Michael Keaton, star of Marvel and DC films, 'never got around to' watching any comic book movies since 1989


Is Michael Keaton about to cross from one Marvel universe to another? Don't ask him — the actor will likely have "no idea what you're talking about."
Keaton is set to make a highly-anticipated return as Batman in The Flash, as well as a return as the Vulture in the Marvel film Morbius. But it's safe to say he isn't exactly the biggest superhero movie expert on Earth, as he detailed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
"After the first Batman, I'm not sure I've ever seen an entire [comic book] movie," Keaton told the Reporter. "I just never got around to it. So you're talking to a guy who wasn't in the zeitgeist of that whole world."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Keaton also discussed reprising the Vulture in Morbius, a return that surprised fans considering his character originated in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Spider-Man: Homecoming, but Morbius isn't officially part of that universe. The actor explained, though, that when the filmmakers walked him through various Marvel universe mechanics and plot points on the set of Morbius, it went just a bit over his head.
"I'm nodding like I know what the f--- they're talking about," he said. "I go, 'Uh-huh.' And I'm thinking, 'You may as well be explaining quantum physics right now to me.'"
After Keaton famously played Batman in 1989's Batman and its sequel, Batman Returns, The Flash will see his version of the character return alongside Ben Affleck's more recent version. While Keaton walked away from the role after two films, it sounds like he's ready to come back and crush it a third time.
"Frankly, in the back of my head, I always thought, 'I bet I could go back and nail that motherf---er,'" Keaton told the Reporter. "And so I thought, 'Well, now that they're asking me, let me see if I can pull that off."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
What does 'conquering' Gaza mean to Israel?
Today's Big Question Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet has approved a plan to displace much of the Palestinian population while seizing and occupying the territory on a long-term basis.
-
Casey Means: the controversial 'wellness influencer' nominated for surgeon general
In the Spotlight Means has drawn controversy for her closeness to RFK Jr.
-
Trump taps Fox News' Pirro for DC attorney post
speed read The president has named Fox News host Jeanine Pirro to be the top federal prosecutor for Washington, replacing acting US Attorney Ed Martin
-
Shakespeare not an absent spouse, study proposes
speed read A letter fragment suggests that the Shakespeares lived together all along, says scholar Matthew Steggle
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia