Michael Keaton missed roles in some iconic films and television shows throughout his career, choices that have intrigued fans and altered Hollywood history in unexpected ways. From nearly starring in the JJ Abrams series Lost to passing on several blockbuster movie roles, these decisions reveal how Keaton’s career path could have looked very different.
Early Career Opportunities and Near Misses in the 1980s
In the 1980s, Michael Keaton gained fame through his performances in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and the Batman reboot, making him a highly sought-after actor. Yet, before his rise to superstardom, Keaton was offered parts in landmark films that went on to break box office records. Notably, he was considered for roles in 1984’s Ghostbusters, with chances to play either Peter Venkman or Egon Spengler, both parts that eventually became iconic. He also declined a chance to star alongside Daryl Hannah in the romantic comedy Splash, which starred Tom Hanks.
Turning Down Roles in the 1990s and Their Effects
Keaton’s choices continued into the 1990s when he rejected several significant roles that later became critical and commercial successes. He opted out of working with Tom Hanks again in Philadelphia, a film that earned multiple Oscars. In 1995, Keaton passed on a lucrative $15 million offer to reprise his role as Batman in Batman Forever, a decision that surprised many.
One of the most notable roles Keaton declined during the ’90s was the lead in the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day, a movie that has since become a beloved classic. This part of Phil Connors was ultimately played by Bill Murray after being considered by various actors including Tom Hanks and Chevy Chase. Reflecting on this, Keaton told Entertainment Weekly:
“I didn’t get it. I thought, This guy sounds like the kind of wry, sardonic, glib young man I’ve played, and it ended up being so great. But you can’t do that better than Bill Murray did it.”
— Michael Keaton
Career Challenges and Revivals
Following these missed opportunities, Michael Keaton’s prominence in Hollywood dimmed for about twenty years. Although he continued working consistently, his presence was less dominant than in his early years. However, the 2010 Will Ferrell comedy The Other Guys reminded the film industry of Keaton’s unique talent, sparking a career resurgence.
This revival was cemented by his critically acclaimed performance in 2014’s Birdman, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. Keaton portrayed a former star struggling to revive his career through a Broadway play, earning an Academy Award nomination and winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor. His success continued with the acclaimed film Spotlight in 2015, which won him a SAG award, and his portrayal of businessman Ray Kroc in The Founder in 2016.
Recent Projects and Future Prospects
In 2022, Keaton gained further acclaim for his role in the TV series Dopesick, receiving another Golden Globe. He has also returned to franchises that helped launch his stardom by filming a Beetlejuice sequel and reprising his role as Batman in The Flash.
However, his involvement with the DC Extended Universe faced setbacks when the $90 million film Batgirl, starring Leslie Grace and Brendan Fraser alongside Keaton, was completely shelved after poor test screenings, despite Keaton having finished filming.
Looking ahead, Keaton is preparing for the psychological thriller The Whisper Man, where he will star alongside Robert De Niro and Adam Scott from Severance, promising another intense addition to his recent work.
