The transformation ofMichael Keatonfrom 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 recent movie history. Keaton was already beloved by audiences for his role in blockbusters like theBatmanseries andBeetlejuice, but he had never really ventured into “prestige territory” until his breakthrough Academy Award nomination for Best Actor inAlejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu’s2014 filmBirdman (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 inClint Eastwood’s 2003 epicMystic River. The role, which eventually went toKevin Bacon, certainly would have changed the direction of his career.
Mystic River
The tragic murder of a 19-year-old girl reunites three childhood friends still living in Boston–the victim’s gangster father, a detective, and the disturbed man they both suspect of killing her.
Michael Keaton Almost Played Sean Devine In ‘Mystic River’
Keaton’s stardom had long since faded in the early 21st century. After leaving theBatmanfranchise following the release of1992’sBatman Returns, Keaton became more of a character actor than a leading man. While his work in films such asMuch Ado About Nothing, Out of Sight, Jackie Brown,andThe Paperwas 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 hislatest crime thriller,Mystic River. Based on the highly acclaimed novel of the same name byDennis Lehane,Mystic Rivercenters on the experiences of three childhood friends who grew up together in Boston.Sean Pennhas already been cast as Jimmy Markum andTim Robbinswas set to play the role of Dave Boyle. Eastwood felt that Keaton could add something to the ensemble, and cast him as the third member of the trio, Sean Devine.
Michael Keaton’s Most Underrated Performance Is in This Bittersweet Drama
The versatile actor gave his most vulnerable performance in this tearjerker.
Sean is one of the film’s more underappreciated characters. Jimmy is an unrelenting force of nature with a nearly uncontrollable rage, and Dave is a sensitive man who holds a history of abuse and dark secrets within his heart. Sean is a counterbalance between them. He serves as a member of the Massachusetts Police Department, and attempts to solve the mystery behind the death of Jimmy’s young daughter (Emmy Rossum). While Jimmy is quick to judge and suspect others within the community, Sean is more sensitive and level-headed in his approach to the case. However, that doesn’t stop him from suspecting Dave based on their mutual history together.
Keaton did several script readingswith the cast, and even did his own research into the practices of the Massachusetts Police Department to learn more about Sean’s responsibilities in the story. However, Keaton and Eastwood reportedly got into a disagreement about the depiction of the character which led to some creative difficulties on set. Eastwood’s insistence on the smoothness of his productions is one of the most well-known things about him, and he wasn’t interested in trying to change the script based on Keaton’s ideas about the role. Even though Keaton reportedly moved to Boston temporarily in order to immerse himself in the role, an argument resultedin Keaton’s removal from the project. He was replaced shortly thereafter byKevin Bacon.
Clint Eastwood’s ‘Mystic River’ Would Have Changed Keaton’s Career
Although Keaton certainly would have added something different toMystic River, the film didn’t need him in order to succeed.Mystic Riverfelt like Eastwood had announced a new stage within his career. Over a decade had passed since Eastwood’sfinal epic westernUnforgiven, and it became clear that he had interests outside the genre that he had made his name in.Mystic Riverbecame one of the biggest hits of his career, scoring Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Both Penn and Robbins won the Oscars for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
Bacon is quite good inMystic River, but it’s also the type of grizzled police role that he’s best known for. Had Keaton been cast, it would’ve felt more original, as audiences would have had to adjust to seeing such a typically goofy actor playing such a dark character. Although Sean is ultimately on the side of justice, he does some pretty terrible things inMystic River, and covers for Jimmy when he knows that his childhood friend is guilty.It would have been fascinating for Keaton to play against type, and perhaps would have influenced the direction that his career went in the next decade.
Michael Keaton’s Career Found Renewed Life With ‘Birdman’
Losing out on theMystic Riverrole didn’t just mean that Keaton wasn’t part of an Oscar-winning modern classic; it made his projects within the next few years feel even more egregious considering what he had missed out on. Following the 2003 release ofMystic River,Keaton starred in lackluster comedies such asHerbie: Fully Loaded, Game 6, The Last Time,andPost Grad. His career had depleted significantly until he was cast inBirdmanin a self-reflective role that allowed him to contemplate the nature of his success.Keaton’s performance inBirdmanearned him an Academy Award nomination, proving once and for all that he was committed to cutting-edge projects from unique filmmakers. Keaton may not have made it intoMystic River, but he did find his place in Boston eventually, thanks to his role in the next year’s Best Picture winner,Spotlight.
In the last decade, Keaton has almost become better known for his work in dramas than his early debut in comedies. It’s almost hard to imagine that the same serious actor who appears inTrial of the Chicago 7andThe Foundergot his start withNight ShiftandMr. Mom. Nonetheless, this pivot toward dramas could have started earlier. Now thatEastwood is working on what is reportedly his final project, it stands as a great shame that he and Keaton never got the chance to work together.
Mystic Riveris available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
