Michael Keaton Says He Let Tim Burton Down In 2019’s ‘Dumbo’
Earlier this week, Tim Burton made headlines when he revealed that he considered retiring after the failure of his live-action Dumbo remake.
“Honestly, after ‘Dumbo,’ I really didn’t know. I thought that could have been it, really. I could have retired, or become… well, I wouldn’t have become an animator again, that’s over,” he explained to Variety.
While expectations for Burton’s Dumbo were high, the film failed to make a mark at the box office, grossing $353.3 million. With its $170 million budget, the film’s results were a major disappointment for Disney.
Michael Keaton Blames Himself
Part of the excitement surrounding Burton’s Dumbo was because the director reunited with frequent collaborators Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito. However, looking back on the film, Keaton feels that he let Burton down.
Photo: Disney
“I love working with Tim so much, but I don’t think we ever really analyzed why we work pretty well together; we just do,” he told The New York Times. “I think I let him down on one movie, but that’s just me, and it bugs me to this day. I was clueless on ‘Dumbo.’ I sucked in ‘Dumbo.'”
Burton, who was present for the interview, quickly jumped to Keaton’s defense.
Photo: FilmMagic
“I don’t even know what you’re talking about,” Burton said. “But whatever.”
A Shot of Redemption
The relationship between Burton and Keaton spans decades, and he has produced films such as Beetlejuice, Batman, and Batman Returns. While Dumbo may not have been the success that the duo was hoping for, they will have a chance to make amends with the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Photo: Warner Bros
Hopefully, the film, which will hit theaters on September 6, gives Burton and Keaton the kind of success that eluded them with Dumbo. By the sound of things, both Hollywood legends could use a win.
