The role of Batman has been played by many different actors in diverse ways over the years. In 1989, Michael Keaton headlined the cinematic adaptation of the iconic DC superhero in Tim Burton’s Batman. The actor-director duo collaborated on two successful films before Keaton announced that he would step down from playing the character in the 3rd installment.
While Val Kilmer was chosen for the 1995 film Batman Forever, he was not the first choice to take on the role. Among the many potential celebrities who were considered, Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis was on top of the list. The method-acting genius though, turned down the coveted offer.
Daniel Day-Lewis Was In Line To Play Batman
In Tim Burton’s Batman, Michael Keaton gave audiences an impressive glimpse into the Caped Crusader who enlivened the pages of DC comics over many years. Both celebrities formed a memorable partnership in two films based on the DC superhero before Keaton hung up his boots as Batman. Following this collaboration, director Joel Schumacher cast Val Kilmer for the 1995 film Batman Forever.
Kilmer who also made a great Batman, wasn’t the first choice to take on the role. Among the many actors who were in the running, a report in Screen Rant stated that Daniel Day-Lewis was one of the top candidates to play the part. The 3 time Oscar winner who is also known for his very specific film choices and flair for method acting, would have surely brought his unique aesthetic to the role.
But as it turned out, Lewis reportedly had little interest in playing the cult DC superhero and went on to reject the offer. He was also rumored to have been in the reckoning to play The Riddler in Christopher Nolan’s third film, The Dark Knight Rises, but this news continues to be speculation till date.
Michael Keaton’s Knox Goes Away Has Shades Of His Earlier Film
Michael Keaton’s 2023 directorial thriller Knox Goes Away premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2023, and is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on March 15, 2024. The film, which also stars Keaton as the central protagonist, follows a contract killer with rapidly evolving dementia who is given a chance to mend his relationship with his son.
The film opened to good critical responses with The Birdman actor’s performance also being praised. Interestingly, the plot resembles Keaton’s directorial debut The Merry Gentleman which also deals with a hitman on the verge of suicide who forms an unlikely bond with a woman recovering from an abusive relationship.
While the celebrity admitted that he did not actively search out these kinds of films and roles, he revealed that he welcomed the process of creating the character of John Knox in Knox Goes Away. Speaking to The Boston Herald, Keaton elaborated on his research and said,
“Because his situation was never written or described in the script, I always create a backstory for the character. Then as director I had to do ‘double duty’ to know what to do for the script and the story. In that regard, you say, ‘Well, what were the circumstances that that led to this unusual life?’ I guess you utilize some of your own personality traits — and then you just create the rest.”
The star also stated that he was adept at making small and meaningful films that did not require an exorbitant budget but could still make an impact with audiences. With his proven skills as an actor and director, fans will be eager to see what Keaton brings to the table in Knox Goes Away.
Batman Forever can be rented on Apple TV.
Knox Goes Away will release across US theaters on 15th March, 2024.
