Ezra Miller as The Flash.Photo: Clay Enos/Warner Bros.
The Flashhas had a long road to the big screen.
The superhero film, not to be confused with theCW seriesof the same name, was originally slated for 2018,Varietyreported, but the project had hit various roadblocks including controversies, rewrites and more.
The Flasheditor, Paul Machliss,cited new technologyas one reason why the project has taken so long. “We’re the first film to be utilizing some very, very new technology in terms of getting multiple versions of the same actor on the screen,” he said while speaking at IBC 2022.
He added, “I’m very pleased to say that we’re the first, certainly on a film of this scale to utilize it. Probably why it’s taken so long to finish actually. But it’s worth the wait, because it looks fantastic.”
However, Miller was involved ina string of controversiesin 2022, includingarrests, aburglary chargeand a restraining order. Their actions caused some to question if the studio wouldrelease the filmas planned.
Despite the star’s troubling actions,The Flashhas tested extremely well, receiving “some of the highest scores at test screenings since Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight movies,” according toThe Hollywood Reporter. In December 2022,Deadlinereported that the film’s release date was moved up a week to June 16, 2023.
On Jan. 30, 2023,James GunnandPeter Safranspoke to reporters on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank aboutupcoming DC projects, includingThe Flash. “I will say here thatFlashis probably one of the greatest superhero movies ever made,” Gunn said, adding that the film’s storyline “resets everything” for the franchise.
Safran also spoke about the project, mentioning Miller’s recovery. “Ezra is completely committed to their recovery. We are fully supportive of that journey they are on right now. When the time is right, when they are ready to have that discussion, we will all figure out what the best path forward.”
“But right now,” he continued, “they are completely focused on their recovery. And in our conversation with them, in the last couple of months, it feels like they are making enormous progress.”
From the cast to the plot, here’s everything to know aboutThe Flashmovie.
Who is in the cast ofThe Flash?
Warner Bros.
Miller returns to the role of Barry Allen (A.K.A. The Flash) after playing the superhero in other DCEU projects likeBatman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeandSuicide Squad. Despite their controversies,Muschietti said in May 2023 that he’d like Miller to reprise their rolein any potential sequels he would direct.
The Flashwill also feature, not one, buttwo Batmans: both Keaton andBen Affleckwill reprise their roles as the caped crusader.
Director Andy Muschietti spokeabout Affleck’s returnduring an August 2020, interview withVanity Fair. “His Batman has a dichotomy that is very strong, which is his masculinity — because of the way he looks, and the imposing figure that he has, and his jawline — but he’s also very vulnerable,” he said.
Michael Shannon, Sasha Calle, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Antje Traue also appear in the movie.
What isThe Flashabout?
Warner Bros. Pictures /Courtesy Everett
The film is believed to take on theFlashpointstoryline, which focuses on Allen going back in time to stop his mother’s murder. The jump backward creates a timeline where Bruce Wayne was killed, Martha Wayne became The Joker and Thomas Wayne turned into a lethal Batman.
While the public may have a general idea of the plot, the story is sure to feature plenty of surprises. Keaton even toldThe Hollywood Reporterthathe was confusedabout the story after reading the script.
“I had to read [the script] more than three times to go, ‘Wait, how does this work?’ " Keaton said. “They had to explain that to me several times.”
What controversies was Ezra Miller involved in?
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage
Miller displayedtroubling behaviorin 2022, includingtwo arrests in Hawaiiand aburglary charge in Vermont. Their actions caused some to question if Warner Bros. wouldrelease the filmas planned, especially after the studio canceled thenearly-completedBatgirl.
In August 2022, Millerissued an apology, saying that they’re seeking treatment for mental health issues. In their statement, Miller said, “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment.”
Miller alsomet with Warner Bros. executiveson Aug. 25, 2022, where they apologized for bringing negative attention to the film and talked about keepingThe Flashon track for its June 2023 premiere date.
Is there a trailer forThe Flash?
Asneak peekofThe Flashwas released on Oct. 16, 2021, at DC FanDome.
The teaser opens on a fog-covered building with a tall gate and gothic architecture. Later, the camera pans over a Batman cowl with blood splattered on the ground. The clip also includes a red-suited Miller saying “You in?” and an appearance from Calle as Supergirl.
During the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, 2023, Warner Bros. debuted a new trailer, which features multiple versions of Miller’s character as well as an appearance from Affleck and Keaton.
At the beginning of the clip, Keaton can be heard saying, “You can go anywhere. Another timeline, another universe. So why do you want to stay and fight to save this one?”
“Because this is the one where my mom lives,” Miller replies.
In April 2023, asecond trailerwas released. The nearly three-minute clip opens with a conversation between Barry and Keaton’s Batman.
“I lost my parents. That pain … made me who I am. I spent a lifetime trying to right the wrongs of the past … as if fighting crime would bring my parents back,” Batman says. “You actually did it.”
Who is directingThe Flash?
Eduardo Parra/Getty
Andy Muschietti, who previously worked onItandMama, is directing the film.
During an appearance at CinemaCon 2023 in April, Muschietti raved about Ezra Miller’s performance.
“They are an incredible actor,” he said. “I had a chance to work with one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with. They bring the emotion, the humor. They wanted to do all the stunts, and I let them.”
When willThe Flashbe released?
After postponements, the film is set to be released in theaters on June 16, 2023.
source: people.com
