Reportedly Lead to Christian Bale Return


Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Following the success of Zack Snyder's Justice League, it's time to look into the future of the DC Extended Universe and the next feature film Warner Bros. is set to release under the franchise's umbrella is the standalone The Flash film which reportedly will draw massive inspiration from the Flashpoint story arc in the comics which was later adapted into an animated film.

The film will mark the DCEU return of Ben Affleck's The Dark Knight and not only that but legendary Batman actor Michael Keaton is also heavily rumored to be involved in the upcoming project which is set to begin production this year.


Although Keaton has previously dismissed that he's returning as the caped crusader in the Ezra Miller-led film alongside Affleck, fans are assuming that he's just playing coy to avoid any spoilers despite the fact that DC released a graphic of his Batman fighting side-by-side with Barry Allen.

In a new interview with Deadline, Keaton explains that he's on the fence about doing the project due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains: "I keep my eye more on the Covid situation in the UK than anything. That will determine everything, and so that's why I'm living outside the city here on 17 acres, staying away from everybody, because the Covid thing has got me really concerned."

Now, insider Daniel Richtman is claiming that Keaton's unavailability could potentially lead to WB bringing back Christian Bale's version of Batman. He didn't give away much about the alleged casting but in his latest Patreon scoop, Richtman says that the actor has already wrapped filming Thor: Love and Thunder so there's that.

I mean, you really can't fault Keaton for looking after his health amid the pandemic and his safety should be the studios' top priority. I'm not gonna lie, if Michael won't be able to reprise his Batman role in the film, I'd be totally disappointed but there's really nothing we can do about it. I'm hopeful still.

The Flash is scheduled for release in 2022.

Also Read: WB Reportedly Considers Reestablishing SnyderVerse Following Justice League Hype

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