Michael Keaton Almost Starred in This Oscar-Winning Clint Eastwood Film

Keaton almost appeared in one of Eastwood’s best films, which would go on to win two Oscars. Michael Keaton Almost Starred In ‘Mystic River’ Keaton’s stardom had long since faded in the early 21st century.

After leaving the Batman franchise following the release of 1992’s Batman Returns, Keaton became more of a character actor than a leading man. While his work in films such as Much Ado About Nothing, Out of Sight, Jackie Brown, and The Paper was certainly impressive, those films succeeded based on the success of their respective ensembles and directors; Keaton was less essential to their popularity. This doesn’t suggest that he made any missteps as an actor, but it did change audiences’ perspectives on what a “Michael Keaton movie” actually was.

Although Keaton’s ensemble work was still largely within comedically-minded films, Eastwood still felt that he would be a good fit for his latest crime thriller Mystic River. Based on the highly acclaimed novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane, Mystic River centers on the experiences of three childhood friends who grew up together in Boston.