The Flash's production designer Paul Austerberry believes Ezra Miller's performance on screen will make fans forget the actor's offscreen behavior.
Talking to CBC, Austerberry said Miller did such a superb job that "[p]eople will forget" all the negative press the actor accumulated in the last couple of years. He stressed Miller's dedication and professionalism while being under "a lot of pressure." Austerberry pointed out Miller had to play two different versions of the character, switching roles every few days. According to the production designer, who won an Academy Award for The Shape of Water, Miller had only three days off during the entire shoot. They filmed six days a week and spent one in stunt rehearsals. It has been reported earlier that Miller did their own stunts for The Flash.
Ezra Miller's Legal Troubles
Miller has a history of run-ins with the law and alleged erratic behavior, starting with an arrest for drug possession in 2011, which led to two citations of disorderly conduct. In 2022, they faced multiple charges and accusations, including burglary, disorderly conduct, harassment and second-degree assault. The parents of Indigenous activist Tokata Iron Eyes accused the actor of grooming their daughter since childhood and filed a protection order against Miller. Allegations of drug abuse, child endangerment and harassment were also made in separate cases in Vermont and Massachusets. Miller released a statement in August 2022, acknowledging "suffering complex mental health issues" and saying they had "begun ongoing treatment."
Despite Miller's legal troubles and problems, The Flash has been generating considerable buzz for months. A recent screening had some participants calling it one of the best superhero movies ever. Marketing for the film has focused heavily on Michael Keaton returning as Batman. However, Barbara Muschietti, one of the film's producers, insisted the Flash is still the center of the movie, with Miller being in almost every scene.
The Flash Star's Reported Recovery
Moreover, director Andy Muschietti recently updated audiences on Miller's progress, stating, "We’re all hoping that they get better. [They're] taking the steps to recovery, [they're] dealing with mental health issues, but [they're] well. We talked to them not too long ago, and [they're] very committed to get better."
Miller's first featured appearance as The Flash was in 2017's Justice League, after cameoing as the character in Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad one year earlier. While the initial theatrical version of Justice League received lukewarm responses, Miller's performance was generally praised.
The Flash opens in theaters June 16.
Source: CBC