“They didn’t realize how great he would become”: Michael Keaton Proving the Critics Wrong Helped Mark Hamill Nail the Joker Part in Batman: The Animated Series

Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman in the 1989 film and its 1992 sequel remains legendary, but what many don’t realize is that his casting initially sparked major controversy. Batman has always been one of the most beloved characters for comic readers, and making a movie about such a character was a difficult task, to say the least. And when Keaton was cast, people couldn’t envision Gotham City’s protector being entrusted to a comedic actor.

When Tim Burton chose Keaton, many were skeptical and lashed out. However, this decision not only became significant in Batman history but also played a crucial role in Mark Hamill voicing the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series!

Why Was Michael Keaton Initially Rejected as Batman By the People?

Michael Keaton‘s portrayal of Batman will forever go down as one of the most iconic renditions of the character ever in superhero history. However, initially, it wasn’t thought of in that light. When Tim Burton chose Keaton for his vision, many wondered how an actor known for roles in Beetlejuice or Mr. Mom would fit into the shoes of the dark and grim Batman. Thus, many weren’t shy to voice their skepticism.

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However, it wasn’t until Keaton assumed the role that people truly appreciated him both as an actor and for his contribution to the Batman movies. In recent days, these films have experienced a resurgence in popularity.

In an interview with GQ, where he spoke in detail about his most iconic characters, the actor undoubtedly discussed Batman and revealed that Burton choosing him as Batman changed many things in numerous ways, both for him personally and for the industry. He said,

“When they said ‘We’re thinking of doing Batman,’ I said, ‘Wait, you’re thinking of making a movie about Batman?’,—The fact that Tim said ‘That guy, I want that guy’ … The fact that people cared one way or another so much is still baffling. But that was a b–lsy move on his part. We also had a nice working relationship from ‘Beetlejuice,’ so he felt that he and I could get along and would work well together.”

Despite petitions and letter-writing campaigns urging Warner Bros. to replace Keaton, fans eventually recognized him as the Batman they never knew they needed. Now, he’s synonymous with the character and is considered one of the most iconic portrayals ever to have graced the screens.

How Michael Keaton Inspired Mark Hamill to Voice the Joker in the Batman: The Animated Series

Batman: The Animated Series, running from 1992 to 1995, didn’t just entertain kids as a cartoon, but also thrilled the avid comic book readers who were not all kids. What’s even more interesting is that Luke Skywalker’s Mark Hamill lent his voice to Batman’s nemesis, the Joker, a villain who has a separate fanbase of its own.

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Despite initial nerves about fans’ reactions to Luke as the Joker, Hamill took a page from Keaton’s playbook and just ran with it.

In a Wired interview, the actor revealed how Keaton and the skepticism around him playing the role inspired him years later to take up Joker in the popular animated series. He said,

 “I had a confidence that really helped me because there was this big outcry that Michael Keaton was gonna play Batman,–Oh, he’s Mr. Mom, he’s a comedy actor.’ I mean, they hadn’t even seen him [in the role] and they didn’t realize how great he would become. But, there was great controversy.”

Hamill revealed Keaton faced unjust criticism without even being actually given the chance to showcase his abilities in the role. This prompted him to take it upon himself to prove to the audience how great of a Joker he would be. And he was successful in doing just that. Arguably, he is one of the best voice actors Batman has ever had. This led him to voice the character in various other DC Comics projects.