Michael Keaton is back as Batman and what DC fans expect from ‘The Flash’

After years of production setbacks and controversies with the series’ lead actor, Ezra Miller, Warner Bros. and DC have finally released the first trailer for ‘The Flash’ and it has generated plenty of talking points.

The trailer gives a sneak peek into which familiar superheroes will also be returning to the big screen with Michael Keaton’s return as Batman providing the biggest talking point.

The expected plot

Loosely based on the DC’s Flashpoint comic series, ‘The Flash’ follows Barry (Miller) across a multiverse as he embarks on a journey hopefully to prevent his mother’s death. Utilizing his speed force to travel through time.

However, meddling in the past leads to a creation of a new timeline completely devoid of metahumans, which he is now trapped in. The movie follows Barry and his secondary universe self alongside other heroes, such as Batman and Supergirl, attempting to fix the multiple universe issue.

Batman, whose inclusion in the film had already been announced, will be played by Michael Keaton, though he hasn’t assumed the role of Batman in film since 1992 in the film ‘Batman Returns.’

Michael Keaton was set to appear in the Batgirl movie, which was unexpectedly shelved despite filming being completed on the production. The Batwoman T.V. series also received poor reviews and was ultimately canceled after three seasons in 2022.

Keaton isn’t the only Batman returning to the screen, Ben Affleck is also seen in parts of the trailer. Superman villains General Zod and Faora-UI will also be making an appearance in ‘The Flash’.

According to Deadline, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman may also be involved in the story.

Meanwhile, The Verge report that, ‘The Flash’ has all the markings of being the sort of film that could functionally reset the DC Extended Universe, setting the films into a new framework, which would be in keeping with DC’s plan going forward with James Gunn. However, theories can’t be confirmed until the movie’s official release.

‘The Flash’ will hit theaters on June 16, 2023

Fans weigh in

Ahead of the movie’s release, fans have taken to Twitter to voice their opinions on the new trailer, both trolling and praising it.

Several users hype up the upcoming film for featuring several previous versions of Batman.

Fans are also quick to speculate that there could be Batmans from different universes joining teams, something which is reminiscent of Marvel’s ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’. The 2021 film also incorporated a multiverse plot and three previous generations of Spidermen.

Other users went on to criticize and joke about the franchise’s handling of Miller’s controversy.

Miller has had a lengthy history of controversies and legal troubles starting in 2011. Most notable was the actor being charged with burglary in August of 2022, which later was brought down to a trespassing charge in January of this year.