Among the many actors in Hollywood, Mel Gibson is well-known and an accomplished talent with a prolific and diverse range of performances throughout his career. From acting to filmmaking, Gibson has dabbled in various genres, coming on top at all times. Now counted among legends of the film industry, there was once a time when Gibson almost made his DC debut, which could have messed up a Marvel star’s superhero career.
Back in the 1980s, several actors were being considered for the role of Batman in Tim Burton’s 1989 film. While we know it was Micahel Keaton who became a legend by donning the bat-suit, the role was initially offered to Gibson.
Mel Gibson Nearly Derailed Michael Keaton’s Career
Mel Gibson and Michael Keaton are two brilliant actors with exemplary careers. While Gibson’s career hasn’t turned out as one would have hoped, he nonetheless was one of the biggest stars when Tim Burton‘s Batman was being made. Yet, he ended up rejecting the role not one but three times, as he revealed in a chat with We Got This Covered.
While he did not reveal the real reason why he rejected the role, he did add that he has no care for the superhero genre at all. And if he had made his debut in Tim Burton’s $411 million grossing movie (via Box Office Mojo), it would have greatly hampered Marvle star Michael Keaton’s career.
Initially bombarded with fan hate when he was cast as Batman/Bruce Wayne in the 1989 film (via Variety), Micahel Keaton forever changed the way Batman was viewed and earned widespread acclaim for his performance. Despite the initial fan hate, Keaton proved his worth and talent as an actor, even reprising his role in the DCEU movie, The Flash.
A Bond Star Could Have Derailed Michael Keaton’s Career Too
Michale Keaton’s portrayal of the Caped Crusader is one of the most iconic performances of all time. His success in the role paved the way for future actors to take on the Batman mantle. Yet, Keaton might have had a different career had Mel Gibson bagged the role.
While he did thankfully let go of it, a Bond star nearly dethroned Keaton as well. In an old Reddit’s Ask Me Anything, Pierce Brosnan revealed he too was offered the role of Batman in Burton’s acclaimed flick but decided against it.
I went and met with Tim Burton for the role of Batman. But I just couldn’t really take it seriously, any man who wears his underpants outside his pants just cannot be taken seriously. That was my foolish take on it. It was a joke, I thought.
Despite being a fan of the character, Brosnan rejected the role and the movie ultimately ended up in the hands of Keaton, who despite fan backlash and hate proved to everyone that he is not a force to be reckoned with!
Batman can be streamed on Amazon Prime.
