In an era where comic book cinema thrives, anticipation for new projects under the guidance of James Gunn and his team for the DC Universe is high. However, a lingering contingent of fans still yearns for more content from the DC Extended Universe, fervently advocating for Warner Bros. to #RestoreTheSnyderverse. They regard films like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League as misunderstood gems. One film, however, which struggles to garner such defense from its supporters is The Flash.
Based on Geoff Johns’ acclaimed 2011 storyline, Flashpoint, the 2023 film features Ezra Miller reprising the role of Barry Allen. The character’s super speed allows him to navigate alternate realities, leading to significant changes in history. Despite garnering positive pre-release buzz, the film ultimately landed with a mediocre 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and a disappointing $271.4 million box office gross against a $200 million budget, categorizing it as a commercial failure. The film’s lackluster performance is tied to various factors, but director Andy Muschietti suggests that these issues stem more from external drama rather than the content itself.
After the critical success of his two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s It, Muschietti was selected by Warner Bros. to bring The Flash to the screen—an endeavor that had been in the works since the DC shared cinematic universe began with Man of Steel in 2013. The film’s production faced setbacks, including COVID-19-related delays and issues surrounding its lead actor.
Director Andy Muschietti has noted that the controversies surrounding Ezra Miller contributed significantly to The Flash‘s underperformance. While the actor’s public perception undoubtedly affected audience reception, Muschietti perceives the backlash as a deeper issue. In a recent interview on the Bingeworthy podcast from The Playlist, he stated:
“A lot of people did not see it. But you know how things are these days — people don’t see things, but they like to talk s*** about it, and they like to jump on bandwagons. They don’t really know. People are angry for reasons that are unrelated to these things… Of course, we had a publicity crisis with Ezra that is undeniable.”
While it’s true that Miller’s troubles overshadowed the film’s release, Muschietti’s assertion that general fans had predetermined opinions about the film before its debut resonates with a larger trend within the comic book film community. Enthusiasts often scrutinize adaptations of beloved narratives, potentially alienating casual viewers who are aware of Miller’s ongoing legal issues and personal controversies.
Many films have experienced financial downturns or shaky reputations due to issues behind the camera, ranging from tragic on-set accidents to public relations crises involving key stars. The Flash is cited as one of the most contentious films of its era, largely due to Miller’s turbulent journey.
Initially considered an emerging talent following standout performances in films such as 2008’s Afterschool and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Miller’s casting as the DCEU’s Barry Allen was met with enthusiasm. However, following a controversial incident in 2020 where Miller appeared to choke a woman in Iceland, a cascade of alarming legal issues unfolded, including allegations of harassment, threats, and more serious accusations that cast a pall over their career.
This sequence of events forms the “publicity crisis” that Muschietti references. Although these issues tangibly impacted The Flash and Miller’s future, the film continues to be discussed critically, with many attributing its failure to internal shortcomings rather than external circumstances.
Among fans and critics, the film’s narrative weaknesses are often highlighted, including a script from Christina Hodson that, while admired for its humor and emotional depth, was criticized for reliance on clichés and a nostalgia-heavy ending featuring multiple DC meta-characters. A notable aspect of critique involves the film’s CGI, which many indicated was some of the weakest in recent memory, prompting Muschietti to defend its intentionally surreal aesthetic meant to mirror Barry’s altered perception of time.
While the film’s title suggests a central focus on The Flash, it was the return of Michael Keaton as Batman that seemed to dominate marketing efforts amidst Miller’s controversies. Critics argue that this portrayal could have been utilized more effectively, while Sasha Calle’s debut as a Latina Supergirl left much to be desired, with limited screen time and development to make a meaningful impact. Fans hope to see a more developed version of her character in upcoming projects.
In defending his project, Muschietti has a right to advocate for The Flash, reinforcing the dedication artists have toward their craft. However, a sincere approach to the critiques could foster greater respect among audiences. Muschietti’s claim that most viewers lack interest in The Flash has drawn skepticism, especially given the character’s established popularity through various adaptations and series, including the Arrowverse.
Muschietti is set to rejoin the DC universe through his role as director of the upcoming solo Batman movie, The Brave and the Bold. Given the film’s still early development phase, scrutiny is already emerging, and one can only hope the issues surrounding The Flash do not repeat.
Based on reporting by CBR.com. Read the full story at CBR’s analysis on The Flash’s production troubles.
