Traditionally, the cinematic version of Batman followed the James Bond model — at a certain point, one actor retires from the role, and another takes it on. This often coincides with a new directorial vision and a fresh start. Yet in upcoming DC movies, we already know that Michael Keaton will return to the role, several decades after leaving when director Tim Burton was pushed aside by Warner Bros. Christian Bale‘s tenure felt unprecedented in that he and director Christopher Nolan told a complete story in three films that ended in Bruce Wayne retiring the cape. In a recent interview with Screenrant, he revealed that was always the plan…but he’s open to altering it.
“I had a pact with Chris Nolan,” Bale said. “We said, ‘Hey, look. Let’s make three films, if we’re lucky enough to get to do that. And then let’s walk away. Let’s not linger too long.’ In my mind, it would be something if Chris Nolan ever said to himself, ‘You know what, I’ve got another story to tell.’ And if he wished to tell that story with me, I’d be in.”
He added that even with all the talk of a multiverse these days, nobody officially has asked him to come back. Yet.
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Nolan’s return in the near future seems unlikely, as the director is one of a rare few working who gets to make whatever he wants on the strength of his name. Should that ever change, however, it’s hard to imagine DC or WB would turn him down.
Would you want to see Bale and/or Nolan return? Let us know in comments!
Recommended Purchase: The Dark Knight Trilogy (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)
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