Summary
The Flash movie missed a big opportunity to have multiple versions of Batman crossing paths, which would have been more memorable than the VFX cameos.
Mr. Lee's poster depicts an exciting multiverse journey featuring different Batman actors such as Keaton, Affleck, Pattinson, Kilmer, and Clooney. It is disappointing that The Flash movie did not successfully unite Keaton and Affleck's Batman characters, and it seems unlikely that DC will venture into the multiverse concept on the silver screen anytime soon.
A DC fan art poster portrays multiple real-life interpretations of Batman, reminiscent of the Spider-Verse, offering a glimpse into what it would be like if Bruce Wayne encountered his identical counterparts. The concept of the multiverse continues to be heavily utilized in the superhero film and TV industry. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is currently exploring The Multiverse Saga, while the DCEU's The Flash delved into alternate realities earlier this year.
The Flash prominently featured the return of Michael Keaton's Batman, who appeared as a result of Barry Allen's time travel, leading to Ben Affleck's iteration being replaced within this new universe. The Flash marked Keaton's first reprisal of the role following his appearance in Tim Burton's Batman films, potentially concluding his tenure as the iconic character.
Mr. Lee has just unveiled an artwork showcasing the Caped Crusader embarking on an exciting multiverse journey, teaming up with various versions of himself. This enthralling poster includes Keaton, Affleck, Robert Pattinson, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney, each representing their own unique portrayal of the beloved DC icon.
How The Flash Movie Wasted Their Batman Crossover Opportunity
Mr. Lee's artwork is undeniably impressive, yet it exposes a missed opportunity within The Flash. Throughout the Arrowverse, we witness interesting encounters involving Superman and his alternate versions, as well as various Scarlet Speedsters joining forces. However, Batman remains devoid of such captivating narratives. Surprisingly, the DCEU film manages to incorporate not just one, but three different actors portraying Batman, despite the overarching focus on Barry Allen's tale.
With The Flash probably marking the end of Affleck's tenure as Batman, it presented a perfect chance for his character to intersect with a different version of himself, particularly with someone as legendary as Keaton. The inclusion of Keaton and Affleck sharing the screen would have undoubtedly had a greater impact than the controversial VFX cameos, leaving a lasting impression on two generations of DC audiences. However, the film's decision to include a cameo by Clooney, who is universally considered the least favored live-action Batman, only serves to intensify the disappointment.
As DC Studios continues to establish and expand its new DC Universe, it remains to be seen if James Gunn's plans will provide another opportunity to explore the multiverse. Although Gunn has intentions for Batman in the DC Universe, the primary objective will be to seamlessly integrate him into the new franchise. At this moment, it appears The Flash will likely be the final venture into the multiverse on the silver screen for quite some time.
Source: Mr. Lee/Instagram