However, before Matthew Fox was cast, Jack nearly had a far more recognizable face, one that already carried decades of Hollywood star power. While Lost was still in development, J.J. Abrams and ABC had secured Batman and Beetlejuice star Michael Keaton to play Jack Shephard. The surprise death of Jack in the Lost pilot was designed to completely upend audience expectations. However, once the plan for Jack in Lost changed and he became the intended long-term lead, Michael Keaton lost interest in the project. Once he had, Matthew Fox inherited the role and went on to appear throughout all six seasons of Lost.