George Clooney has made a brief appearance in the recent DC Comic film “The Flash” as Bruce Wayne, Batman’s alter ego. As part of the multiverse, Clooney reprised the role that he famously played in the 1997 film “Batman & Robin.” Although the actor joked about a clamor for him to come back as Batman, he was firm in his decision that his superhero days were behind him.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Clooney joked about the removal of his iconic rubber nipples from the Batman suit and said, “It’s not really my Batman, is it?” However, when asked if he would fully reprise the role, the actor was clear that he had no intention of doing so, stating, “I don’t think there’s enough drugs in the world for me to go back.”
Clooney’s performance in “Batman & Robin” was widely ridiculed by critics, and the film’s reception has become infamous. The actor is acutely aware of the movie’s reputation, frequently joking about it when discussing the role. In fact, Clooney has even warned other actors not to take on the role of Batman, stating that he advised his friend Ben Affleck against playing the character in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”
Although Clooney reprised his role as Bruce Wayne in “The Flash,” the actor was not asked to play Batman again. He previously admitted to Variety that he had not been approached to reprise the role, stating, “When you destroy a franchise the way I did, usually they look the other way.”
Clooney also humorously revealed that his wife, Amal, is not permitted to watch certain films, including “Batman & Robin.” In an interview with Variety, he joked, “There are certain films I just go, ‘I want my wife to have some respect for me.’”
Despite the disappointment of some fans who hoped for a full Batman comeback by George Clooney, the actor has firmly stated his intention to leave the superhero role behind. This cameo appearance in “The Flash” will likely be the last time audiences see Clooney in the Batman suit.