‘I Didn’t Care One Way Or Another’: How Michael Keaton Downplays ‘Batgirl’ Cancellation

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As a die-hard fan of Michael Keaton since his iconic role as Batman in Tim Burton’s masterpiece, it’s always a delight to see him reprise the character. However, the recent turn of events with The Flash and the shelved Batgirl project has left me a tad disheartened. Yet, listening to Keaton’s nonchalant yet heartwarming response in this GQ interview, I can’t help but admire his pragmatism and zest for life.

Many actors may accept major roles not only due to a strong affection for the character, but also for other reasons such as career advancement or a compelling script. Contrary to popular belief, not every actor who signs up for a big blockbuster film, like Star Wars or Marvel, necessarily idolized these franchises as children. For instance, Robert Downey Jr. wasn’t initially a Marvel fan before playing Tony Stark, and the same goes for those portraying characters in Star Wars who may not possess extensive knowledge about the series to wield a lightsaber convincingly. Kit Harington too, confessed that his decision to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe was primarily based on a good opportunity rather than childhood fandom. It’s acceptable in any profession to be compensated for one’s work, regardless of the outcome.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d like to share some insights about “The Flash” movie, where Michael Keaton made an unexpected appearance as Batman, originally directed by Tim Burton. Despite the nostalgic buzz, this film struggled amidst a turbulent production process and underwhelming box office returns. Critics noted several issues, one of which was the heavy reliance on computer-generated imagery (CGI), leading to some stars being swapped with digital counterparts. Visually, there were moments that fell short, such as Keaton’s cameo, initially intended for the now-canceled “Batgirl” film by Warner Bros., which they deemed unsuitable for release.

Now would be an appropriate moment for Keaton to disclose his perspective on the whole matter. However, keep in mind that he might not show much concern about it.

Discussing the privileged existence of a billionaire akin to Bruce Wayne and the numerous advantages that come with portraying Batman, as Michael Keaton experienced, was a fortunate turn of events. In an interview with GQ, he was inquired about the impact of Tim Burton’s Batman films and the aborted project, Batgirl, which was deemed a tax loss. Unlike many actors, Keaton remained composed and opted for a more laid-back approach during filming. When asked if he felt let down by Batgirl, he simply stated, “No, I didn’t care either way. It was grand, enjoyable, decent paycheck.”

Before anyone calls Michael Keaton a cold-hearted monster, he does show some empathy for the directors of Batgirl, Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, whose hard work was ultimately wasted.

Keaton states, “I really appreciate those fellows; they’re genuinely kind individuals. I’m rooting for their success. They seemed quite upset, and it affected me too. As for me, I’m doing just fine.”

In this scenario, Keaton’s reaction seems logical considering his longstanding career and his view of the project as a paycheck opportunity. It’s not a catastrophe for him, but it’s worrying. The frequent cancellation of films for tax write-offs is troubling, particularly for filmmakers Adil and Bilall, and actress Leslie Grace. This shouldn’t become standard practice.

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2024-08-21 06:55