The fallout fromBatgirl’scancellation is apparently just the tip of the iceberg for Warner Bros. as new reports suggestAquaman and the Lost Kingdomwill also receive some changes, including another potential Batman scene featuring Michael Keaton being scrapped from theDCEU.
Last year, news of Keaton’s return as Batman built tons of hype as the Academy Award-winning actor was confirmed to be coming back for a special appearance in the DCEU’sThe Flash, as well as heavy rumors all but cementing his place inBatgirlbefore official word from its directors. However, with the latter definitive cancellation from the new Warner Bros. Discovery conglomerate, at least one of Keaton’s performances is out, only now it’s surfaced that a similar cameo in theAquamansequel might have bitten the dust as well.
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As part of an in-depth breakdown behindthe reasons that led toBatgirl’scancellation, The Hollywood Reporter notes that Keaton filmed a scene forAquaman and the Lost Kingdom, though the segment was apparently deemed too confusing for test screening audiences, who couldn’t figure out what was Tim Burton’s Batman doing in the DCEU. To make matters even more puzzling,Aquaman 2is scheduled for release on Aug 04, 2025,a full month beforeThe Flash, which is supposed to be the film that explains Keaton’s new role.
Recently, Jason Momoa himself confirmed that anotherBatman will indeed show up inAquaman 2, after sharing a picture with Ben Affleck that continues to prolong the actor’s tenure as Bruce Wayne in the DCEU. Just likeThe Flash,Aquaman 2is not free of controversies, as it remains to be seen how Amber Heard’s screen time and promotional obligations will be handled after the notorious Depp v. Heard trial.
While as of now Warner Bros. Discovery’s decisions appear to be motivated by the business side of things, rather than artistic or creative reasons, CEO David Zaslav has not been shy to make tough calls, meaningBlue Beetlealso can’t be considered safe from getting the ax. Even HBO Max as a service is prone to undergoing drastic changes that might leave the streaming platform looking much different or wholly reformed as part of the corporate merger.
These sure are chaotic times for DC and Warner Bros., and there are still a couple of months leftbeforeBlack Adamflies by to save the day, meaning more developments that could affectAquamanandThe Flashcould soon follow.
