Ultimate DC Crossover: Michael Keaton's Batman Joins Forces with Brandon Routh's Superman in Jaw-Dropping Artwork

Summary

Brandon Routh's Superman and Michael Keaton's Batman come together in new fan art, imagining a shared appearance in the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover.

Keaton's Batman was unable to make an appearance in the crossover event due to financial limitations, but the Arrowverse ingeniously paid tribute to his Batman films.

The Arrowverse briefly explored Earth-89, confirming it as the universe of Keaton's Batman, and featured a guest appearance by Robert Wuhl, who reprised his role from the 1989 film.

Brandon Routh's Superman and Michael Keaton's Batman unite in an exciting new fan art crossover within the DCEU. This signifies a significant milestone in DC's live-action history, particularly within the Arrowverse. In 2019, The CW's superhero franchise delivered its own interpretation of Crisis on Infinite Earths, a monumental event that celebrated both DC TV and movies. This grand affair featured delightful cameos from previous live-action projects.

Among the numerous cameo appearances during Crisis on Infinite Earths, Routh's reprisal of Superman captured the hearts of fans. After his memorable portrayal in 2006's Superman Returns, he once again donned the iconic cape. Although it has been almost five years since the Arrowverse crossover aired, enthusiasts continue to envision the potential appearance of other DC characters in the epic event.

How Arrowverse's Crisis On Infinite Earths Honored Keaton's Batman Movies

Skull101Ify has created new fan art that brings together Keaton's Batman and Routh's Superman, offering fans a glimpse into what it might have been like if the Dark Knight had appeared in the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. Since Routh's Man of Steel is intended to be a continuation of Christopher Reeve's character, this artwork provides the closest opportunity for fans to witness the iconic 1980s versions of Batman and Superman together in a live-action setting.

Attempting to include Keaton's Batman in Crisis on Infinite Earths would have been an ambitious endeavor, but it was ultimately deemed too costly. Nevertheless, the Arrowverse crossover managed to pay homage to Keaton's iconic Batman films in a subtle yet satisfying manner. Prior to his highly anticipated appearance in The Flash movie, the crossover briefly ventured into Earth-89, establishing it as the realm of Keaton's beloved franchise.

In the Earth-89 scene of Crisis on Infinite Earths, the footage depicted Gotham City in the aftermath of Tim Burton's Batman movies. While Batman himself was absent, viewers were treated to the return of Robert Wuhl as Alexander Knox from the original Batman film released in 1989. As the sky turned red, Knox could be seen reading a copy of the Gotham City Gazette with the headline "Batman Captures Joker" while the iconic Batman theme song played in the background.

Although it would have been a monumental moment if Keaton's Batman had made an appearance, credit must be given to the creative team behind Crisis on Infinite Earths for finding a concise yet memorable way to include his universe. This marked a significant milestone for the Arrowverse, as it allowed for greater interaction with the DC movies. Fans can always revisit Keaton's expansive Batman legacy through his standalone films and his upcoming appearance in The Flash within the DCEU, available for viewing on home media or through streaming platforms.

Source: Skull101Ify/Instagram