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Long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe made superhero movie cross-overs commonplace, fans could only imagine what it would look like for their favorite heroes to cross paths. It never occurred to anyone that Michael Keaton’s Batman would ever actually meet any other DC Comics heroes. But many fans might not realize Keaton did actually once share the screen with an iconic Superman actor.

Michael Keaton as Batman holds a grappling hook in ‘Batman Returns’
Michael Keaton in ‘Batman Returns’ | Warner Bros. Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis

Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’ films exist in a world without other superheroes

Although Batman Forever and Batman & Robin made passing references to Metropolis and Superman, neither of the Batman movies starring Keaton and directed by Tim Burton acknowledge the possibility of other heroes. Of course, those movies aren’t nearly as grounded in reality as something like Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy. But they’re also not ready to welcome moviegoers into a world brimming with super-powered individuals.

Part of this is, of course, due to the fact that such a thing had never been done on screen at that point. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and company all co-existed — and, in fact, teamed up to form the Justice League — in the comics. But Hollywood wasn’t sure whether mainstream moviegoers would accept such a notion. And so fans never got to see Keaton’s Batman unite with or face off against the Superman played by Christopher Reeve.

Michael Keaton did work with ‘Superman’ star Christopher Reeve

From 1978’s Superman: The Movie to 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, Reeve starred as Clark Kent aka Superman to much acclaim. Unfortunately, the actor’s run as the Man of Steel came to an end before Keaton ever played Batman. But just a few years after 1989’s Batman hit theaters, the two actors would get the chance to work together, albeit not in a film featuring their two DC Comics superheroes.

The film in question is Speechless, a 1994 romantic comedy starring Keaton and his Beetlejuice co-star Geena Davis. In the film, Keaton and Davis star as speechwriters for competing Senate candidates who fall in love. Reeve played a TV war correspondent and an ex of Davis’ character who is desperate to win her back. Alas, Keaton and Reeve don’t engage in a superheroic battle for her heart.

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Michael Keaton joins the DC Extended Universe in ‘The Flash’

Even though Keaton and Reeve never played Batman and Superman in the same movie, the former is getting a second chance to cross paths with fellow DC Comics superheroes. After 30 years away from the role, Keaton is back as Batman in 2022’s The Flash. The film stars Ezra Miller as the titular speedster who visits another universe, where he meets Keaton’s version of the Caped Crusader.

So far there’s no telling whether Henry Cavill or any other version of Superman will appear in the upcoming movie. But Keaton will reportedly be back for more fun in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Reports claim he will appear alongside In the Heights star Leslie Grace and J.K. Simmons in another 2022 release, Batgirl.

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