Maybe not in terms of the time commited, but in the sense of trying to cobble something and generate some excitement about a franchise that is in a bit of a mess, I think this "older Batman with nostalgic value" role is sort of the glue they're looking for. I mean let's be honest, Ezra Miller's Flash is not at all the selling point of this supposed Flash movie.
But at the same time, any big blockbuster franchise commitment is a pretty big commitment. It's more time spent flying around the world, away from his family/the ranch, doing press, less time on other passion projects he might want to pursue. Even if it's not a huge starring role, it would become a big part of his life. If Keaton is having any second thoughts, I can imagine him trying to figure out if his heart is really in it to jump in and spend a good chunk of his 70s playing this character again, and all that comes with that. I think it'd be understandable.
Fair point about Sam Jackson, but he also signed onto that role 13 years ago. I'm sure he can very easily ask to be killed off (again) whenever he's feeling done with it, if that day ever comes.
I totally agree that Keaton is a better fit for this older mentor role, though. And I have a lot of mixed feelings about Bale being involved. I'm just preparing myself for the disappointment if it doesn't pan out.
I think if WB lost Keaton that would be a pretty big blow to the Flash film, so I agree with you. It certainly wouldn't help WB in terms of their PR with fandom.
Imo, The likelihood of Bale even agreeing to appear is pretty much nil unless Nolan gives him his blessing .
The only other options for an
older mentor Batman would be to either
A) Recast Batman yet again with
another veteran or older actor playing a
new version of Bruce Wayne in yet
another continuity
B) Get George Clooney to reprise the role since Kilmer is still in recovery . And that would obviously be controversial and raise eyebrows even in the mainstream press , and would also likely be a non starter with Clooney himself anyway
C) They go the Thomas Wayne Flashpoint route and get Jefferey Dean Morgan back . Even that option is problematic since you can't build a "Nick Fury type Batman" character based on Thomas Wayne.
If not those three options, none of which are great, then you either drop the whole "old Batman mentor" thing and try to keep Affleck as part of the DCEU going forward, or you basically try to incorporate Pattinson's Batman into the DCEU, which again runs into a Nolan like issue with Matt Reeves .
They could also just drop the whole Batman thing all together ,but that would cause a
major change in the script ,and would probably change the project overall, which would mean more delays.
I'm not saying these option are what I want, by any means. I'm saying these are the options WB would be left with if Keaton walks.