Over the years, many actors have portrayed Gotham's Dark Knight in his many blockbuster outings. From Adam West's portrayal in the original
Batman TV series in the 1960's, to Ben Affleck's upcoming take on the Dark Knight in
Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, we've seen many different versions of the Caped Crusader grace our screens.
Now, many fans still believe that Michael Kenton's performance in the 1989 Tim Burton directed
Batman was one of, if not the, best takes on the character we've seen to date. But, if things had have played out as they were originally intended, Kenton wouldn't have been cast in the role at all! Director Tim Burton originally wanted
James Bond star Pierce Brosnan (though at the time, Brosnan had only been in
Remington Steele) for the role of Bruce Wayne, and subsequently, his justice-fueled alter ego. Fortunately for Keaton, Brosnan declined the role, and the rest is history.
Fast forward to the present - while speaking to Details in an interview to promote his upcoming film,
No Escape, Brosnan had this to say about turning down the role of Batman:
"It was the beginning of these huge movies, and I just thought, Batman? Batman held such an indelible place in my own childhood, but I said something flippant to Tim Burton like, "Any guy who wears his underpants outside his trousers cannot be taken seriously." So, yeah".
Interesting. What's curious though, as Brosnan doesn't elaborate any further on the matter, is whether or not he still feels this way on the matter. Regardless, the decision certainly didn't get in the way of Brosnan developing a successful career, as he went on to play the notorious super spy, 007, in a number of films.
What do you guys think? Who, in your opinion, is the definitive Batman actor? Would you have preferred to see Brosnan take a shot at the role, or are you glad things allowed for Keaton to star in the film instead? Sound off in the comments below, and make sure to share and hit that like button!