Here’s How The Flash Could Solve The Batman Problem of DC Universe
It’s no doubt that Batman holds the majority of the face of DC. Bruce Wayne is a character that you simply cannot ignore. Throughout the years, be it comics or cinema, Batman is widely loved. We are going to see three different Batmen on the big screen in the coming years – Michael Keaton, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson (2022). The Flash series could very well be the answer to solving DC’s over-reliance on Batman as Keaton & Affleck are both reprising the same role. But there’s a Batman problem of DC that should be explored.
What Is The Batman Problem of DC
Even though Zack Snyder’s Justice League redeemed Batman, it was still a movie that was supposed to arrive in 2017. So technically, Batman has not been on the big screen for three years which is a MAJOR issue. His last stint was in the reviled Justice League. Following the controversy surrounding that film, Warner Bros. temporarily retired the character. Hence, the focus shifted on others while Affleck announced his retirement from the role. But this is not where it ends for the Caped Crusader.
Batman is now finally returning to the screen with Matt Reeves’ standalone film, starring Robert Pattinson. This will be a completely standalone project that is not in any way tied to the DCEU. But that is not it. This is where it could get messy as there are 3 different Batmen appearing on the big screen within the same year. The two Dark Knights, Affleck and Keaton will return in the role alongside each other. Michael Keaton is reprising the role of Batman for the first time in 30 years. Like Pattinson, the latter’s Batman isn’t part of the DCEU. So why is he in a DCEU project? Well, this is where The Flash will tackle the Batman problem of DC.
Introduction Of Multiverse In The Flash
Andy Muschietti has confirmed that The Flash will, to some extent, adapt the Flashpoint storyline from the comics. Hence, one should know that the movie will be pressing on the ide of Multiverses. But honestly, you must know one important fact. And that is, the multiverse, and its foundation has already been built. Arrowverse’s Crisis On Infinite Earths crossover happened when Ezra Miller’s DCEU Flash came face-to-face with Grant Gustin’s from The CW’s TV series.
The multiverse has been a staple of the Arrowverse for years. And now, it is time for it to come to the DCEU. There are alternate universes outside of the main DCEU continuity and that is exactly what this event proved. Hence, having Keaton’s Batman and Affleck’s Batman will make sense. But till the time it comes to us, I would suggest that you watch Arrowverse for a better understanding of the concept.
The Story Of Flashpoint
Let me tell you about the Flashpoint story. Barry Allen decides to go back in time to save his mother. But by doing so, he creates a branching timeline in which he never became The Flash. As a result, multiple heroes are different, and I mean worse. Hence, there’s a huge war being waged between the Amazons and the Atlanteans. But in my opinion, the movie might not dwell on that angle.
But one thing is next to confirm. And that is the use of multiverses and branching realities. That could explain how Barry ends up crossing paths with this Batman when the two of them don’t exist in the same universe. But for that also, the concept of the multiverse will need to be cleared. And I mean, before even mentioning or introducing the two Dark Knights.
Farwell For Batfleck
Yes, Affleck is returning to reprise his role in The Flash. But after that? No. The mantle has been passed on to Robert Pattinson, and people are excited to see it. Pattinson recently signed a massive deal with Warner Bros., so he’d stay for long. As for Batfleck, it has been said that he’d be involved in the kind of role that will make us emotional. So, he might die, or as the rumors suggest, Keaton’s aged hero could actually be taking over from Affleck as the DCEU’s primary Batman when Barry Allen is done with his time-traveling shenanigans. That would put Affleck’s legacy to rest.
If that is the case, then Keaton would support the DCEU as the veteran Batman. Moreover, the DCEu has more characters to rely on now. Wit theatrical success with movies such as Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, DC is definitely willing to explore new directions. And as for the main batman, my best guess is Pattinson. The Flash is the key to avoiding the ‘overshadowed by a returning cast’ that and allowing him to stand alone atop the food chain. The Flash‘s introduction of the multiverse serves as the perfect means for writing Affleck out, with dignity.
It’s sad that we won’t get our solo Batfleck project at all! But, the so-called Batman problem of DC will be solved after The Flash.
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