Hollywood star Bill Murray missed out on the chance to play Batman in the 1989 original superhero movie - when he was snubbed in favour of Michael Keaton.

The Groundhog Day actor was one of the frontrunners to play the Caped Crusader, when movie bosses wanted to create a big screen replica of the camp 1960s TV version starring Adam West.

But Murray was sidelined once gothic director Tim Burton took the helm of the movie - and brought in his Beetlejuice charge Keaton.

However, Murray concedes he's not angry about the move, because he's a huge fan of Keaton's portrayal of the billionaire crimefighter.

He tells MTV.com, "I would have been a fine Batman. You know, there have been a number of Batmen. I like them... I thought Mike Keaton did a great job as Batman. It's obviously - it's a great role."

Other actors to play the part since Keaton include Val Kilmer, George Clooney and Christian Bale.

