The transformation of Michael Keaton from a mainstay in 1980s American comedies to one of the most dynamic leading men in the industry has been one of the most surprising developments of the last few years.
Keaton was already beloved by audiences for his role in blockbusters like the Batman series and Beetlejuice, but he had never really ventured into “prestige territory” until his breakthrough Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in Alejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu’s 2014 film Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).
However, Keaton nearly got his shot at leading man stardom a decade earlier when he got close to landing a spot in Clint Eastwood’s 2003 epic Mystic River.
The role, which eventually went to Kevin Bacon, certainly would have changed the direction of his career.
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