When you think back to Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who has a bad word to say about the film. It defined a gothic era of the Dark Knight, inspired Batman: The Animated Series, and revived interest in comic book movies when the genre seemed all but dead and buried.
Not only was it the blockbuster of the year, but it also gave us the equally impressive sequel Batman Returns in 1992. Sadly, Michael Keaton dropped the cowl soon afterwards and Burton traded the director’s chair for the producer’s hat. What followed is a dark period in comic book movie history and is best forgotten. Do you really want to think of Bat-nipples right now?
With so much unexplored potential, wouldn’t it make sense to revisit this era? Naturally, most of the actors may be a little wrinkled around the lips—and some have sadly passed—to play the characters on the big screen again, but there are other creative ways to revisit this fabled time.
Rejected Comic Book Series
Last year, Joe Quinones revealed on his blog the failed pitch that he and Kate Leth proposed to DC Comics in 2015. Inspired by the Batman ’66 comic book series, they suggested something similar for Batman ’89, which would’ve taken place after the events of Batman Returns.
Quinones revealed how Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman would’ve returned and how they planned on introducing characters like Billy Dee Williams’ Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and Barbara Gordon/Batgirl throughout the miniseries. The concept sketches looked spot-on and extremely Burton-esque, but unfortunately DC decided against it for an unknown reason. Considering the proof of concept and how a story’s already planned, why not actually do it? Hey, if DC can allow Kevin Smith to create a stupid character called Onomatopoeia, surely it can allow the continuation of this franchise, right?
Return of the Caped Crusaders
Recently, we were treated to a trip back in time to Batman’66 in Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders. While it may appear to be purely for nostalgic reasons, the film’s rather good and beautifully captured the camp and fun of the original series. The critics loved it, the fans adored it, and it allowed everyone to celebrate the series’ 50th anniversary.
Now, imagine we did the same with Batman ’89 in, say, 2019? It would be the perfect gift for long-time Dark Knight fans and all those who still wave the flag for Burton’s Bat. Heck, while they’re at it, chuck in Nicolas Cage as Superman as well to show us the result of one of the craziest ideas in Hollywood. If anything, it’ll be a good reminder of what could’ve happened in the mid-to-late 90s and be the ultimate fan service.
Removing the Bitter Taste of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin
Burton’s Batman will always be tainted by the legacy of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. While not created by him per se, they are considered direct sequels to his films. It’s a shame that these blemishes are a part of history, and I’m sure Burton wishes to forget they exist, too.
Even though he can’t go back in time and helm the follow-ups, there’s the opportunity for DC to course correct in a way and give us a much-wondered “what if” storyline. Who wouldn’t want to see other Burtonverse stories and experience more of Keaton’s Batman? If Batman ’66 can still remain popular and relevant in 2017, I see no reason why Batman ’89 should be ignored, either. In whichever form or medium it chooses to exist, this is one iteration of the Caped Crusader that needs to make a comeback.
Would you like the return of Batman ’89 as an animated film or ongoing comic book series? Let us know in the comments section below.
Images from THEartistt95 and Joe Quinones.
Not a bad idea
And mark hamel voicing joker
Joker’s dead in the Burton movies, but if he was to return it’d be Jack Nicholson.
Damien McDevitt animated or live action?
I’d be happy with either.
True! I also wish they did a Batman 89 like the Batman tv show continued in comic book form
That’d be pretty sweet. Maybe even a 4 issue miniseries to test the waters.
Apparently there’s a pitch about it that 2 writers took to DC
Nice!
No
If Tim Burton writes it and they do it in stop motion puppets.
let’s see, there’s a Batman `66 comic series, a Wonder Woman `77 comic series, so why not a Batman `89 comic series or a stand alone movie like so many Batman stand alone animated movies that weren’t part of a series either.
CARROT-TOP AS BATMAN!!!!!!
Needs to happen right now!
Yes, Keaton was the best on screen Batman. Loved the first 2 Burton flicks.
Jessica
Not for me, thanks.
Yes and maybe keaton can do the voice.
I think I’m one of the 8 people on earth who wasn’t a fan of Keaton’s Batman. The 89 film was good, but then they killed the Joker. And then the sequel killed the Penguin who looked more like a circus freak than a super-villain. (What was with the black crap coming out of his mouth all the time?) Burton had a good vision but I would have preferred different actors. He passed over Willem Dafoe and that was a mistake for Joker. But again – I’m in the very small minority here.
Willem HAS to play Joker at some point. He’s still the most obvious and perfect choice that I cant fathom how it hasn’t happened yet.
Guess Sony had him sign a deal where he wouldn’t work for a competitor after he played Norman Osborn- but that had to expire by now
The movies did, I’m sure the contract has as well. Although I’m thinking he has an undisclosed role in Aquaman does he not?
I liked the movies for their dark and gritty tone (even as a kid I felt they brought the realism of the comics to life). I never did understand the killing of the Joker and Penguin though. Bob Kane loved what Burton had done, and when he visited the set during filming, he said to the extent of, “Finally, my vision of Batman has come to life.” (He hated Robin, but DC made him turn Batman into a father figure when they learned how many young boys were reading the comics, and he hated the cartoony 1966 series too).
Not gonna lie, I would have bought that comic.
Only if Kevin Conroy is involved.
Yes animate that thing!
Anything will be better than Batfleck
Heck yes I would.
Good job…
I wait for superman too
Russ Shanks Hey Do You Remember
Rae Lakey what choo think!
Absolutely! I was in college at that time and live that era. Batman was the biggest thing to look forward to in the biggest blockbuster at that time next to Star Wars! Bring it back as a cartoon absolutely! If you get Michael Keaton on board it would be a massive hit :-)
I would actually love it if they did make a movie or comic series cause I’m a big fan of the movies
Still the best on screen Batman and Joker.
Would love this.
Sign me up :)
DC: DO IT!!!
YES!! But only if Michael Keaton himself voices Batman/Bruce Wayne and they get as many of the original actors as they can to voice the characters they played at that time! Pleeease! :)
Please please please! I would love for this to happen! Michael Keaton is my favorite Batman! Please make this happen!!!
I would like BOTH please
Bring it!!! That would be awesomeness
Joscar Jong
Both an animated film and comic would be awesome!
Hell yeah that would be awesome I figured some day micheal Keaton would return as Batman n a BATMAN BEYOND MOVIE
It will be another day in paradise!
Umm, duh, YES! This town needs enema!
’89 rules
Absolutely freaking lootly! Love love love 89 batman
Only if Jerry Ordway does the artwork.
Animated film, voice cast from Batman and returns. Do it
If they make it, I will watch.
I’ll preorder 10 copies!
Chauncey Snookchaos Chesterfield
Love the idea! Yes!
Yes!
Will totally watch that
The moonlight is pale, let’s dance with the devil!
no. it was complete garbage compared to anything of actual batman comics.
Boohoo
Oh HELL YES!
Hell yes!
Hell yes!
I would want that yes.
Any excuse to see the Anton Furst designed Batmobile and Keaton do e the cowl agai and I’m in.
Big 89 fan so an animated movie is a must.
Yes, I would absolutely love to see a Michael Keaton Batman Dark Knight Animated Series. I am a Batman toy collector and I definitely want a much better toy line for the Michael Keaton Batman saga, better than the junk that Kenner and Toy Biz released in 1989-1992. I want a Michael Keaton Batmobile for action figures that is a 2-seater. I want an extended line of action figures released with the characters that we have never had before.
Yessss !!!