Here’s how Michael Keaton’s return as Batman (in a much more comfortable suit) was conceived for ‘The Flash’, out June 15

“When he said yes, we all got excited,” as the director recalls Andy Muschietti The beginning of his collaboration with Michael Keaton Flasha film in which the 61-year-old actor once again dresses up as Batman, the masked hero who immortalized him in the 90s thanks to the films directed by Tim Burton.

And however The story revolves around Flash, another beloved DC hero played by Ezra Miller, Batman fans are mesmerized by the scenes where Keaton proudly dons his cape and mask once again and even climbs into the Batmobile.

As seen in the previews, Batman appears as a great ally who will help the versions of Barry Allen (Miller) in their adventure through time and the different universes.

Reimagining Keaton’s Batman, Muschietti says, has given free rein to his imagination. “It was a journey of discovery, our attempt to figure out what the character would look like now and how he would feel 25 or 30 years after we last saw him. It was a very nice challenge and he gave himself completely”says the Argentinian filmmaker.

“The big question was, what does Bruce Wayne look like a few decades later? That was the beginning of our conversation. And it seems to me that part of Michael’s appeal to reprise that role was that no one had ever seen Batman like that before. It was an incredible challenge that he accomplished brilliantly”.

The moment Keaton donned the suit also remains an iconic moment in the memory of the production team. “It was undoubtedly an emotional moment for him and for us (…). He told us that his son Sean, who is now an adult and a great songwriter, was there when he last donned the suit. And this time his grandson accompanied him.”shared producer Barbara Muschietti.

To facilitate Keaton’s participation, the director also decided to respect the interpretation that Michael himself wanted to give to his beloved character. “Michael directing was a lot of fun. I had a lot of respect for his processes and wanted to hear everything he felt about the character. I think that created the environment where the conversation could flow, and there were fruitful discussions, because we were on the same wavelength. I also tried not to interfere too much with him as an actor on shooting days. I was really happy he was there to play Bruce and Batman, and the rest is history.”

Also, as a gift to Keaton, the Costume designer Alexandra Byrne has worked hard to make her new Batman suit so much more comfortable. than the one he had to wear in the 1990s.

Welcome back, ‘Batfleck’

But Keaton’s Batman won’t be the only one making an appearance, as fans already know they’ll also be seeing Ben Affleck, who played him in The Justice League (2017) by Zack Snyder.

“For Flash we have two sides, two different films to pay tribute to: Tim Burton’s (Keaton) Batman, designed by Anton Furst, and Patrick Tatopoulos’ work on Snyder’s film, with Ben Affleck. We have powerful languages ​​in those two films as a precedent, but they are incredibly different and we are working to replicate both great designs in our film,” he said. Paul Denham Austerberry, responsible for production design.

“The multiverse allows all these worlds to coexist without conflict.”, the director agrees. “We respect the universe and aesthetics of each Batman. For example, with Keaton’s Batman, the goal was to “create” a Batman that would continue to function like the Batman we saw decades ago. We did our best to balance everything and create space for improvisation, humour, action, adventure.”.

For now, Ezra Miller will not participate in press meetings as part of the promotion of the tapebut he has anticipated his feelings for his character.

“There’s a lot about Barry’s personality that sets him apart from the rest of the gang, and that’s what I like best about him. I’ve always loved him as someone who’s vulnerable and lacks self-confidence, but also the arrogance we usually associate with superheroism. What I like most about Flash as a superhero is that in theory he only has one unique power – his speed – but when combined with his intelligence and push to the limit, he has many possibilities.different abilities and powers.

Flashin cinemas from Thursday 15 June.