10 Comic Book Movie Performances That Ruined Actors' Careers

1. Michael Keaton - Batman Returns

Though Keaton has profited recently from his association with comic book movies, there is some uncomfortable tragedy in the notes of the film and in Keaton's performance. It's particularly hard to shake the idea that he too was haunted by Batman and his decision to walk away when Tim Burton was canned after Batman Returns.

It's probably a little much to say his career died in the aftermath of that decision, but he never again hit the heights of Batman or Beetlejuice, and it says something that Birdman's critical success had an extra sheen because of how surprising Keaton's apparent transformation was.

You get the feeling that Keaton was never quite comfortable with the idea of mega-stardom and that he sabotaged his career consciously. But then perhaps that's just the easiest way to make films like Jack Frost make sense.

What He Did Next

Aside from a handful of good performances (in Jackie Brown, Out Of Sight and maybe even Multiplicity if you don't pay too much attention), a huge section of Keaton's CV reads like a series of missed opportunities.

Since Birdman announced his rejuvenation, he's had a string of hits, but there's no getting over the fact that he was lost somewhat in the wilderness for a while there.

Which other stars saw their careers ruined by comic book movies? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.