Fans of The Flash shouldn't anticipate a quick watch as a new report reveals the runtime for the upcoming DC Universe blockbuster.Via Cryptic HD Quality on Twitter, The Flash, the 13th film within the DCU, boasts a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. That length makes it the third-longest installment in the franchise to date. Only Wonder Woman 1984 (2 hours and 31 minutes) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2 hours and 32 minutes) boast more extended showings than The Flash. Previous reports claimed the Scarlet Speedster's first solo film would clock in at 2 hours and 30 minutes, but it's possible footage was cut during the editing process.
The Flash has been a long time in the making, having begun pre-production in 2020 before a slew of setbacks, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, reshoots, directorial changes and various off-screen controversies involving lead actor Ezra Miller. It also boasts one of the largest-ever budgets for a DCU film, reportedly requiring around $220 million to make. Despite all the hangups, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has hailed The Flash as one of the best superhero films to date ahead of its release while an early screening at CinemaCon yielded plenty of positive reviews. The story chronicles Barry Allen's attempts to prevent his mother's death by traveling back in time. However, his seemingly noble intentions trap him in an alternate reality without metahumans while accidentally reviving the villainous General Zod (Michael Shannon). As a result, Barry enlists the help of his younger self, Supergirl (Sasha Calle) and an older version of Bruce Wayne/Batman (Michael Keaton) to try and put things right.
Batman and Flash, Back in Action
The Flash also features one of the final performances of Ben Affleck as Batman in the DCU. Having played Bruce Wayne since Dawn of Justice opposite Henry Cavill, Gunn announced Affleck wouldn't return as The Dark Knight during his unveiling of a new TV and movie slate for DC. While he only appears in The Flash for a short amount of time, Affleck has branded his work in the movie to be his best Batman performance.
There is already talk of a potential sequel to The Flash should the summer blockbuster perform well at the global box office, with director Andy Muschetti open to the possibility. Reportedly, a script for a sequel has already been penned for the film in the event The Flash's performance meets Warner Bros. expectations.
The Flash opens in theaters across North America on Jun. 16.
Source: Twitter