Tim Burton's Impact on Superhero Movies

In a recent interview with GQ, actor Michael Keaton discussed the significant impact of Tim Burton's 1989 film "Batman" on the evolution of superhero cinema, particularly the Marvel and DC universes. Keaton, who portrayed the iconic character, emphasized Burton's pivotal role in changing the landscape of superhero films, stating, “Tim deserves enormous credit. He changed everything.” Despite facing skepticism over Keaton's casting, Burton's vision ultimately paved the way for the genre's future success. Keaton expressed that without Burton's bold decision to cast him, the current landscape of superhero films might not exist. He remarked, “There’s a strong possibility there is no Marvel Universe, there is no DC Universe, without Tim Burton.” The actor acknowledged the doubts surrounding his casting but credited Burton for recognizing his potential, particularly after seeing Keaton's performance in "Clean and Sober," which marked a departure from his comedic roles. Reflecting on his experience as Batman, Keaton conveyed a sense of pride in his portrayal, noting that he enjoys proving critics wrong. He described the challenge of stepping into the role as both exciting and rewarding, highlighting the fun he finds in overcoming skepticism. Overall, Keaton's insights underscore the transformative influence of Burton's "Batman" on the superhero genre, illustrating how a single film can alter the trajectory of an entire cinematic universe.