It’s perverse that the most hyped thing about The Flash‘s long-awaited solo movie is Batman. After all, since 1989 we’ve been inundated with big-screen variations on the Dark Knight, so it’s a little disappointing that Barry Allen’s moment in the spotlight will be so bat-focused.
But hey, when you have Michael Keaton’s brooding superhero back in the cape and cowl (and kicking a surprising amount of ass for a 71-year-old), who can complain? The blockbuster will also see the return of Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne, who appears to be on board for a Dark Knight-style motorcycle chase leading into a highway action scene.
Beyond all that, there’s one element in the trailer that has longtime bat-fans popping the champagne corks. This will be the first time since 1966 that we’ll see Batman donning a blue and gray costume in live-action. Even better, there’s two of them! We can glimpse one in Keaton’s collection, while Affleck dons another, and fans are loving it:
And here’s Affleck’s version:
Others are praising the variety in these shots, including a shout-out to the very cool Batman Returns suit:
Jim Lee must be proud:
It is a nice change from the matte black we’ve seen so many times on screen:
Beyond this, there are ongoing rumors that Affleck and Keaton will be joined by a third Batman in The Flash. George Clooney probably doesn’t want to suit up after the Batman & Robin debacle, Val Kilmer is sadly unlikely after his battle with cancer affected his voice, so that leaves… Christian Bale.
Bale has repeatedly said he’d only return to Gotham City if Christopher Nolan was also on board, but everyone has a price, so we’re eagerly awaiting to see if this actually comes to pass.
Honestly after all the Ezra Miller controversy, maybe they should have just cut him from the movie entirely and retitled it Into the Bat-Verse.
The Flash hits theaters on Jun. 15.