The Flash is still slated for a theatrical release, despite the troubling allegations that continue to surround its star, Ezra Miller.
Miller, who has played Barry Allen in the DC Extended Universe since 2016, has been embroiled in several highly-publicized scandals in recent months involving multiple arrests. Despite the alarming accusations against them, the most recent release date for The Flash has remained unchanged, according to Variety, and the film is still poised for a theatrical release on June 23, 2023.
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The Flash is reportedly too expensive for the studio to outright discard. Similarly, reshooting scenes with another actor replacing Miller would also be too costly. The primary factors keeping The Flash on its current trajectory seem to be the film's ability to generate revenue and remain profitable for the studio. Accomplishing these financial goals is unlikely if the film was to be simply released on HBO Max and not given a theatrical run.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has some difficult decisions to make about what to do with The Flash and Miller's future within the DCEU. Their arrests have reportedly led to Warner Bros. Discovery having no plans to bring Miller back for any future DCEU projects. The studio has also received significant criticism for its handling of the situation involving Miller.
Several victims of the actor, and their families, have spoken out in recent weeks against Miller. Most recently, a German woman (who only wishes to be known as Nadia) reported the Justice League actor engaged in threatening, abusive behavior while visiting her home in February 2022. She explained she and Miller had been friends for two years and their visit was pleasant until she asked them not to smoke in her apartment. Miller then allegedly flew into a rage and became verbally abusive and threatening towards Nadia. She later filed a criminal complaint against them with the German authorities for trespassing, but it was discontinued after Miller left Germany.
Miller is also facing grooming accusations by the parents of an 18-year-old activist and is reportedly evading law enforcement to avoid being served with a protective order. Miller was arrested twice in Hawaii a month later, first for disorderly conduct and harassment and later for an alleged assault.
Source: Variety