Were Tim Burton and Michael Keaton supposed to make The Fly?

[The Laughing Fish]

According to some websites, Tim Burton was originally expected to direct the 1986 version of The Fly, and Michael Keaton was allegedly offered the lead role, until the film was made by David Cronenberg and starred Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091064/trivia
http://sequart.org/magazine/51160/subtly-problematic-script-structure-the-fly/

Frankly, I believe this information is fiction. I watched parts of the behind-the-scenes documentary for the film, and the producers never mentioned anything about Burton being considered as a candidate. Besides, given The Fly was always meant to have a rather morose and occasionally graphic tone, it wasn't the kind of film I could imagine that Burton would want to make. His style tends to be more Gothic and darkly comical, and while he doesn't shy away from gore, he's nowhere near as gross as Cronenberg. That being said, if it is true, maybe that fly reference in Beetlejuice was supposed to be a nod to his involvement in The Fly's pre-production?

I think Keaton could've played Seth Brundle. He has that manic look, and he could've been capable of speaking in a fast, nerdy speech pattern that Goldblum is known for.

[thecolorsblend]

The problem with these sorts of things is Hollywood is a town of ideas and people negotiating for stuff all the time. "So-and-so is in talks to do such-and-such!" Well, maybe not. Maybe some casting director is throwing a Hail Mary pass because the indie movie he's working on is dead in the water unless he can find funding so in desperation he calls Pitt's agent while being 99% sure Brad Pitt won't touch his movie with a ten foot pole. But still, technically "Brad Pitt is in talks to do the movie!" Even though he isn't, there's no chance in hell of him signing up for it.

Maybe something similar went on with The Fly where some studio exec suggested Burton do it at some point along the way but it's not like Burton was THIS close to signing on or something. Someone just had an idea, that's all. Happens all the time. Hell, people still think a Knight Rider movie starring Tom Welling will be announced any day now even though that BS rumor has been around for fifteen years or something.