The iconic DC superhero Batman has been played by many accomplished actors over the years from Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, and most recently, Robert Pattinson. But 1989’s Batman starring Michael Keaton is widely regarded as one of the most popular versions of the character. Keaton’s involved and charismatic performance as the Caped Crusader became etched in audiences’ minds.
While the Birdman star’s arresting and confident portrayal was talked about for many years, the preparation for the character on set proved to be quite a challenge for Keaton. One particular phobia that the celebrity faced, resulted in him almost quitting the film.
Michael Keaton’s Claustrophobia Almost Ruined His Batman Gig
In 1989’s Batman, Hollywood star Michael Keaton played the celebrated DC superhero in a pioneering effort that was the cornerstone for the character to be developed over the years. His brilliant performance was also the reason for the film becoming a big hit at the box office and gaining appreciation from fans and audiences. But the behind-the-scenes preparation to get into character was not an easy one for Keaton. The Spotlight star who suffered from acute claustrophobia, was in for a shock when suiting up as Batman for the first time in front of the camera. Recalling his experience, Keaton said,
“I was very claustrophobic. The first time I was locked in [to the outfit], I thought, ‘This is never going to happen, I’m never gonna do it.'”
Keaton though, being the professional that he is, channeled his fear of enclosed spaces as a tool to strengthen his mind and used his energies to focus on his character rather than on the suit. The results, as expected, turned out to be favorable despite the star’s troubles.
Michael Keaton’s BatSuit Was Modified For The Flash
More than 3 decades after Michael Keaton became Batman on screen, the star returned to his famous character through an iconic cameo appearance in Ezra Miller’s The Flash in 2023. The veteran who had a nerve-racking experience of being inside the Batman suit in 1989, was given the luxury of a modified suit by director Andy Muschietti. Despite the director favoring Keaton’s earlier Batman outfit and calling it the ‘perfect suit’, the celebrity’s claustrophobia dictated that it be changed.
“You know the story. He was like, ‘That old suit was impossible to work with.’ [Michael Keaton] was very frustrated because he couldn’t move his neck or anything. The design was perfect, but it’s very often in movies that the better a suit looks, the more uncomfortable it is.”
Muschietti added that Michael Keaton’s Batman was extremely essential to the narrative of The Flash to the extent that he would not have made the film if the Birdman actor had declined the offer to appear in the cameo.
Source: Slash Film
