Pittsburgh native Michael Keaton to play Batman in 2022 movie

Pittsburgh native Michael Keaton is slated to reprise his role as Batman in “The Flash,” a film anticipated for 2022.

In the upcoming movie, DC Films will employ what is known as a multiverse, which allows for different versions of the same character to exist simultaneously in parallel worlds. This creates alternate universes and multiple variations of characters.

The movie will therefore feature two Batman characters. Ben Affleck will join Keaton as one of the movie’s two Batman actors. Ezra Miller will play Flash.

Rumors of Keaton’s return as Batman, a role he hasn’t played in nearly 30 years, have circulated for months.

The movie’s scheduled release date in the United States is June 2, 2022.

Keaton previously played the Dark Knight in “Batman” in 1989 and “Batman Returns” in 1992, both of which earned widespread plaudits. The 1989 film became the fastest to earn $100 million, reaching the milestone figure within 11 days. It earned critical acclaim, as well as an Academy Award for Best Art Direction.

Keaton is a native of Robinson. His family name is Douglas; he took the stage name Keaton early in his acting career to avoid confusion with the actor Michael Douglas and talk-show host Mike Douglas. He keeps in touch with his Pittsburgh roots, following his hometown sports teams and giving back to the community.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Keaton collaborated with Pittsburgh-based nonprofits — including 412 Food Rescue, A+ Schools and the Latino Community Center — to support a school bus meal distribution initiative.

Another upcoming iteration of the Batman series, “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson is scheduled for release on Oct. 21.

Actors Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale and Affleck have also starred in the role of Batman.