Michael Keaton revisits his Batman days in the Birdman trailer


If you're making a movie about an actor struggling to overcome the superhero movie that defined his career, you can't do much better than Michael Keaton, who helped to define the modern superhero blockbuster by starring in both Batman and Batman Returns. Birdman, the next film by Babel director Alejandro González Iñárritu, casts Keaton as Riggin "Birdman" Thomson, a onetime action star who wants to redefine himself as a serious actor by mounting a Broadway play.
From the looks of this terrific first trailer, the process is less than smooth. "How did we end up here, in this dump? You were a movie star, remember?" says Keaton. "You're Birdman. Let's go back one more time and show them what we're capable of."
It's a fascinating concept — but this is more than just a one-man character study. Birdman also boasts a top-notch supporting cast: Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, and Zach Galifiankis. There's a lot of promise here, and it's going to be a long wait before Birdman hits theaters in October. --Scott Meslow
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.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Scott Meslow is the entertainment editor for TheWeek.com. He has written about film and television at publications including The Atlantic, POLITICO Magazine, and Vulture.
-
Glastonbury and the BBC: time for a change?
Talking Point Furore over Bob Vylan broadcast could 'mark the end' for streaming festival live
-
Hotels with kitchen gardens for a foodie weekend away
The Week Recommends Feast on seasonal produce straight from the veg patch at these country retreats
-
Succession planning as the Dalai Lama turns 90
In the Spotlight China 'determined to shape the narrative' around choice of Tibet's next spiritual leader
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read