• Michael Keaton expressed regret over his performance in Disney's "Dumbo", despite the film's moderate success.
• Director Tim Burton dismissed Keaton's self-criticism, highlighting their strong professional relationship.
• Burton likened his experience working on "Dumbo" to a "horrible big circus", indicating it might be his last Disney film.
• Keaton and Burton are reuniting for the sequel to "Beetlejuice", promising a return to their roots in dark, fantastical storytelling.

Hollywood star Michael Keaton recently opened up about his performance in the 2019 Disney live-action adaptation of Dumbo. In an interview with The New York Times, Keaton, who played the role of the ruthless entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere, expressed regret over his performance. He stated, "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." This candid admission from an actor of Keaton's stature reflects a level of introspection and self-awareness that is often absent in the public discourse of Hollywood.

Despite his regret, Keaton's performance was part of a film that grossed $353 million worldwide, a moderate success considering its $170 million budget. However, the film received mixed reviews from critics, garnering a lukewarm 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Keaton's relationship with director Tim Burton, who helmed the Dumbo remake, dates back to the late 1980s. The duo first collaborated on the 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice and subsequently worked together on the 1989 Batman film and its 1992 sequel Batman Returns.

Keaton and Burton: A Long-Standing Professional Relationship

Despite Keaton's self-professed failure in Dumbo, Burton dismissed his concerns, stating, "I don't even know what you're talking about. But whatever." Burton's nonchalant response to Keaton's self-criticism underscores the strength of their professional relationship. Their mutual respect and understanding have allowed them to create some of the most memorable films of the past few decades. Despite the mixed reception of Dumbo, the duo is teaming up again for the sequel to Beetlejuice, aptly titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

However, the Dumbo experience seems to have left a lasting impression on Burton as well. The director, known for his unique visual style and penchant for exploring dark, fantastical themes, expressed that Dumbo would likely be his last film with Disney. He likened his experience working on the film to being part of a horrible big circus from which he needed to escape. This sentiment echoes the narrative of Dumbo, where the titular elephant is exploited for his unique ability to fly.

The Future: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Beyond

Burton's comments about his experience with Disney reflect a broader trend in Hollywood, where directors often grapple with the tension between creative freedom and commercial viability. Burton's early career, marked by films like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, was characterized by a distinct artistic vision that often clashed with mainstream sensibilities. However, in recent years, Burton has been associated with more commercial projects, such as Alice in Wonderland and Dumbo, which some critics argue lack the director's signature touch.

The reunion of Keaton and Burton for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a testament to their enduring professional relationship. The sequel follows the story of the Deetz family, who return to Winter River after a family tragedy, only to find their lives turned upside down by the accidental opening of a portal to the afterlife. The film promises to be a return to the dark, quirky humor that characterized the original Beetlejuice, offering a stark contrast to the more mainstream fare of Dumbo.

Keaton's candid admission about his performance in Dumbo and Burton's reflections on his experience with Disney offer a glimpse into the challenges and pressures faced by actors and directors in Hollywood. Their upcoming collaboration on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is eagerly anticipated by fans to see the duo return to their roots in dark, fantastical storytelling.