Modern-day DC fans were overly excited to see Michael Keaton return as Batman in The Flash. However, there was a time when people brutally criticized the actor’s casting as the dark knight in Tim Burton’s 1989 movie, Batman. While Jack Nicholson’s role as the Joker was considered a creative choice, Keaton’s role was deemed controversial and detrimental to the film.
However, Michael Keaton proved his haters wrong, when the actor received the People’s Choice award for his role. Shocking everyone with his speech, the legendary actor not only silenced his trolls but also made Jack Nicholson’s jaw drop.
Michael Keaton’s Controversial Casting In Batman
Michael Keaton was always Tim Burton‘s initial choice for Batman after the actor impressed the director following their collaboration in 1988 Beetlejuice. However, since Keaton was often known for his comedic roles, audiences found Burton’s decision to cast the actor as the Caped Crusader, a bit odd.
Soon, the casting became so controversial that people simply started protesting against the decision. Failing to accept Keaton playing the uber-serious role of Batman, people lost their minds as they believed the actor might ruin the beloved DC superhero character.
Further, people’s protest went beyond control as they sent nearly 50,000 letters to Warner Bros, decrying Michael Keaton’s casting. However, eventually, no steps were taken, and Keaton was featured as Batman. The actor eventually proved his haters wrong, with his phenomenal performance alongside Jack Nicholson’s Joker, which led him to earn the reputation of a versatile veteran.
Michael Keaton Trolled His Haters With Award Win
Although Michael Keaton’s casting turned out to be perfect, and he delivered a grappling performance beside Jack Nicholson, the backlash from haters still didn’t subside. Despite bringing out the authenticity of Batman’s character with his acting skills, haters were hellbent on proving why Keaton was not suitable for the role and how his appearance caused a detrimental effect on Batman (1989).
Thus, Michael Keaton stood no chance amongst his mad haters, until he received the People’s Choice award in 1990. Previously proving everyone wrong with his performance, the actor once again silenced his haters with his award and acceptance speech. Holding the award, Keaton addressed the hate he received for his controversial role as Batman.
“I also want to say something in response to all the folks who were writing those, who kept those cards and letters coming, you know, who said I could do the job. And I just like to say, when you come from a family like mine, and you come from where I come from. All you gotta do is tell me no baby. So keep those cards and letters coming.”
Thanking everyone involved in the movie and the ones who helped his dream come true, Michael Keaton dropped the mic after giving the most savage response to the haters during his acceptance speech. The actor not only slammed his haters with sarcasm but also made Jack Nicholson’s jaw drop in surprise.
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Source: Youtube
