Michael Keaton Wasn't Sure He Wanted To Be In "Batman" With Jack Nicholson | Letterman

Michael talks about his iconic role as the Caped Crusader.
(From "Late Night," air date: 6/22/89)
#michaelkeaton #batman #letterman
Subscribe to Letterman: bit.ly/3GeOIAg
Follow Letterman on Social:
Facebook: / davidletterman
Instagram: / letterman
Twitter: / letterman
TikTok: / letterman
Welcome to the Letterman KZbin Channel, home to all your favorite clips from Late Night and Late Show - as well as conversations with the writers, producers and performers who helped make it all happen. The language may strike you as quaint & flowery, the clothing comically lacey & ornate - but that’s how things were back in this colorful and now bygone era.

[@tomquigley3315]

Met him once on accident in the 90's through an industry job I had. Actually the most normal, polite and friendly movie star there is. He talked about his son and lawn mowers like a next door neighbor. Guys alright.

[@Kanjo_Bazooie]

Cool to hear! He’s always been one of my favorite actors. Glad he didn’t go ‘Hollywood’ on you lol.

[@TheSteel101]

I was at a party in LA will a Baldwin and a few other writers/actors/directors There was a big pile of free cocaine. Was good

[@KellyNewman-z5r]

who HIM ??

[@mitchell7309]

Stark contrast to me meeting Christian Bale 🤣

[@OdaVenom]

As a contrast, what was the most abnormal, impolite, and hostile movie star you've met?

[@DanJackson1977]

Before Batman 89 came out, everyone was complaining about the Michael's casting. Wouldnt shut up about it. "Mr. Mom / Beetlejuice as Batman? Hes too short... hes not muscular.. boooo".. it came out, biggest movie of the year. Now? Everyone says "Best Batman Ever".

[@charlesmaclellan8124]

Similar to how everyone was upset about Ledger being the Joker for The Dark Knight. "What!? The guy from the gay cowboy movie!?" Now he's most people's favorite.

[@MoviesWithJosh]

I see this type of comment over 100 times but was Val and George casting was ok at the time?

[@avace917]

Yup. I remember it well. I heard about it the previous summer.

[@Halbared]

@@MoviesWithJosh I remember Keaton being unpopular at the time, and he turned out OK. Afterwards, people had come round more to unusual casting choices possibly working out.

[@murrieta49]

I wish I was old enough to really feel the Batmania for Batman and Returns

[@marvinshenk]

Michael Keaton is such a good guy. He is the Batman we all need.

[@tonyrodney9610]

I was a PA on White Noise. There was panic on the walkies because they lost Keaton and didn't know where he was. I was positioned on the street, close to a 711 and I see him come out chowing down on a hotdog. Dude is so down to earth.

[@jimthompson8947]

Great flick. Thanks for the share.

[@TheAmateurEditor]

😂 That's such a great visual!

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

​@@TheAmateurEditorMichael prolly held the door for other customers he seems like that kinda genuine nice man

[@shahartley]

Michael Keaton is still the best Batman to date for me. And he's a great actor. 'Batman', 'Beetlejuice', 'Pacific Heights', 'My Life', etc. Very different roles & he pulled them all off.

[@milk-it]

I second that!

[@jamicl2580]

Johnny Dangerously....... "Once!" 😂

[@billkeithchannel]

His version had the coolest batmobile.

[@simonmandrakejones]

Just rewatched his Batman movie recently. He is so good in it. He is so weird as Bruce Wayne.

[@cjns5253]

Mr mom

[@SebastianTinajero]

Hahaha I can’t believe Michael Keaton just spills out a giant spoiler nonchalantly, love him

[@tom_reagan]

Right?? 😂 Although Dave should take all the blame for asking the question to begin with (if the Joker killed Bruce Wayne’s parents) and then not editing that part out before it aired on TV. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@brennanbarber7469]

@@tom_reagan No one cared back then. Go watch the trailer for Rocky 4, or even the poster for Rocky 4 lol people didn't take movies so seriously back then. People get too upset about little things nowadays.

[@jedijones]

@@brennanbarber7469 A lot of 1980s trailers just tell the story of the whole movie from beginning to end.

[@machineofadream]

This story about Batman's parents being killed comes from the first Batman comic appearance from 1939, though I don't know if Joker is ever named as the killer in the comics, but at least part of that plot point isn't a total spoiler for Batman fans.

[@KellyNewman-z5r]

Letterman did.

[@TimmehJay]

The vast majority of us did not see Keaton as Batman at the time. Most of us saw him as a goofy comedic actor and it was almost an insult to think he would be cast as Batman. Boy were we wrong.

[@rdf274]

And all the way into the future, people gave slack about casting Pattinson, who nailed it as well

[@gforce9596]

​@@rdf274just fyi, people gave "flak" to Pattinson - giving someone some slack means taking it easy on them 💡

[@rdf274]

@@gforce9596 I tought I got that wrong, thanks :D

[@soccrattes2295]

That seems kinda weird, since the only reference at the time regarding live action Batman versions, would be Adam West!!

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

I wasn't aware of the debate at the time I am now after that loser Ben Afflack ruined both Daredevil and the Batman movie he was in 😉

[@Mgoblue90272]

Keaton is due in all the accolades he receives. Birdman, Beatle, juice, out of sight, well, those are my most memorable performances anyway.

[@ClockwiseCat]

DOPESICK is amazing

[@kstepko]

Agreed - also “Worth”. If he’s in it, I’m going to see it.

[@privatepenguin3137]

In one of my two times being in the Letterman audience...Michael Keaton was one of his guests. But this wasn't it. It was on the Late Show...I think '96 and he was promoting a movie called Multiplicity if I remember correctly. I love Dave and Michael's chemistry....they have such a long history together going back to the Mary Tyler Moore variety show (...if you want cringeworthy...check THAT out 🤣).

[@Andrew-Antioch-Kim]

Michael Keaton is looking great for his age and is one of the more underracted actors!

[@usuck1883]

I remember being one of those people who was skeptical of him playing Batman after he played the iconic Beetlejuice just the year before. I just thought it was weird at the time. Same happened when they announced that H. Ledger was gonna play the Joker in “The Dark Knight”. Glad they both nailed their respective roles!

[@supernerd5781]

And history repeated itself with Robert Pattinson, there's something charming about that

[@jedijones]

That's the way I felt about Ben Affleck, and then he absolutely nailed it, becoming the #1 Batman by far in my view.

[@usuck1883]

@@jedijones He was ok. Not even close to #1 tho. That still belongs to Michael Keaton (btw, he’s the highlight of ‘The Flash’ movie by far!)

[@dgm2485]

I've watched a lot of clips of Michael Keaton on Letterman and I'm always struck by how genuinely delighted they are to see each other.

[@dynaguy3]

Wow I can’t believe he spoiled that Joker killed Bruce’s parents in the movie

[@DouglasRichardson-er4ky]

That was the comic book story 1st I believe 🤔

[@brian-ld4vd]

Johnny Dangerously is one of the funniest movies of all time. Classic.

[@BenLindsay3001]

Best Batman

[@thepipsterdufus]

All day!

[@muscleoffigus]

"The best Jerry, the best"

[@paulhammons7077]

Yep

[@dianewinters8628]

Absolutely

[@carlosgrey37]

But not bruce wayne

[@pauld205]

These two could do a killer podcast

[@imtheman4805]

Man they were equals in the Improv Dept. The humor was incredible. Amazing that they both came up together on the Mary Tyler Moore show and both always hung close to Early friendships

[@staunchx]

I'd certainly listen to it!

[@micahclawrence]

Never thought about it but man Keaton would do a great podcast. Dave too though I sincerely doubt he would have the desire to adhere to a schedule ever again.

[@89BatmanFan]

Best. Batman. EVER

[@accepthisname]

34 years later and he played Batman once more, and dammit I'm ready for more. Batman Beyond next!

[@GREG_Khar-NÜ-Metalhead2000]

Im glad its cancelled! Am I the only one who hate Terry's goofy ass here? I think the only person who can replace Bruce is Azrael

[@ultra_cosmic]

I hope to see him again too. The Flash was so good

[@Mark_Brooks]

220, 221... whatever it takes.

[@siriuzbiz]

He was great in Night Shift

[@cieskokid]

"Love brokers!"

[@billkeithchannel]

That was the first theatrically released movie Henry Winker did after becoming big doing Fonzie.

[@siriuzbiz]

@@cieskokid lol

[@truthsayer9534]

“Chuck, I’m wearing white!”

[@JohnnyBravo-ww8wz]

5:47 blowing the plot 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@frankieboy8414]

Letterman's fault.

[@Joseph1NJ]

Michael Keaton was _THE BEST_ batman, which says a lot since Christian Bale, also a great actor, also played Batman.

[@erfansvideos]

That deep voice Christian Bale did as Batman is what cost people not putting him first as best Batman “Where is he?” “Nice coat!” 😂

[@Joseph1NJ]

@@erfansvideos I think being first, sans Adam West of course, made MK the original, and he made the character his own.

[@thespaceram2879]

@@erfansvideos Bale's Batman sounded like Marlon Brando.

[@gordon3576]

Birdman was one of his best. He was robbed of an Oscar.

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

I loved Birdman :) Its a masterpiece :)

[@Valaraukar8187]

Michael Keaton is awesome. The movie “Clean & Sober”, is an acting master class.

[@mr.eastcoast8369]

Damn skippy

[@rss9944]

@@mr.eastcoast8369 shut it boy

[@scottthompson9720]

The most batman actor that's ever lived on film and in real life. ICONIC AND THE FIRST TWO MOVIES ARE **LEGEND**

[@Choom2077]

Michael is the Batman.

[@RAGING_MIRAGE]

Can't believe the spoiler Michael gave away there Ha Ha.

[@RobWright1981]

Must've gotten in trouble!

[@kstepko]

I think they were far less strict about it back then, but these days …

[@kstepko]

The idea that The Joker killed Batman’s parents wasn’t taken from the comics; it originated with this film meaning that no one would have gone into the movie already knowing that twist: huge spoiler!

[@lawrencerinehart5747]

Literally grew up on him. From Mister Roger's to stand-up, Mr. Mom, Johnny Dangerously & On...He Always Gave 100%.

[@mosslyon]

Johnny Dangerously is a under appreciated movie of his.

[@relentlessflashbackin]

@@mosslyon I totally agree and I pair it with "Sunset", an underrated and forgotten Bruce Willis movie.

[@them-aasaaron6440]

Mr Rogers ?

[@donniedemarco]

@@them-aasaaron6440 right! I watched Mr. Rogers RELIGIOUSLY and I don’t remember him on there 😳.

[@billkeithchannel]

Duplicity. Remember a copy of a copy is not as bright.

[@alphadrewaz88]

God bless Michael Keaton, terrific actor. Batman '89 is a true classic.

[@ubeezy_538]

Tim Burton, Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson need to make a video together where they comment on Batman!!

[@MariselaHernandez-nn4mu]

I know, huh?! I thought this was going to be an interview about both of them. Until I reread the title (of this video).

[@BlueLeopard200]

Can't believe he gave away such a huge part of plot like that lol. Finding out about Joker killing Bruce Wayne's parents was one of those "wow moments" when seeing the film for the first time.

[@jedijones]

Think it would've been better to just reveal it at the beginning. I think it would make the audience more involved to know that all along before Bruce Wayne knows it.

[@chemicalbrother7613]

Such a great rapport between these two gentlemen. Keaton could have been a great Joker too. Burton's Batmans are my favorite because they are dark, but there's still a feeling of a fairy tale. There's a distance between that world and a real one. Nowadays, they blur that line, and it dangerously messes with the audience's mind.

[@Barbro247]

He really has that Joker face. Or atleast had it when he was younger. The hair is already there.

[@Shay_TheUnpopularOpinion_]

“Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”

[@JohmathanBSwift]

Absolutely going to see The Flash to see The Batman. I hear Michael Keaton is amazing, again. Watching Birdman tonight.

[@kstepko]

He has appeared in a few of the trailers saying his classic lines from the 1989 Batman like “You wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts” and “I’m Batman”.

[@JohmathanBSwift]

@@kstepko I know. I'm excited. I did watch Birdman last night. Had no clue what it was about. I enjoyed it.

[@JohmathanBSwift]

@@patreekotime4578 I think they have to a degree.

[@jeremydrew1227]

@@patreekotime4578 you must be living under a rock.

[@keefriff99]

Ha, what a GREAT interview…Keaton is always hilarious. Batman ‘89 is a bit dated but I still love it. Jack was a PERFECT Joker, and far from being kid-friendly, the film is actually very twisted in parts.

[@awesomejoemoviereviews3802]

The quality is fantastic. Why does this video look like it was just recorded last night.

[@HeroicRecaps]

youtube automatically upscaled its low definition videos

[@JayDeeIsMyName]

​@@HeroicRecapsyeah, that's not it. Don't applaud KZbin for Dave's company correctly saving and preserving their mastertapes in archive.

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

Michael Keaton saved my life with Batman (1989) :) :) :) No joke.

[@ah-damn-art]

Freaking Michael spoiled the twist lmao, dude's a legend!😂🦇

[@MedalionDS9]

KZbin comments: You wanna get nuts? Let's get nuts!

[@kstepko]

“If there’s trouble, I’m ready.” That’s adorable.

[@jessetellez3924]

In an Alternate Universe: Batman 89: Movie ends showing Batman looking over the city skyline as the bat signal spot light shines over head: Post Credit scene: Film fades to black but then suddenly lights back up catching the audiences' attention. You see Batman still standing over the city looking down, suddenly you hear a voice from the shadows as Batman slowly turns his head behind him. A figure stands in the shadow unable to make him out. Voice: So, you're the giant bat everyone keeps talking about. I had to come see for myself if you were the real deal or imagination. Batman: I'm no illusion. (In a calm voice) I was wondering if you'd show up. Been watching you too. Voice: Is that so? Well I can see better than most Mr.Wayne... Batman: (smirks nodding his head) I know you can... Clark. (Audience begins to gasp) Voice: You are the world's greatest detective aren't you. (He steps out of the shadows revealing 1984's Christopher Reeves Superman in a much sleaker updates suit with red belt and no underwear. Audience roars and cheers) Batman: Who would have thought the Superman in gotham. Superman: You're not the only man who looks good in a cape. Batman: So what are you to me Superman? Superman: (smiles) A friend. Here, incase you ever need back up. (Hands Batman a superman signal watch) It immits a... Batman: A high pitched frequency only you can hear. Superman: Yes. Being seeing you friend. (Camera focuses on Batman as you hear Superman fly off) Batman:(smirks) Super Friend. (Screen fades to black.)

[@jasongibson2955]

Batman was the first movie I ever recall going to with my dad. I'm 46 now

[@Heathcliff1848]

Keaton got the insane element of Bruce Wayne to a tee. A man who goes out at night dressed as a bat is not normal! Lol

[@jedijones]

He clearly has issues.

[@TheTuubster]

Watch his movie "The Paper". An underrated gem where he goes full Keaton.

[@robertforster8984]

My mom was in labor when this was being taped.

[@Theskatenerdchannel]

My favorite Batman 🦇

[@greyhoundfivemedia812]

I was in a midnight preview of Batman while this interview aired. One of the few Letterman's I missed in the late 80s.

[@jalenjohnson1662]

What was that like? Was it sold out?

[@clintrenicker5017]

Wish him and burton wouldve completed the trilogy

[@KellyNewman-z5r]

I dont feel Hollywood , has found Batman yet. I like Micheal , not the Bat.

[@Mark_Brooks]

"Just put the sheep costume on for a few minutes."

[@evenflowsteven]

That’s quite a lineup for tomorrow. 😂

[@Mark_Brooks]

Michael's son is now 40 years old.

[@robertforster8984]

So?

[@Mark_Brooks]

@@robertforster8984 Having problems being human, Robert?

[@losrajvosa0078]

Very useful info 😄

[@stebstebanesier6205]

_"Hello, this is Chuck to remind Bill to SHUT UP!"_

[@lynnturman8157]

Dave and Michael Keaton always had a great repour. At least until the falling out over which one would get to be Birdman.

[@kilroy987]

The first trailer I saw had him talking like Keaton when he said "I'm Batman" - and I thought, oh boy this is really not going to work. Fortunately he was directed to even out his performance. I liked the second movie more, though.

[@GaryGoodJob_]

He totally spoiled the movie lol the groans in the crowd haha

[@andremarc1275]

Michael Keaton talking about vanilla milk shake 30 years before playing in The Founder!!!

[@patrickdoten3928]

The best Batman, Bale comes second

[@michaelweston2285]

aw man, he spoiled the plot! now i'm not gonna go see it.

[@greywolf7583]

I wish Michael Keaton and Tim Burton would do Batman Beyond but Warner Bros won't listen to the fans and give us the fan one more Batman movie with Michael Keaton with Tim Burton

[@RichManZ]

Cant wait to see him again in the Flash Film 2023

[@evenflowsteven]

There ain’t nothin like Rocky Mountain tuna.

[@batman-sk9hg]

Keaton cuando ingresa hace su clasico movimiento .siempre lo hace .

[@orcams15lf71]

I always feel Michael Keaton is the best Batman. I'm pleased he came back for Batman Returns. When he left the role, I feel the Batman movies went downhill. Michael Keaton is a great actor anyway. My other favourite movie that he was in is Jackie Brown.

[@jamiefrisby1914]

Michael Keaton for me will always be the one and only batman and Beetlejuice for me. You know, a lot of people never thought Michael Keaton could pull Batman off, after coming off Beetlejuice, but he was better than most thought. The 89 Batman is one of my favourite all time Batmans

[@matipelmatip]

5:50 that was actually a spoiler 😅

[@henryjohnstone2951]

When the bass player casually plucks Deliverance! Killed me.

[@idontcare4gob742]

I always loved it when Dave would sing, "Midnight.. And the kitties are sleeping..."

[@Sourpusscandy]

My fav Keaton movie is Mr. Mom with Terri Garr.

[@forbiddencolor]

Imagine Kevin Feige seeing this video of Keaton spoiling the biggest plot twist of the movie right after casting him in the MCU.

[@hinthegroove9740]

Wasn’t TV just better back then…

[@zeppelinboys]

Michael Keaton is just a great guy! LOVED him as Batman, and the Nolan stuff was great. but the studios seriously need to take a long, long sabbatical from making superhero films. How many Spidermans do we need? if the Marvel/DC slop were actually well written, well produced IE not just bad CGI overload, but using real sets, etc, I wouldn't complain. in fact i'd actually watch the movies! last one i've seen was synders Watchmen from 2008(?) and the Dark Knight. and i loved comics as a kid, but the Marvel/DC universe just does not do it for me. the first Ironman was pretty good from what I remember, haven't seen it since it went out. it's all about the writing, and current day Hollywood writers are possibly the worst generation ever. none of the 'writers' working today would be able to get that job even 20 years ago, let alone in Golden Era of TV/Film. it's sad.

[@wilkiecoco]

These two were on the Mary Tyler Moore Variety Show together in the 1970's

[@relentlessflashbackin]

I never saw Michael Keaton as a comedian, I saw him as an actor. By the way the rule is that a comedian can be in a dramatic role meanwhile a dramatic actor will not work as a comedian (there are exceptions of course). And it's surprising that after the Keaton dramatic role in "Clean And Sober" people still were thinkin' about him as "Mr. Mom". And it's surprising that all the Batman that we had after Keaton and Conroy were just other characters pretendin' to be Batman. We got teenage idol Kilmer, spinsters idol Clooney, hopelessly depressed Bale and two pretty boys from a boy band tryin' so hard to be "grim and bad" that were laughable as hell. And I didn't hear so much noise as the one that was made for Keaton, time are different now, people accepts even more the predigested food that Big Companies are serving in movie theaters.

[@Raiderhead3481]

There was actually complaints about Pattinson. I feel Keaton will always be the quintessential live action Batman. I liked Affleck for the version of Batman he played and the same for Pattinson. I don't think Kilmer gets enough credit for his Batman though. He was a great Batman/Bruce Wayne in a terrible movie.

[@relentlessflashbackin]

@@Raiderhead3481 Pattison Batman was inspired by Kurt Cobain by the director admission... this is already a big facepalm... I agree that Batman isn't the colorful caricature of the '60s and the '90s, he's a dark character but come on! After the Schumacher failures they thought that just turnin' up the notch on bleakness could make Batman more serious... as far as I am concerned now it's just another type of caricature....

[@kiers1970]

Left the cinema as an 18 yr old massive Batman fan dissappointed. Nothing has changed over the years I've half watched the movie. Not keatons fault. Just a poor incarnation of the Batman. Weak story and dialogue. A half hearted attempt at rage waving a poker... Batman's rage is encompassed and with the cape and cowl. He wears Bruce's face as a mask, his true self is the Dark knight. Works so much better in the books.

[@heidinova6883]

Incredible interview of and by such talented and iconic people I love. You are both so talented, but as the Pope said, you heal people with laughter.

[@calistnway]

Mr. Mom was one of my first favorite movies, and Michael Keaton my first favorite actors, so I can’t even begin to describe how excited I was when he was announced for Batman.

[@robsonjosedasilva1277]

Michael and Jack actually nailed their roles. Hands down.

[@esmeraldaluv]

Have never seen Letterman so engaged & having a genuinely good time with a guest! Michael Keaton is cracking him up!

[@RyderDavis]

"Jack is a Great guy, and just AS GOOD AS IT GETS."

[@bmla88]

Batman 89 is one of the great summer blockbusters in my life time.

[@ariaellis50]

Miss Dave tons. Both shows. Miss him on every night. Thank goodness he's still doing some, though less. Always my favorite.

[@Green1122Shorts]

5:44 Wait, he was allowed to say that?

[@HerbyCalfRobe]

Dang. That dog has been dead forever.

[@royalpurple7655]

No one mentions Night Shift. He was great in that and starred right next to Henry Winkler.

[@DurkMcGerk]

It's now canon that Gotham City is just outside of Akron Ohio.

[@MichelleUS66]

Any clip where Dave sings his trademark tune from Cats is epic!

[@whatsfortea2431]

Midnight ...and the kitties are sleeping

[@kstepko]

He sleeps in a trailer. 😂

[@SakSuper17]

Lmao he spoiled the movie

[@xxxx777xxxx]

His then six year old son is 40 now.

[@bartondean4260]

Real name Michael Douglas

[@thechanneloffun3760]

He is the best Batman of all time, he has a lot of presence on the screen

[@FireSword1234]

He understands Batman character like no other.

[@erickeegan5999]

"it's not the size of the boat, it's the motion of the ocean"

[@jamesfoo8999]

Seems a genuine bloke. Makes me sea sick watching him tho.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

One of the greats.

[@hugo9618]

It's the founder of McDonald's

[@stephenh5865]

I want some Rocky Mountain Tuna!

[@kerryrobinson9947]

George Santos - "I am batman." 😁😁😁😁

[@gregorypatricksmith8611]

Hilarious