Warner Bros. Discovery is keeping its options open when it comes to Ezra Miller remaining The Flash in future DC Universe projects.
A report from Variety shed light on the inner workings of rebuilding the DCU after a string of dramatic incidents surrounding its recent projects. Among those issues include Miller's public meltdowns and repeated run-ins with law enforcement in early 2022. Now, as Miller has "stayed out of trouble" since seeking mental health treatment during reshoots on the $200 million blockbuster, studio executives are said to be "amenable" to Miller staying on as the DCU's Barry Allen/The Flash.
DCU Characters Won't All Be Recast
The possibility of keeping Miller beyond The Flash's June 16 release date comes following DC's executive-level shakeup where James Gunn and Peter Safran were enlisted as the new bosses of DC Studios. Since they announced the decision to discontinue future appearances of Henry Cavill as Superman, DC fans had speculated that the pair would give the franchise a hard reboot with new actors. Gunn publicly debunked rumors of recasting all the DC characters except for the ones featured in 2021's The Suicide Squad and hinted at Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman potentially having a role in future plans.
Miller debuted as Barry Allen/The Flash for cameos in 2016's Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and David Ayer's Suicide Squad. The role was expanded to a full-on supporting character in 2017's Justice League, wherein Allen is recruited by Bruce Wayne/Batman to fight alongside the other superheroes against Steppenwolf. Despite the film's production difficulties and box office failure, critics and audiences gave praise to Miller's light-hearted performance.
Development of the Flash standalone film came after years of directors and scripts changing frequently while Miller remained attached to the role. By 2019, the project came together with It director Andy Muschietti, a screenplay by Christina Hodson, and a multiverse premise inspired by the comic book storyline Flashpoint. Miller reunited with Justice League actors Affleck and Kiersey Clemons for the film, while Michael Keaton reprised his Bruce Wayne role from 1989's Batman.
Ezra Miller's Legal Issues Still Loom
Miller's legal troubles throughout 2022 cast a dark cloud over post-production on The Flash. While initial reports last summer suggested WB Discovery would not proceed with the star after the film's release, Miller eventually apologized to the executives in person and returned to production for reshoots in October 2022. However, the star's future remains uncertain as they pleaded not guilty to felony burglary charges in the state of Vermont. The next hearing in the case is set for Jan. 13.
The Flash premieres in theaters on June 23, 2023.
Source: Variety