There has been some measure of uncertainty surrounding The Flash, following the reshuffling that occurred throughout Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios, as well as the controversy surrounding star Ezra Miller. Despite all of that, the film is still headed for release and the company is reportedly very enthusiastic about it.
According to Variety, studio insiders are as enthusiastic about The Flash as they were about Christopher Nolan's hugely successful Dark Knight trilogy. The positive outlook is due to the film's focus on a multiverse and the fact that it is bringing two beloved Batman actors and their respective iterations of the Dark Knight back to the big screen: Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck. These factors have proven popular among audiences in recent years.
This is not the first time The Flash has been compared to Nolan's film franchise. It was previously reported that the film garnered positive feedback from test screenings, with "some of the highest scores at test screenings since Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight movies." This was back in August in the midst of a flood of associated issues.
The Flash and Ezra Miller Controversy
Over the last year, The Flash has increasingly become a subject of controversy, owing to the many legal troubles centered on Miller and accusations of crimes ranging from grooming to assault. The actor acknowledged the issues back in August 2022, stating, "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... I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life."
Miller was reportedly compelled to seek help after news emerged that Warner Bros. film chairs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy considered scrapping The Flash. Since that time, the actor has reportedly adhered to treatment and avoided further controversy. As a result, Warner Bros. studio execs are considering keeping Miller on past the release of upcoming film.
Due to the recent shake-up at Warner Bros. and DC Studios, a number of changes have supposedly been made to the film, to reflect the future of the DC Universe. The biggest changes include the removal of actor Henry Cavill and Gal Gadot's cameos, which itself has garnered backlash from audiences.
The Flash is scheduled to race into theaters on June 23, 2023.
Source: Variety