The Impact of Batman 1989's Removal on the DCEU and Michael Keaton's Batman

The DCEU's Troubled Journey

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has faced a tumultuous journey, marked by both successes and disappointments. It began with the promising start of 'Man of Steel' but struggled to resonate with audiences, leading to a major reboot scheduled to commence with 'Superman: Legacy' in 2025.

Batman (Keaton) holds Joker (Nicholson) by the collar in Batman (1989)

Despite the announcement of the DC Universe reboot, the DCEU still had four movies in the pipeline, with Andy Muschietti's 'The Flash' being the most anticipated. This film, in particular, held the promise of reuniting viewers with Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) and reintroducing Michael Keaton's Batman from Tim Burton's iconic portrayal.

The Flash Barry Allen holding Keaton's Batman's hand as he dies

The Impact of Max's Movie Removals

Max, the streaming service, has made notable changes to its catalog, removing several movies across various genres. Among these removals is Tim Burton's 'Batman' from 1989, which is a significant loss for fans and a blow to the DCEU's continuity.

The absence of 'Batman' (1989) and other related movies from streaming services means that viewers now have to resort to purchasing or renting them from platforms like Apple TV+, Amazon, and Google Play. This sudden unavailability of a beloved classic has left fans disappointed and has raised concerns about the accessibility of essential elements of the Batman story.

The DCEU's Cut Keaton Story and the Impact of Removal

The removal of 'Batman' (1989) from Max has a profound impact on the narrative continuity of Michael Keaton's Batman story within the DCEU. Keaton's portrayal of Batman in Burton's movies has been revered by fans, and the anticipation of his return in 'The Flash' was met with great enthusiasm.

The Flash, which brought back Keaton's Batman, abruptly ended the hopes for a continued exploration of his character, only to be further compounded by the removal of 'Batman' (1989) from streaming services. This unfortunate chain of events has left fans dismayed and uncertain about the future of Keaton's Batman within the DCEU.