“The idea of Michael Keaton doing it is cool”: Batman Beyond Live Action Originally Considered Another Hollywood Legend for Old Bruce Wayne Before the U-Turn

The thrill of a teenage Batman, especially one separate from Bruce Wayne, has been a tantalizing “what-if” for fans. “Batman Beyond” delivered this dream scenario, whisking us twenty years into the future with Terry McGinnis donning the cowl under a grizzled Bruce Wayne’s guidance.

Despite the show’s acclaim and the potential for a live-action adaptation, fans have yet to see this concept realized on the big screen. However, the producers had once strongly considered the idea before it was eventually dropped.

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Clint Eastwood Was Considered For A Live-Action Batman Beyond 

As per CBR, the producers had chosen Hollywood heavyweight Clint Eastwood to play Bruce Wayne in a live-action Batman Beyond movie. Show’s creator Paul Dini talked about the potential live-action movie in an episode of Kevin Smith’s Fatman on Batman.

“It was set in Gotham’s future, but it didn’t quite have the fantastic, futuristic edge. It was sort of like an amalgam. There was a little bit of Dark Knight, there was a little bit of contemporary comics and there was Terry [McGinnis] and the suit and everything. It was old Bruce Wayne.”

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A gruff, world-weary Clint Eastwood as a retired Bruce Wayne with his steely gaze a constant reminder of his past battles. This casting choice would have added a whole new layer to the mentor-student dynamic. However, as hard as is it to digest, the movie never came to light.

The Creators Think Michael Keaton Would Be Cool In A Batman Beyond Movie

A quarter-century has passed since the electrifying debut of Batman Beyond, yet fans are still waiting with bated breath for a live-action adaptation. The wait might finally be justified, as one of DC’s most iconic Caped Crusaders, Michael Keaton, is now the perfect age to portray the grizzled Bruce Wayne passing the torch.

Keaton’s portrayal of The Dark Knight is still considered by many to be the best. Thus, him making a return to the role will be a dream come true for many. In an interview with SyFy, the show’s creator Bruce Timm was also very supportive of this casting.

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“Honestly, I think the idea of Michael Keaton doing it is cool. Honestly, he looks a little too good,” Timm said. “I know he’s probably in his mid 60s now, but he looks pretty damn good for being over 60. I like my old Bruce Wayne to be like really old. But, who knows? It could certainly still work. He looks like he could kick most guys’ asses.”

Only time can tell if fans will ever watch a Batman Beyond live-action movie. With DC currently reshaping its cinematic universe, the immediate future seems less than optimal for this project. However, for those craving the original thrills, the animated series is readily available for streaming on Max.