Michael Keaton recently shared insights about his career on the SmartLess podcast, revealing that the script for his 1983 film 'Mr. Mom' was rewritten because he appeared too young for the role. In the film, Keaton plays Jack, an engineer who becomes a stay-at-home dad, a portrayal that Keaton believes was groundbreaking for its time. He emphasized the film's positive representation of stay-at-home parents and its relevance during a period of economic struggle in the U.S. Keaton noted that significant rewrites occurred on set, largely due to the director's inexperience with comedy, which ultimately shaped the film's final version.
In addition to discussing 'Mr. Mom,' Keaton reflected on his iconic role as Batman in the 1989 film. He recounted the skepticism he faced from fans when he was cast, describing it as a 'ballsy' move. Despite the doubts, Keaton's confidence in himself and the character led to a successful portrayal that has since become a significant part of superhero movie history. His return to the superhero genre in films like Spider-Man: Homecoming and the upcoming The Flash has generated excitement among fans, although the future of his Batman character remains uncertain.
Willem Dafoe's performance as the Green Goblin in Spider-Man (2002) also came up during the conversation. Keaton praised Dafoe's portrayal, calling it 'unbelievably good' and highlighting the lasting impact of Dafoe's character in the franchise. Keaton's reflections on both 'Mr. Mom' and his superhero roles illustrate his versatility as an actor and his contributions to the film industry.
Seth Rogen's role in 'The Green Hornet' (2011) was another topic of interest, showcasing the blend of humor and action in the film. Rogen's character, Britt Reid, teams up with Kato, played by Jay Chou, to fight crime in a modern adaptation of the classic character. The film's innovative fight scenes and comedic elements have garnered a following, and Rogen's performance has been noted for its humor and action prowess. 'The Green Hornet' is currently streaming on Hulu, and plans for a film reboot of the character are in the works.