2019 is a very important year for Batman Beyond fans. It’s the 20th anniversary of the animated series which debuted on January 10, 1999. The show, which answered the question about what would happen to Bruce Wayne once he got too old to be Batman, was a surprise hit and has been cemented in Batman history as one of the best.
Of course, with the celebrations comes more talk about a live-action film or series. With Kevin Smith recently mentioning his interest in seeing a Batman Beyond film starring Michael Keaton, fans are eagerly awaiting more from DC. And while Keaton would be a great choice, we’re honestly hoping that George Clooney would get the role instead.
Yes, Batnipples hasn’t had the best reputation as Bruce Wayne/Batman since he appeared in 1997’s Joel Schumacher directed Batman & Robin, but that’s the perfect reason why he shouldn’t be overlooked. Both Schumacher and Clooney have apologised to fans for the film in recent years, with George even apologising to Adam West for his awful performance. Here is a chance for the Oceans actor to redeem himself as Bruce Wayne. Here is the chance for him to make right with the fans.
George Clooney is a great actor. It’s hard to deny it. His roles in Gravity, O Brother, Where Art Thou? and The Descendants have more than proved that. Plus, like Bruce, George Clooney has a certain charm. He is rich, famous, and good looking. In fact, when you really think about it, it’s clear to see why he was initially chosen for the role.
As the series has shown, Batman Beyond‘s Bruce Wayne is older, a little angrier but still able to kick ass. This isn’t the same cheesy Batman character Clooney played all those years ago. He has a lot more depth, which stems from all the hurt he has experienced as Gotham’s vigilante.
Failure can be a great teacher, even if you’re one of the world’s most famous movie stars. If Clooney were to don the cape and cowl again, he wouldn’t make the same mistakes.
“It’s really easy to pick: Batman & Robin,” Clooney said when asked which of his films had the biggest influence on his career. “That’s not a joke. Up until that moment, I was an actor only concerned with finding work. After the failure of that film creatively, I understood that I needed to take control of the films I made, not just the role. My next three films were Out of Sight, Three Kings and O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
For those who don’t know, Bruce Wayne actually developed Terry McGinnis‘ Batman suit while fighting The Banes, the successors to the original Venom-fueled criminal. During Batman’s last case, he realises that he is unable to defeat the superpowered beings and engineers the suit in order to help him defeat them. The fight against The Banes eventually leads to Bruce’s retirement. Wayne becomes a broken, tired and miserable old man.
George has the look. He has the acting ability. He knows the character. And he understands failure. Those are all traits of the perfect actor to play an aging Bruce Wayne.
It’s time to forgive Clooney. It’s time to give him another chance. The acclaimed humanitarian might just be the retired Bruce Wayne we need and deserve.
I thin that George Clooney played A good Bruce Wayne, and Batman, not so much. If they did do a Batman Beyond, Michael Keeton or George Clooney, you couldn’t go wrong by picking either actor.
Peace Whoga
No, Keaton is the true Bruce Wayne and Tim Burton should direct.
What a dumb article. Clooney does not need to redeem himself. He played a good Bruce Wayne and Batman. It wasn’t his fault the script sucked. “It’s time to forgive Clooney”? What a stupid thing to say. I hope you didn’t get paid to write this trash, Eddie.