Amidst the mixed critical receptions, conflicting fan responses, and below-expected box-office returns, Warner Bros.'s competition to Disney-Marvel Studios' Marvel Cinematic Universe has been trapped in some major setbacks. Moreover, production delays, last-minute changes in scripts and characters' development, and the drastic revision of shared continuity in stories after 2017's revamped version of Justice League placed the franchise, now officially called DC Extended Universe.
DC's take on a shared cinematic universe saw several projects shelved over the years and the constant change in the representation of some lead characters created problems in the progression of DCEU as a whole. One such project was DCEU's The Flash, a film, which was in production since 2013 and should have been released back in 2018, which, in turn, would have led us to a far more outstretched DC Extended Universe until now. However, fate had different plans.
Now, after being in production hell for years, and that's not counting the 1980s plans of having a film focused on Barry Allen's The Flash, The Flash (2022) is underway filming with an ensemble led by Ezra Miller and helmed by Andy Muschietti. There's so much speculation about the film and what it leaves for the future for DCEU with the kind of story that's been hinted the film will cover. From the inception of the idea of The Flash to its synopsis, casting, and connection to the DCEU, here's everything we know about it.
The Inception of DCEU
David S. Goyer prepared the script for Man of Steel (2013) back in 2008. He pitched the idea to Christopher Nolan, with whom he had been working on The Dark Knight. After Nolan pitched the idea to the studio, he was given a green light to complete the script with Goyer. At the time, the idea was to add references to the existence of other superheroes to lay a basic foundation for a probable DC Film Universe. Nolan, who was unwilling to direct, looked for several counterparts including Ben Affleck (who eventually played Bruce Wayne/Batman in the franchise), before eventually getting Zack Snyder on board.
Zack managed to bring the idea of a franchise into reality by dropping in several easter eggs and references citing the presence of Batman, Lex Luthor, and many more. Following Man of Steel, Zack Snyder announced a film centering on Batman and Superman and confirmed that the film will mark the debut of characters, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and DC's speedster of Central City, the Flash, thus establishing Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as the foundation of a shared cinematic universe for DC characters.
Entering DC Universe: Ezra Miller is DCEU's The Flash
In 2014, Ezra Miller was cast to play Barry Allen iteration of the character, the Flash alongside Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, newcomer Ray Fisher as Victor Stone/Cyborg. and Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (who would eventually lead her own film, a prequel/follow-up to Batman v Superman). Batman v. Superman laid some major bread crumbs for fans to speculate the future DCEU held, and Ezra Miller's cameo was the cynosure of this proposed expansion. In the film, Miller played a futuristic version of Barry Allen who travels to the past, warning Bruce Wayne of an impending threat, which was supposed to come full circle in Justice League.
The film broke opening records and led Warner Bros. and DC to announce a full slate of films confirmed for release from 2016-2020, which would have eventually formed the Justice League of America as we have known. The slate confirmed Suicide Squad (2016), Wonder Woman (2017), Justice League (2017), Flashpoint (2018), Aquaman (2018), Shazam (2019), Justice League II (2019), Cyborg (2020), Green Lantern Corps. (2020), and The Batman (potential 2020-21 release).
In 2016, post the release of Batman v Superman, at San Diego Comic-Con, host Conan O'Brien introduced the world to DC Universe directors including Zack Snyder (Justice League I & II), David Ayer (Suicide Squad), Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman), James Wan (Aquaman), Ben Affleck (The Batman), and Rick Famuyiwa (The Flash).
At that moment, things looked pretty awesome and enticing for the franchise that would later be dubbed by fans as DC Extended Universe. And having the vision in mind, the work on the first Flash movie began.
The Ever-Changing Vision of WB Towards DCEU
Rick Famuyiwa wasn't the first director to be considered for The Flash. The studio had hired Greg Berlanti (who would later develop The Flash series for The CW) along with Michael Green and Marc Guggenheim to write The Flash movie, which was shelved after the poor performance of Ryan Reynolds-starrer Green Lantern (2011). When Famuyiwa started working on The Flash, his script was closely aligned with Zack Snyder's Justice League for Ezra to portray a continuation of his character.
But, things started to financially and critically fall apart for Warner Bros. Batman v. Superman was negatively received for its darker tone, which was heavily compared to the lighter and more comic tone of Marvel Cinematic Universe films. In its second week of theatrical run, Batman v Superman registered a historic drop in collections, halting the film's overall earning at approx. $800M. To add up to that, Suicide Squad also failed critically leaving Warner Bros. and DC in dilemma, which eventually led them to impose changes in their future take on the franchise.
By then, Rick had already begun pre-production on The Flash and Zack Snyder's departure from Justice League had started causing drifts in the DCEU's future. Eventually, Warner Bros.'s attempts to change the course of the planned shared universe caused creative differences with Rick, prompting the director to leave the project.
Joss Whedon's Justice League and the Fate of The Flash
Before Rick left The Flash, he had already begun searching for a potential cast to star alongside Ezra Miller. Since the story had to be a continuation to Batman v. Superman and Justice League, the casting process was aligned with Zack's take on the individual characters he had introduced in Bat v. Sup.
Rick was strongly in support of Kiersey Clemons playing Iris West after he had worked with her in his critically acclaimed film, Dope. Clemons was confirmed in 2016 and was even cast to play a cameo in Zack Snyder's Justice League. Also, Billy Crudup, who had portrayed Dr. Manhattan in Snyder's Watchmen (2009) was cast as Henry Allen, also confirmed to appear in Justice League first. At the 2017 Comic-Con, the film's title was revealed to be Flashpoint, based on the comic-book issue of the same name.
However, Zack's departure from Justice League and Joss Whedon's extensively cut and reshot version of the film critically and commercially flopped at the box office. Kiersey Clemons was also cut from the film, while Crudup's involvement was minimized. Moreover, Ezra Miller's role was heavily modified in the new version, which was realized recently in Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021), which traversed deeper into Flash's superpowers and his backstory. Justice League's poor reception and box-office returns led Warner Bros. to make severe changes in its DCEU slate and rework the intended vision towards DCEU.
Without a director and a creative team, and burdened with the task of recreating and rewriting The Flash in the DCEU, the film fell into a long development hell.
DC's Attempts at Finding New Makers for The Flash
In the wake of changing DCEU's slate, DC and Warner Bros. shifted their focus on Aquaman and Shazam!, both of which were released as individual entries. Both were aligned to the existing DCEU, but showed little to no direct connection with the previous films, while also refraining from having any other major actor from previous films of the franchise make an appearance.
DC began shifting towards more character-specific stories rather than a shared universe while maintaining the fact that each story takes place in the same reality. In the meanwhile, the studio made several changes to The Flash (by this time, DC has reinstated the previous title) and its creative team. In fact, at one point, Ezra, who was shooting for Fantastic Beasts, was also involved in the writing process.
The Flash Confirms Writer and Director
In 2020, Warner Bros. released Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), a spin-off centered around Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, which took her story slightly away from Suicide Squad. Upon liking its script, Warner Bros. assigned Christina Hodson to the writer's position for The Flash. In November 2019, Andy Muschietti was finally confirmed to direct the film, while his sister Barbara Muschietti will co-produce.
Finally, after three years of struggle to get the film on the floor, The Flash is now in production and is awaiting release next year. There are plenty of announcements made and many more are to come in the film's regard. Let's see how Andy Muschietti's The Flash is coming up.
What's the New Flash Movie About?
After a long debate on the film's title, the film has finally settled on The Flash as the title, finally moving away from the said Flashpoint, which cleared up the film's narrative and plot. However, despite the film's title change, the plot remains the same. For now, there hasn't been an official synopsis from Warner Bros. or DC regarding the film, but the film will still draw from the Flashpoint comic-book issue.
In The Flash, Barry Allen travels through time in the past to save his mother from being murdered, causing unprecedented turbulence in his timeline, which leads to severe unintentional consequences.
In Flashpoint's comic-book issue, Barry's attempts to change his mother's fate results in changing the course of events in his timeline. This results in him losing his powers, while the Justice League is removed from existence. There is a global war between Atlanteans and Amazons, which has left continents in devastation. Moreover, in this new reality, Batman is Thomas Wayne, while his son Bruce was murdered in that alley, causing Martha Wayne to go insane, eventually becoming Batman's arch nemesis Joker. The issue then follows Barry's attempts to recreate his timeline with the help of Batman, who rallies support from Victor Stone, leader of the US government's resistance force. Though Barry is able to turn back the events, he fractures the timeline and creates a whole new merged reality, which started The New 52.
How much of the portions would The Flash movie draw from its comic-book source material is still under wraps but the viewers can expect to see a major collaboration of characters from different realities under DC Films Multiverse, as confirmed by the casting announcements of the film. How The Flash incorporates the Flashpoint and what would be its future repercussions on DCEU, time shall tell soon.
Who Is Playing The Flash?
The Flash will mark Ezra Miller's fifth appearance in the DCEU as Barry Allen/The Flash. After debuting in a dynamic role in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, he made a cameo in The Suicide Squad, eventually starring in Justice League(as well as its director's cut from Zack Snyder).
Miller, who has been involved with DCEU since 2014, has been the only constant inclusion with the film. Amidst numerous changes in the script and new directors coming in, Warner Bros. has kept Miller in the loop throughout. Miller's performance has been well received by both the critics and the audience, and he has turned out to be a suitable choice for the role, despite regular comparisons against Grant Gustin, who portrays The Flash in The CW's television series of the same name.
Who's Andy Muschietti, the Director of The Flash?
Andy Muschietti is best known for directing the acclaimed horror film, It (2017), which was based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. Muschietti further directed the film's sequel It: Chapter 2(2019). The Flash would be Muschietti's fourth directorial venture.
Is Batman in The Flash?
Andy Muschietti is actually bringing a package deal with not just one Batman, but say, Bat-Men. Muschietti surprised with a significant casting announcement when Michael Keaton was confirmed to reprise his role as Batman from the 1989 Tim Burton film, Batman. His casting confirmed that the film will explore the DC multiverse as the current DCEU timeline already had Ben Affleck playing Bruce Wayne/Batman.
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Later on, Ben Affleck also agreed to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne from the DC Extended Universe movies Batman v. Superman and Justice League. At the time of Ben's casting in The Flash, WB hadn't announced Zack Snyder's Justice League for HBO Max. And Ben had already been out of his solo film The Batman. His return has since re-sparked the hopes of DCEU's progression as it was intended at the time of Man of Steel, before WB and DC changed the approach towards the franchise's future.
Who Else Is In The Flash?
Along with Ezra Miller, Andy Muschietti has retained Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, who was initially chosen for the role by Rick Famuyiwa. Clemons has been off the project since it was delayed. With her role cut from the theatrical version of Justice League, Clemons was most probably distant from Warner Bros. in regard to her portrayal of Iris. However, her character was restored back in the Snyder Cut, prompting Muschietti to bring her back on board.
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Billy Crudup was always the first choice to play Henry Allen, but after the film was delayed, he went on to different projects. Though the Snyder Cut retained his sequences, Allen couldn't sign up for The Flash due to his commitments to The Morning Show. He has now been replaced with Ron Livingston. Livingston is known for his role in Band of Brothers (2001), The Conjuring (2013), and The Time Traveler's Wife (2011). Livingston will reportedly carry on from his role in Justice League, in which he was shown imprisoned in accusation of his wife's murder.
Maribel Verdú will play Nora Allen, Henry's wife, and Barry's mother. In the comics, Barry's mother is murdered by Eobard Thawne, a speedster from the future, and Flash's arch nemesis, who goes by the name, Reverse-Flash. There hasn't been any confirmation whether the film will introduce Reverse-Flash or not.
Who's Sasha Calle Playing in The Flash?
Sasha Calle is the most surprising and exciting inclusion in the cast of The Flash. Calle is a newcomer actress, known for her appearance in the soap opera Young And The Restless. She has been cast in The Flash (which will mark her feature film debut) to play Supergirl. Calle was selected after thousands of auditions which Muschietti and his creative team conducted on Zoom due to the pandemic.
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Though it hasn't been revealed which iteration of Supergirl will Calle play, a recent tweet from her sparked speculations that she might be playing Cir-El. Calle's portrayal of the character will mark Supergirl's first feature film appearance. Melissa Benoist has previously portrayed the character's Kara Zor-El iteration on The CW series Supergirl, which also takes place in DC Multiverse.
How does Zack Snyder's Justice League Factor In The Flash?
While the theatrical version of Justice League gave the little background of characters, Zack Snyder's Justice League corrected that mistake by giving each character individual highlights and exploring everyone's backstory. Ezra Miller's cameo in Batman v. Superman promised huge plans for the future of DCEU and a new take on the character which would play a key role in the "extended" universe surrounding DC characters. But, Zack's departure from Justice League changed the entire course of the franchise and Joss Whedon significantly reduced Miller's character to a simple supporting superhero.
However, Snyder Cut once again renovated the character with a more comprehensive backdrop and more details into his powers and moniker Flash. In Snyder Cut, Barry is shown to be in a learning stage, where he hasn't really realized his powers. He realizes that him travelling at the speed of light messes up time, but he probably doesn't realize the real consequences. However, his life-saving gesture at the end of the film placed him in an important position of the team, which would have further expanded his characterization in Justice League II that would have explored the Knightmare timeline teased in the Snyder Cut.
Though Warner Bros. still doesn't consider Zack Snyder's Justice League canon to DCEU, The Flash would probably take some factors of the film for Barry's proper characterization. It's most probable that the film will canonically follow Joss Whedon's Justice League, but, Snyder Cut will benefit into proper character development of Ezra's Barry. And since the fans have watched Zack Snyder's Justice League, they shall also see The Flash as its follow-up. Barry's powers and his ability to run through time and channel energy from Speed Force were only explored in Zack's Justice League. So, having Barry travel through time and gain more powers through further exploration would just be more sensible. Seeing him suddenly achieving time-travelling powers without any previous hints to it would have not settled well with the fans, who are already familiar with the character through comics and Grant Gustin's portrayal of the same.
How Andy will factor these two versions of Justice League to ensure progression and continuation of the character in DCEU is purely his call, but it would be better if he adds nods and references to Ezra's previous appearances in the franchise.
How Will Ezra Miller Look Different In The Flash?
The concept art featuring Keaton's Batman (in an Instagram post above), we also got the first look at Flash's new costume. The new costume looked different than the previous one. It might be based on the original Flash costume from the comics. Ezra's previous characterization has had him in a more high intensity fabric, which prevented it from heat abrasion. Snyder Cut showed how Barry is still experimenting on designs and his logo, and The Flash might show him eventually achieving the perfect, comfortable, and technically sound look.
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Moreover, The Flash would feature Barry Allen producing red lightning instead of blue as shown in his previous DCEU installments. Andy Muschietti teased this when he revealed the film's logo on his Instagram handle. This transition may be allegorical to the further expansion and increase in his powers, and the red lightning would signify Barry truly becoming The Flash.
Will Cyborg Be In The Flash?
Ray Fisher was earlier actively involved in The Flash. His inclusion along with Ben Affleck's Batman would have further brought the story closer to the comic-book issue Flashpoint. However, during the Snyder Cut movement, Ray Fisher opened up about harassment on sets of Justice League under Whedon's command. He even blamed Walter Hamada, DC President for serious neglect and questioned his leadership. Fisher eventually announced his disinterest in working with DC until Hamada remained president. Warner Bros. said on the matter,
"Last summer, Mr. Fisher was offered the opportunity to reprise his role as Cyborg in The Flash. Given his statement that he will not participate in any film associated with Mr. Hamada, our production is now moving on. Warner Bros. remains in business with Geoff Johns who continues to produce Stargirl, Batwoman, Doom Patrol, Superman & Lois, and Titans for the studio, among other projects."
Post this statement, Fisher was written out of the film, eventually removing him from the production. Though Fisher has expressed his hopes of getting an appearance in The Flash, it's unlikely Cyborg would make any appearance in the film.
What More to Expect from The Flash?
Since The Flash is bringing in Michael Keaton's Batman, there will be some implications on DC Films Multiverse. Having Keaton reprise his role effectively removes Val Kilmer's and George Clooney's portrayals of Batman from the original canon. Currently, DC Films Multiverse has four "Earths" or timelines active. One is Earth-Prime, where all the films from the DC Extended Universe take place. The second one is Earth-2. Earth-2 came into place when Matt Reeves removed his The Batman from DCEU's slate. All the future films starring Pattinson's Batman, or associated crossovers will take place in Earth-2. The third and the fourth ones cover the events of Todd Phillips' Joker (2019) and Tim Burton's Batman (1989).
Andy Muschietti has previously said that The Flash, in many ways, will rewrite the DCEU. Having two Earths crossover will bring the DC Films Multiverse closer. Also, DC is planning on making a sequel to Joker, while The Batman will spawn into a trilogy. DC Animated Universe, which also started with The Flashpoint Paradox (2013) further expanded into a more interconnected series of films and introduced new characters and stories. Having the same scale of expansion in a live-action universe would be an exciting experience for the viewers.
Is The Flash Connected to Arrowverse?
The Flash may not be entirely connected to the DC's television universe, dubbed Arrowverse, but all the DC properties exist in the same multiverse. It was confirmed when Ezra Miller made a surprising cameo in The Flash television series during the culmination of Crisis of Infinite Earths. The cameo had an impact on both the Arrowverse and DCEU. The Crisis event was supposed to seal all loops of multiverses. However, Miller's cameo opened further possibilities of interconnected universes in Arrowverse.
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On the other hand, it made Ezra's iteration of Flash realize the existence of the multiverse. This even confused Gustin's iteration on seeing a new version of himself. Furthermore, interestingly Miller's Barry Allen heard of his moniker, Flash, for the first time during this cameo. It's possible that Ezra Miller's iteration of the character, who hasn't been called by the name Flash as of yet, will take on the moniker after hearing of it from a version of himself in a different timeline.
When Does The Flash Release?
The Flash will be released as the twelfth installment of the DCEU on November 4, 2022. The film's release went through multiple changes before Andy's hiring as director, post-which Warner Bros. set a July 2022 release. Warner Bros. once moved the release date to June 3, 2022, which was eventually moved up to November 2022 due to production delays caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
What Will Be the Future of The Flash?
There has been no announcements of any sequel to The Flash. It's possible that the sequel will be announced only after Warner Bros. is sure of the success of the film and after seeing how the public receives it. After all, The Flash is the reignition of DCEU after the franchise faced many setbacks due to mixed critical receptions of several of its films.
The story set in The Flash will eventually factor in follow-ups and future DCEU installments. The current slate of DCEU after The Flash includes Aquaman 2 (2022) and Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023). Zack Snyder's Justice League, The Suicide Squad, and Black Adam will precede The Flash in DCEU. It's unknown how the franchise will factor the multiverse storylines in the future after The Flash crossovers into them.