Credit: DC / Warner Bros.The world established in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) continues to be among the most popular portrayals of Gotham City. Its unique, quasi-gothic style inspired many subsequent iterations across all forms of media, and yet it still stands out from all the rest to this day.
The same can be said about Michael Keaton’s Batman. Though far from the darkest version of the iconic character, there’s something hugely appealing about both his depiction of billionaire bachelor Bruce Wayne and his gadget-wielding, alleyway-stalking alter ego.
It’s no wonder fans just can’t get enough of Burton’s Dark Knight and the world he inhabits. This explains why they continue to revisit that original 1989 film, and, though probably not as often, the 1992 sequel, Batman Returns, which isn’t quite as beloved as its predecessor.
But, did you know there’s a whole lot more to the “Burtonverse” than just those two iconic silver-screen installments? And now, there’s another one on the way, which will loosely adapt what would have been Tim Burton’s third Batman film.
Why Tim Burton’s Batman 3 Never Got Made
The shift between Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992) and Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever (1995) is jarring to say the least. Not only does Batman Forever opt for a quasi-futuristic aesthetic for everything from Batman’s gadgets to Gotham City itself, the film sees Val Kilmer slip into the cape and cowl, replacing Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader.
Keaton would never return to the Burtonverse–but he did appear in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Multiverse adventure The Flash in 2023. In Batman & Robin (1997), also directed by the late Schumacher, things took on an even more “cyberpunk” aesthetic as opposed to Burton’s quasi-gothic style, while George Clooney took over from Kilmer.
However, it’s not widely known that Tim Burton considered directing a third Batman film himself. But, following the critical reception of Batman Returns, Warner Bros. reportedly encouraged the director to move onto pastures new. And so Burton was replaced with Schumacher, who turned the series into a more family-and-merchandise-friendly property.
Batman Forever is regarded a cult classic by fans, but Batman & Robin was a critical and financial disaster. Now, neither film is considered canon with the Tim Burton-directed entries. Since then, Keaton has appeared in The Flash and also reprised his role in Batgirl, although the latter DCEU film was famously canceled by Warner Bros. Discovery in 2022.
Now, Burton’s third Batman film is finally being given a second chance in the form of a brand-new novel from John Jackson Miller, the author behind last year’s “Batman: Resurrection.” Some fans might scoff at the mere mention of a book, but Miller’s work, along with DC Comics’ “Batman ’89” comic book series, is actually official Burtonverse content.
Here’s everything we know about “Batman: Revolution.”
Everything We Know About “Batman: Revolution”
What’s It About?
Miller’s first novel, “Resurrection,” takes place weeks after the events of the 1989 film to find Keaton’s Dark Knight dealing with the aftermath of The Joker’s campaign of terror against Gotham City (don’t worry — if you haven’t read it yet, we won’t get into any spoilers).
Now, “Revolution” continues to bridge the gap between the first film and Batman Returns.
“It’s summer, and Gotham City has cause for celebration. The last vestiges of The Joker’s toxic legacy have finally faded, just in time for the mayor to partner with retail magnate Max Shreck to stage a Fourth of July celebration for the ages,” the official synopsis reads.
“But not everyone is rejoicing. Batman’s eternal vigilance continues as threats from rival gangs and masked criminals escalate by the day. Meanwhile, on the streets, protests grow in opposition to the city’s lavish excesses.”
“Revolution” will introduce the Burtonverse’s second version of The Riddler—who was expected to appear in Burton’s third film—the first version, Edward Nigel Maynard, has already appeared in the “Batman ’89” comic book series. Now, Norman Pinkus, who appeared in last year’s “Resurrection,” will become Batman’s latest foe.
“No one is experiencing the struggle between Gotham’s optimism and doubt more than Norman Pinkus,” the synopsis continues.
“The Gotham Globe’s humble copy boy, he’s the unacknowledged mastermind behind the newspaper’s mega-popular Riddle Me This word puzzles. But Norman harbors a secret. He is the smartest man in Gotham City, using his prodigious skills to solve crimes anonymously for years via the police tip line—before Batman even knows there’s a crime to solve.”
“As they clash, Norman—now known as The Riddler—and Batman will uncover hidden secrets about Gotham’s past that will have dire consequences for the city’s future.”
Who’s Returning?
John Jackson Miller has confirmed that several characters from the films will return in his new book. His first installment included a number of iconic Burtonverse characters such as Michael Gough’s Alfred Pennyworth, Pat Hingle’s Commissioner James Gordon, Robert Wuhl’s Alexander Knox, and, of course, Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Despite being a precursor to Batman Returns, it also features appearances from Michelle Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle (who becomes Catwoman in the 1992 sequel) and Christopher Walken’s Max Shreck.
It remains to be seen which established characters in addition to Bruce Wayne/Batman and Max Shreck—who’s confirmed in the synopsis—will make an appearance in “Revolution.”
Related: All Live-Action Batman Actors Ranked From Worst To Best
How Does It Fit Into the Burtonverse?
Miller has confirmed that “Resurrection” and “Revolution” do not interfere with the “Batman ’89” continuity, which, like his two books, remain canon with Tim Burton’s films.
“Readers helped make ‘Resurrection’ a runaway success; they’re amply rewarded here, with a story whose roots we planted in the first book,” he said in a statement. “‘Batman ’89’ comics readers will also find that ‘Revolution’ coexists neatly with the two DC series, which are set later. All will be revealed in the super-hero novel adventure of the year!”
Related: Michael Keaton’s New ‘Batman’ (1989) Series Explained
When’s It Out?
“Batman: Revolution” will be released on October 28, 2025. It will be available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. For more information, visit Penguin Random House.
“Batman: Resurrection” is available to purchase across all formats now.
Are you excited to be seeing more of Michael Keaton’s Dark Knight? Let us know in the comments down below!