The Evolution of Michael Keaton's Batman Batsuits (1989-2023)

[@sit1815]

If anyone is old enough to remember - the hype around the 89 movie when it came out was absolutely insane. It was pretty much the biggest thing in the world at the time. Doesn’t seem like anything like that has come close since.

[@JJ-zo7jv]

That’s actually crazy I didn’t realize that. That movie is definitely a landmark of cinema and I’m sure it beyond delivered to the audiences.

[@mikeecko]

Yup , it blew my mind . That and 1990 TMNT

[@adamlacey81]

I remember it still, was too young to see it at the time (managed to watch it on VHS eventually) but was fascinated with the trailers, magazines and comics and wanting that batman outfit.

[@timonsteup2877]

Well, the hype for Star Wars Ep.1 TPM in 1999 was crazy, too...

[@davidmreyes77]

Summer of 89 was awesome if you were a kid, into WWF wrestling and Batman.

[@spengler2258]

Keaton’s suit has always been phenomenal, in my opinion. It just has this absolutely excellent silhouette, it has the cape draped over the shoulders which we don’t see as much as we should, the completely black tone of the suit itself… it’s near perfect for me.

[@mitchell7309]

Agreed. Ear length too. Best movie bat suits IMO are Batman 89 and The Batman

[@xyoungdipsetx]

Only thing is he can't turn his neck his whole body needs to turn

[@mitchell7309]

I like bat turn. It had menace

[@ChristmasCrustacean1]

@@mitchell7309 same, the bat turn is iconic. the menace of Batman 89/Returns was there in Batman Begins and the new suit in TDK and TDKR reduced the menace.

[@spengler2258]

@@mitchell7309Same for me. I love Affleck’s suits and Bale’s will always have a special place in my heart, but my absolute favourites are Batman ‘89 (beating out the Returns suit just slightly) and Pattinson’s The Batman suit. Two very different yet still very Batman costumes that look iconic in their own ways.

[@yamibrian3099]

It's cool that The Flash is going to cameo in the new Batman movie.

[@allanbard6048]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SouthPawArtist]

The Returns suit is my all-time favorite. From the art-deco styling to the perfectly refined and sharpened cowl, it’s a beautiful beast. @8:24 shows how its curves and angles make it a gorgeously sculpted work of art when exposed to the right amount of light. Happy to own the Toynami replica of this iconic cowl. @5:44 Air Jordan 6 also happens to be one of my favorite AJ’s, and the shoe being the base for the Returns Boots makes the whole suit even more awesome in my book.

[@TheMichaelStott]

My fav is the 89 suit. The fact he couldn't turn his head or the bat symbol was no where near as bad as when after Keaton they introduced us to the "Bat Nip".

[@mattdawg83686]

I remember back in 1989 watching the trailer for Batman, and when I saw the Keaton in the suit I instantly thought: HOLY HELL HE IS BATMAN!

[@MattKayser]

Yeah, people crapped all over the idea of him as Batman... and then the trailer came out 😆

[@dredae76]

​@KevinKrayden then they did the same to Robert Pattinson.

[@gothamharborreplicas]

AWESOME vid! A couple little interesting points to add- 1989 suit: some of the bodysuits used were actually white fabric (before black rubberizer was applied), and several of the screen used costumes have been photographed over the years in deteriorating state, the rubberizing having delaminated and exposing the white fabric underneath. Vin Burnham had said in an interview, that there was very little stretch and flexibility in the hero suit which was stitched to very tightly fit Michael Keaton's body. You can see in a couple behind the scenes shots, they actually use electrical tape wrapped over the forearms which would be hidden by the gloves; this was to help keep everything taut and prevent bunching at the elbows. The chest armor sculpt was designed after a Roman gladiator armor plate. There was a base harness worn underneath, straps that went back over the shoulders, offering a Chicago screw plate in front for everything to mount through the chest armor; the foam latex in the original suit was very soft so they needed to lock everything in place in the chest area to prevent sag and rumpling with movement. The returns suit was much lighter and did not need the weight-bearing harness. For some 89 shots they had glued thin metal cheek plates under fabric, attaching them inside the sides of the cowl's mouth opening. They'd had some troubles with keeping it tight to the face for some close-up shots. With regards to the emblem having tiny feet, reportedly the producers saw the posters and were concerned that the negative space of the black bat looked like an open mouth, and adding the little feet on the bottom negated that. 1992 suit: In some Dave Lea (RIP) stills you showed, he is wearing the "original" mask designed by Steve Wang; it was a slightly streamlined 1989 mask but still has the wider cheekbones and temples, and a bit more of the round shape on the sides of the head. You can see the brow is almost directly copied off the 89 cowl, very different that Returns. Several "Steve Wang" were produced before they refined the designs. One ended up at a Planet Hollywood! This oddball variant cowl was worn in a couple of the stunt shots as well! Final "hero" Returns mask shape ran straight down the sides of the head to the traps (with an air space around the sides of the neck which you can see in the scene where he rips off his mask for Selena). Returns used the same fins as 89 for the gloves! Only the fins & belt were shared across the two suits. 2022/2023 suits: in those Batgirl BTS shots, looks like they are also using a taller cowl which allows for protective padding on the stunt suit, necessary for the stuntman's safety. Remember that terrible photo of the bulbous Pattinson cowl used for the motorcycle stunt shots in Scotland a few years back? Thankfully the hero version appears to be a bit better proportioned. Looks like the 1989 "battle damage"/cathedral suit in the armory vault in the new movie, incorrectly has a gold belt. The 1989 belt would have been mustard yellow.The Returns suit shown next to it, appears to have shorter lower front tips & different emblem flap proportions (and may also be using the newer slightly larger emblem from the 2023 suit with the thinner black rim). Just got the new Mcfarlane images today on the new 12" figures and the revised Batmobile (it's a Keaton, with different wheelbase, aircraft-style canopy, and body paneling segmented in a way it was not before). Might've gotten the same treatment as the revised multi-seater Batwing! We are SO excited over here!!

[@Harri927]

Michael Keaton will always be my favorite live action Batman in my humble opinion. His suit from Batman Returns is my favorite. I love the art deco style of the suit.

[@michaelturner3734]

The Returns suite is just a thing of beauty and still my favourite to this day!

[@jaydenfulton9026]

I absolutely love Keaton's suit no matter what film it's in!!!!

[@nathancruz9172]

Me too. Especially the iconic 🦇 signal.

[@JohnnyBRad]

I love this series brother. It’s so cool to see progression of suits over the years and your breakdown

[@gutz1981]

Adam West: "I didn't need molded plastic to improve my physique. (Taps Chest Twice) Pure... West!"

[@nbarealtalker]

The Returns suit is GOAT’d. Probably the best suit in all of live action. Everything just looks right 🙌

[@harleyjackson3708]

I love his new suit. It's the perfect blend between the two Keaton Suits. It has the muscular structure of the suit from '89, and the armored look of Returns. Most importantly, Michael Keaton is wearing it.

[@harleyjackson3708]

I see a reply is here but I don't see the reply. Must have been something bad lol 😂

[@nathancruz9172]

Me too.

[@Pbmarron]

The 89 suit is my favorite. I love its rougher look. It's so intimidating.

[@erichutton3669]

Super pumped and excited to see Keaton in the Flash movie! My favorite would have to be the 89 Keaton suit for sure

[@crazyhorsecavdoc4916]

That Neal Adams suit is so awesome. Reminds me of the grey and blue Kenner figure

[@paulloughlin3732]

I love the bat symbol on the '89 suit, very unique and fitting for the visual style of the move. I think I saw somewhere that a costume designer referred to them as feet.

[@goldoozaru]

great info! awesome stuff!

[@blueonetwothree1701]

The 1989 suit is the best. This suit made me a Batman movie fan back in the days :)

[@mikeecko]

OG 89 Batman for me. That was my childhood. I was obsessed with that film as a kid. I got some black duct tape and made my own mask. 😂 It wasn't very good , but being a 9 year old it was perfect for me. I use to draw Batman all the time. Lots of great memories 💯💯👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🤜🏼🤛🏼✌🏼👋🏼

[@wleedsloiner]

brilliant video Chris, thank you

[@vhockada]

Good timing. This one will rack up some views.

[@joshlopez2021]

I was exited even people were excited to see Michael Keaton coming back as batman

[@miguelhernandez6489]

Great video thanks for posting it

[@TheTFChannel]

13:23 if you look closer at that blue and grey suit, it appears to have white lenses in the eye holes

[@micmaliss]

The '89 Batsuit and the first Bat-suit that Kilmer wore in Batman Forever are my favorites. People do not give the '95 first Bat-suit its due. It's a gorgeous costume. I challenge anyone to watch BF and analyze the first suit he wore during the elevator fight.

[@TheMimeFromHell]

The "panther" suit from Forever was alright, But it was the first suit to have nipples.🤣✌

[@williamjohnson8608]

After seeing the trailer, I was really hoping you’d make this video!

[@bouchamr]

Awesome video, My 1st Batman who started it all and The Batmobile and I really like Keatons new Batwing in the Flash

[@iamnotkyle7248]

2:38 Michael Caine if he was casted as Batman.

[@G.O.D-F.O.X]

Batman tells Vicki in 89 "That Bat's are great survivors" hence why he chose to dress like one. Also Tim Burton has said in interviews That Batman doesn't go around making speeches. Ironically that's exactly what Nolan's The Dark Knight ends up doing. The reason he designed the suit that way was to resemble a medieval knight hence the reason the head can not turn. Burton's Batman literally is a Dark Knight. You should look up the first draft of Batman 89 October 1986. As far as Batman Returns is concerned, the canopies slowed down Catwoman's fall she did not die. The cats surrounding her are a red herring. The scene itself is straight from one of the covers of the comic book series Catwoman year one. She suffered a head injury that brought about another personality, maybe her real one. Selina even tells Max and Bruce she has amnesia. Nosferatu inspired the look of the film. And the Penguin was combined with the Mutant Leader from The Dark Knight Returns.

[@LesWalker2023]

Love it Chris! Great round up and description of details of each suit. Thanks and keep these up!

[@meneses_i2301]

I really like how they are expanding burtonverse lore by making a golden age and silver age inspired suit as precursors to the 89 suit.

[@dannyday1984]

I was calmly anticipating when you would start talking about the Keaton suit(s) and it’s here! Yesss!!!

[@DarthCobay]

I’ve been making my own Keaton (inspired) suit for like 5-10 years or so. The first version was made out of foam with a black padded top, a bale latex mask, and a belt made out of whatever I could find. Later I updated the belt to foam, as well as the symbol. Now I’m using 3D printing. Version 2.0 is looking really cool!

[@Ethan-wr2os]

I'd love to see how that ends up, that sounds awesome

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

Keaton in my opinion looks better in the suit now than he did in 1992.

[@REaDComicsau]

Chris keep doing videos like this for other movies and characters, it’s so interesting.

[@bradscott8567]

The Batman returns cowl is the best hands down. Sleek lines 👌

[@jasonotoole1822]

Keaton as Batman is awesome and the Batman Returns suit is my all time favourite as it is so refined after Batman 89.

[@kamil.p5134]

Last suit in TV spot is NOT Knightmare suit nor Gotham By Gaslight suit. It's an Arctic Batman suit, based on the toy with the same name while Batman Returns was playing in theaters

[@manricobianchini5276]

Classic design. Loved the cowl and cape of the Batman Returns suit.

[@EDAR96]

This video dropped at the perfect time

[@Mike-0201]

Loved the muscle suit from ‘89, but loved the thinner cowl and bat logo on the Returns suit. Would like to combine the two.

[@protolegacy9184]

I gotta say I think they should of kept the yellow belt on the suit.It's part of the iconic look for Keaton. Also I see the webbing over the chest symbol is designed to keep the cape from draping down the chest and shoulders.A look that is part of the character that will be missing as well.The cowl is thinner is as well.I believe this is for Keatons comfort but again it looks better thicker. Interesting how different the suit really is.I really would of stuck closer to the original design but being flexible on the abdomen sculpt.

[@Superman-xr1oh]

Yeah, the belt being black really throws it off for me. They should've kept it yellow.

[@joshoshea3194]

You tend to forget just how much of a game changer the original 89 suit was. If I'm honest I know I did until you literally just mentioned it. My favourites probably still Returns & Begins but I'd REALLY like to see that blue & grey suit from the Superbowl commercial.

[@tclark6989]

I wish we could mix & match. New suit, Returns cowl, '89 gauntlets/boots.

[@matthewpayne6122]

The Batman Returns suit is my favorite but the blue and gray one from the vault is my second.

[@paulbowler5345]

The Batman Returns suit is still my favourite, it's so sleek looking, but Keaton's updated suit for The Flash movie looks cool as well

[@troywinston]

Batman, Superman, Spiderman have always been my top 3 favorites. But I love good superhero stories in general. I thought it was brilliant to do body armor, as one thing in comics I could never really get with is the no-protection spandex and undies over (not with Spiderman, per se, but still...). Batman Returns suit is still my favorite. 🙂

[@nathancruz9172]

Me too.

[@sit1815]

Great content Chris… keep up the good work. What can you tell us about Robert Englands NIGHTMARES IN THE MAKEUP CHAIR documentary. How can we see it?

[@PaulRizzo]

Nothing beats the Returns cowl!

[@kota4666]

just watched 89 last night amazing movie 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Flash007b]

Looking forward for the rest of the Batsuit evolution videos!

[@montbraestudios]

Keaton’s suit is pretty dope!

[@mitrooper]

Very informative video, thanks. Also, still have to get the re-release of Hot Toy's Batman 1989, missed out on the first release years ago. 6:38

[@m.c.ufan1019]

It's so Great to have Michael Keaton back as Batman after 30 years! Back in a batsuit with the cape and cowl, he's still got it. 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@Clay3613]

Returns is my favorite movie and Batsuit.

[@GuyWebz]

Batman Returns’ batsuit is my favorite of all of Keaton’s batsuits

[@stephenjones9240]

Iv never seen the Keaton concept suit from forever. Now I have a new goal

[@dynaguy3]

I absolutely love the blue and gray suit in the vault

[@williamseneyjr.6277]

Same here. And I used to think a blue and grey Batman wouldn't really work on film but now I'm curious haha.

[@cadebennett7160]

Awesome vid!! Was extremely interesting to watch. I'd love to see a combination suit with the 89 muscle structure and sleek/sharp Returns cowl.

[@Mike-0201]

I totally agree!!!

[@West_Bros_Racing]

When I was a kid watching 89 Batman I never noticed his Batman emblem being different.

[@Ranger7Studios]

The Returns suit (and film) is still imo the best.

[@Metalmessiah007]

Keaton's Batman...and Bruce Wayne is the epitome of what a live action Batman should be...he's the perfect on screen Batman

[@Optimistprime.]

I was 8 in 89 and I only really knew Adam West batman. So when I saw this batman, it absolutely blew my mind! I can't even tell you. Even to this day. That suit, is my absolutely perfect batsuit to this day!

[@darthgoku90]

His Batsuits have always been my favorite in any medium when it comes to color scheme in spite of its lack of mobility. I don't really get why artists and fans would prefer the gray bodysuit, especially with the briefs. Even though I grew up on Batman the Animated Series (and the rest of the DCAU), I kinda wish they used the same design for their Batsuit as Michael Keaton's. Or even one where the entire bodysuit featured the same black-with-blue-highlights color scheme as the cape and cowl. Anyway, I like how the Flash's Batsuit basically gives you the idea that this is how Keaton's Batman would've looked if he was in Batman Forever (even if he is a lot older than he would've been in 1995).

[@Austroid]

An all black Batsuit is visually boring imo. There's a reason why his blue/gray with yellow oval look is still so iconic. He's "the Dark Knight," but that doesn't mean he can't have some color.

[@darthgoku90]

@@Austroid Well that again is why Keaton's Batsuits are my favorite for not being all black, compared to say Christian Bale's or Robert Pattinson's, or even all blue like George Clooney's (though that wasn't the only problem with his, heh). Having the classic yellow oval chest logo and the yellow utility belt makes all the difference for me, though I don't mind that Keaton's new Batsuit in the Flash movie comes with a black belt cuz like I already said it basically makes him look like what he may have worn if he was in Batman Forever instead of Val Kilmer (and Tim Burton was still the director).

[@RonnieFarrellofficial]

It’s good to see Michael Keaton as Batman again but he’s old now and in his 70s he had to have a special skeleton in the suit to make the suit comfortable for him again he can’t do all the things with the suit like he used to that’s why there is a special skeleton inside the batsuit for Keaton

[@joe_morris]

I’m a big fan of the TDKR/Ross suit. I’m always a huge fan of Alex Ross’ style and influence. Cowl also reminds me of the cancelled Justice league movie cowl! I’ve always wanted to see what a grey batsuit on Keaton would look like

[@markcoledrumteacher]

I very slightly prefer the Returns suit to the 89 suit. But nostalgia for the 89 suit has a strong pull. I do miss the big round cape on the new version, but the new shape looks more bat-like, I suppose.

[@scottmcclary594]

I hope he calls the blue and gray suit the "iron winch suit" out loud in the movie like the original Kenner figure!

[@Michaelengelmann]

Batgirl movie was made to spite new WB suits from old WB suits & how the costume looked cheap and was a big CW pilot. Someone tried to tell me I was wrong but wouldn’t give proof of other superhero suits looking worse bc “it would look better when CGI was added” well, here I am” and the other suits still look better.

[@BadaBingFilms]

Dont think I have ever seen anyone tuck their ears under their hat mate! Great breakdown video! Carry on.

[@Michaelengelmann]

I hate the gap of Keaton’s Bat suit where the chest is for the second movie

[@elwoodjacobs4353]

For me, the perfect Keaton Batsuit would be to take the logo from the '89 suit & put it on the Returns suit.

[@Bertiesghost]

The ‘92 Batsuit has always been my favourite.

[@Patrick-fj4vz]

Batman Returns suit!!!! All day🦇

[@kyleg1464]

I love the aqua suit in the vault! I've always dreamed of seeing Batman wear something like that on the big screen. Fingers crossed he actually puts it on. The specialty suit gimmick is something I always wished they would have done in the Animated Series. But the original 1989 suit is still my fav. It looks so rugged and badass; you can tell he's fought in it for years. So much history suggested in all those little blemishes-------the one ear slightly more bent than the other, the scratches above the left eye. I also love its bizarre bat symbol. I wouldn't say I like that symbol better than the normal one, but I do love that this suit has a unique symbol that you won't ever see on another suit. And you can't beat the utility belt from '89 and Returns. It's just so cool-looking! Talk about classy. I looooove that belt buckle. No other utility belts have come close IMO.

[@icemav5740]

Returns suit is definitely the best imo

[@Joseph-oo7pp]

I'm going to be so sad to see alternate Barry cut up the Returns suit to make his own Flash suit (you can identify which suit he cuts up from some of the promo images where you can see the plated armor on the abdomen). The Returns suit absolutely is the best, being a clear refinement of the '89 suit.

[@Batmobileize]

It could always be a spare Returns suit. Remember, Keaton’s Bruce had an entire rack of extra Returns Batsuits to choose from.

[@rosemaryfarell5264]

Actually Keaton was up for doing Forever without Burton but Clashed with Joel Schumacher about the direction the film was going. I get it though but glad we get him again now.

[@commanderskittles6558]

As a gay cat, I approve this channel!

[@abrimfulofasha]

Meow

[@TsDwelling]

Batman Returns for me. Love that movie. Catwoman....meeeow. My favorite from all the suits is the Dark Knight Returns inspired suit, because it doesn't appear to have a cape. That is seriously intimidating, because that is a Batman that's there to stay. No retreat, here to lay waste. Bad A.

[@marvinonstage]

That second to last suit looks mote like Kingdom Come suit.

[@geoffreylane5606]

He wore all black Jordan 8s in Batman returns 👍🏾. And they are probably the most comfortable sneakers ever made in history also made by Nike.

[@rorylumley4727]

Returns is my favorite. If the flash movie had a yellow belt it might edge it out.

[@tyranusgraves2848]

Loved this video! Keaton and Conroy will always be the definitive Batmen in my life, and Keaton's suits definitely were my favorites. Personally I love the grungy look of the 89 suit, but I have a soft spot for the Returns suit as well. Can't wait to see the Man rock this new suit(s) in the Flash.

[@Burger-h1j]

The 1989 one is still my favourite!!!

[@Aenigmakil]

Awesome 🦇🖤

[@RandomRamblings86]

The suit on the right looks a lot more like an arctic suit to me

[@Azrael725]

The big problem I have with the new Flash suit is the way the cowl drapes over the shoulders. It also looks like he's wearing big goofy shoulder pads. One small detail is the way they framed the cowl around the eyes and cheeks. It doesn't line up with the mouth opening like the 89 and Returns suit did. The mouth opening is also more angled and slender whereas the Returns suit gave Keaton more of a squared jaw look. The Returns suit will always hold a special place in my heart. I also want to give credit to Kilmers panther cowl. He looked fantastic in it. I think if he had been given a better movie he could've been one of the best Batmen.

[@RavenChopper]

"looks like he's wearing big goofy shoulder pads." Maybe it's a nod to Bale's "I'm not wearing hockey pads" line? Maybe not.

[@mirvmn2]

The 89 suit will always be my favorite :)

[@damionalbarr7961]

LOVE the blue and grey

[@Michaelengelmann]

I like Ezra as Flash. I like the JL suit. It’s like if Flash existed in the real world. Like Nolan’s Batman trilogy. A fabric suit would be almost crazy if his character isn’t developed, I say Flash needs 2 solo movies & 1.5 (gets destroyed) team up movies before a futuristic type upgrade from his future self, then does a Flashpoint. I’m torn abt the movie, bc Keaton is back as Batman & I want to see how they do that but I want to see Negan (Thomas in BvS) as Batman & them going with the Snyderverse. I also feel like everything with Ezra, some things are being played up bc to some ppl or one person if he’s doing all these crazy things whose gonna double check if someone lied? I feel like after all the stuff Joss did during the reshoots/rewrites & the same with the Flash movie, it broke him, making him a victim of WB/Joss too

[@thesparingdonkey30]

Ant-Man's suits are certainly a decent evolution. I have mixed feelings about the Quantumania suit but really liked the Civil War (Giant-Man) suit.

[@user-dk9vt2eq3u]

Returns suit is peak aesthetics of the time. Only surpassed by BvS Batman suit.

[@Rogge73]

That statue….. jesus, so life like!!!!

[@sporadicamnesic]

I think the suit with the goggles etc is supposed to be an Arctic/Cold weather suit as it also has a hood on the cape from what I've heard in other vids about that particular image. I think my personal favoute has to be Returns. THe new suit definitely looks like a combination of Returns and '89. It has the mechanical, art deco-esue theme in the body armour, however the cowl on the Flash suit reminds me more of the '89 suit with it's more bulbous look instead of the sleeker, more streamlined cowl from the Returns suit. Also in that shot from the trailer where he says "yeah, I'm Batman" the cowl looks a bit crooked and not fitted to his face and head very well, again, like the '89 suit cowl which was bulky and didn't sit completely flush to his face like the Returns cowl did At least it doesn't look like Sam Smith's scuba diver after a curry suit ;)

[@shokid24]

That scuba suit looks sweet!

[@akshaytrayner1960]

I always loved the classic suit

[@makingmoneywithmj7752]

Would have liked to have seen the 95' Sonar suit as if to imply he met & defeated alt. timeline Riddler & Two face. The idea that Gotham didn't have any major villains between 1992 & 2023 is a little preposterous. If we can't even get like a 60 sec highlight reel of the gap time, I'm gonna be so pissed. Maybe they can touch up some archive footage & throw it in with some unused Batgrl film footage.