There has been much criticism about the casting of Ezra Miller as the title character in DC Films’ forthcoming solo feature The Flash. Still, it seems that DC and Warner Bros. Discovery are sticking with them, at least until The Flash is done. Miller reportedly returned to filming pickup shots for The Flash last week, according to an exclusive story from TheWrap. Moreover, a source close to the production shared that the film’s “extremely favourable” reception from test audiences is helping production move along easily. Ron Livingston, Kiersey Clemons, Michael Shannon, Ben Affleck, and Michael Keaton are all scheduled to feature in the picture, which will be directed by Andy Muschietti (renowned for his work on the It horror film series).
A logline for the film suggests that the plot will involve Barry Allen (Miller) going back in time across multiple multiverses to try to save his mother, which ends up having unintended consequences, and that this will be a soft reset of the DC Extended Universe timeline, which has been plagued by poorly received films for quite some time. The CW’s current and massively successful TV series The Flash is based on a character, who continues to enjoy widespread acclaim. However, Miller’s legal and personal issues have cast doubt on the film’s development, as well as the character’s future in the DC Extended Universe as a whole.
Miller, who played The Flash for the first time in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016, is facing many harassment claims following the film. They were arrested three times this year; in January and February, they were charged with harassment and second-degree assault in Hawaii, and in August of this year, they were accused of felony burglary in Vermont. Miller told Variety in an interview that despite the legal problems, the group was attempting to move forward “Recognizing the severity of my mental health problems and starting on a path of continual therapy has been life-changing. I want to say sorry to everybody I’ve ever offended or disturbed with my actions.”
Miller met with Warner Bros. Discovery officials in private only weeks after their arrest in August to reassure them of his dedication to the project. Despite rumours that the studio was searching for methods to keep the picture on track in light of the claims against Miller, the film was reportedly cancelled in its entirety after dismal test screenings. This came after the studio had been beset by multiple delays on its projects over the last year.
Nonetheless, Miller’s pickup shots and the recent executives’ meeting suggest that DC Films will move on with The Flash. The film still has a set release date of June 23, 2023, despite the backlash it has received.