Michael Keaton Isn’t Jealous of Ben Affleck: ‘I’m Batman, I’m Very Secure in That’
The actors who have played Batman on film generally fall in two camps: those who still regret their turn as the Caped Crusader and those who are forever proud. Michael Keaton seems to be among the latter group.
Unlike Christian Bale, who most recently portrayed the superhero in Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy, Keaton told the ShortList that he’s not jealous that Ben Affleck will soon be donning the cape and cowl in “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
“No,” he simply said when asked if he feels envious. “Do you know why? Because I’m Batman. I’m very secure in that.”
In light of the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton’s “Batman,” Keaton said he’s proud of the director for ushering in the era of superhero movies.
“Tim changed, or started, everything,” he said. “And I’m proud of the choice I made, in terms of how to play Batman. It’s probably easier now because Tim paved the way, and if I did anything to pave the way, I’m proud of that, too.”
Aside from the first “Spider-Man,” Keaton said he’s never watched a superhero movie from beginning to end.
“You can step into it more easily now, is my guess,” he said. “Technically, (superhero movies) do everything for you. They create a world where all you’ve basically got to do is show up, not f— it up too much and you’ll come off OK.”
Meanwhile, the actor has received critical acclaim for his role in “Birdman,” where he plays a has-been actor still obsessed with his role as an iconic superhero.
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