1. Michael Keaton (“Batman,” 1989; “Batman Returns,” 1992; “The Flash,” 2022)
Warner Bros.
Keaton’s casting was undoubtedly one the greatest gambles ever taken by a studio. Keaton, who is most well-known for his comedy performances, was almost universally criticized when he was cast in the 1989 film.
Keaton, along with Tim Burton, proved everyone wrong and brought legitimacy back into a franchise that was already on life support. Keaton played Batman as a dark, mysterious character, but still able to have wry laughs. This was how Batman would be seen over the next decades.
Keaton’s performance in the role is so confident that He can say, “I’m Batman.”You know what? We believe he’s correct.