After a few false starts production on the film finally got underway. Current reports suggest that the film is over 90% completed, and seems on track to hit its current release date. But there’s one big problem looming over it. The Flash himself…

We Need To Talk About Ezra

Ezra Miller (who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns) has been involved in several alleged criminal incidents over the years. First breaking out in We Need To Talk About Kevin, the star then went on to feature in The Perks of Being A Wallflower. During the filming of the latter, they were charged with drug possession, but instead faced two counts of disorderly conduct. A relatively minor offence, and was not looked on harshly. Miller continued to appear in various projects, including the Fantastic Beasts franchise, started a band, and became an ambassador for Greenpeace.

As Miller’s role in The Flash thrust them into the spotlight, more press interviews came, leading to this one where they give an in-character interview as Toadette. They were also interviewed by a child activist: Gibson (formerly Tokata) Iron Eyes, who Miller had met during a protest. The actor talked about sexual harassment in several interviews and offers to show the crossbow from We Need To Talk About Kevin. In 2020 a video surfaced of them strangling a woman. No charges were brought and Miller has never commented on the incident. At the start of 2022, they posted a rant aimed at an alleged chapter of the Klu Klux Klan

Later in the year, they were arrested for throwing a chair and threatening a woman in Hawaii. Perhaps most seriously they have been accused of grooming and endangering a child. Miller allegedly supplied Iron Eyes with LSD, Marijuana, and alcohol during their friendship. A court has been unable to locate Miller, with the actor posting a bizarre video on their Instagram before deactivating it.

Flashpoint

Warner Brothers has officially “paused” all projects featuring the star, with the main two being The Flash and any potential Fantastic Beasts 4. With The Flash almost finished it is unlikely that they will reshoot. Miller is reportedly in most scenes, sometimes as multiple characters. So what could they do? Many fans have expressed a desire to see the role recast, with Grant Gustin, who plays the character in the Arrowverse, in the film. If the role is to be recast, it would likely be for future projects or a plot point towards the end of the film. Recasting would require a lot of time and money, as well as having to get actors back (such as Micheal Keaton, reprising his role as Batman).

If they choose not to recast, WB really only has two options. Either release the film or don’t. The film isn’t due for release until 2023, so it’s possible they’re hoping the situation calms down and that it impacts the box office so much, although any press tour would likely be very awkward. To not release the film in theatres, would also be a massive waste, and potentially lead to another Snyder Cut situation. If Miller decides to get help, it could lead to a delay but would mean that the film would not have a huge cloud hanging over it, and its star would be front and centre.

The film is still a way off, so there is still time for the situation to change, but hopefully, it works out for the best, for fans as well as everyone involved.

Also Read: Flashpoint: The Defining Film of DCEU?

The post Who Will Replace Ezra Miller As The Flash? appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

Flash of two worlds

Ironically, The Flash is having a very slow journey to the big screen. The film was announced in 2014, with Ezra Miller in the title role, along with several other DC comic films. Many were disappointed that Grant Gustin, who plays the character in the CW/Arrowverse series, wasn’t going to be involved. Instead, this version was going to feature in Zack Synder’s Justice League, but that’s a whole other story. The character had a cameo in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and another in Suicide Squad.

Seth Grahame-Smith, author of Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, was announced to make his directorial debut with The Flash, as well as writing the script. He left the project in April 2016 and was later replaced by Rick Famuyiwa. This seemed promising, as we got news that Iris West and Henry Allen were cast, but Famuyiwa left the project later that year over “creative differences”. A new writer and several other directors are considered, notably Robert Zemeckis, with Back to the Future cited as an influence.

Flashpoint

The film is currently due to be directed by It‘s Andy Muschietti. Miller and comic scribe Grant Morrisson wrote a draft of the script, but this was apparently dismissed by the studio. It seems as though the movie will be inspired by the “Flashpoint” storyline. In the comics, Flash accidentally altered the timeline, causing the world to look very different. After regaining his powers with the help of Batman, Bruce died in the alley instead of his parents, and stopping a war between Aquaman and Wonder Woman, Flash cancels out the timeline and returns to his own, with some small changes.

The original Flashpoint story was a mini-series that served to relaunch the DC Comic universe, by simplifying continuity and bringing in characters from other universes, such as Vertigo. The series was designed as the end of the old, convoluted continuity and the launch of the “New 52”. It has also been adapted into a direct to video animated film, as well as a (very different) plotline in season 3 of the show.

The film following this approach could mean that DC is embracing it’s now disjointed continuity, with its films being set across multiple worlds, unburdened by the continuity of individual films. This would allow them to do more experimental and different films, without having to worry about how it affects any other films. Another interesting thing is that these worlds could still crossover with each other, and themselves, like Into the Spider-Verse but with Batman.

Batman Returns

Speaking of Batman, it was recently announced that Micheal Keaton, who played Batman in the Tim Burton films, is set to be reprising his role for the film. A short time later, it was also revealed that Ben Affleck would be reprising his role as Batman. That’s two Batmen in one film (three if Robert Pattinson has a cameo). The film could retroactively make the original Batman films canon, similar to how the Arrowverse’s “Crisis on Infinite Earth’s crossover made various old shows part of its canon.

Ben Affleck’s return is surprising, after the uncertainty with “The Batman” (now going forward with Robert Pattinson). Affleck’s return, along with the Snyder Cut finally being released, suggests that DC may not want to move entirely away from their “shared universe” quite yet. Perhaps the original plan of a Justice League trilogy could go ahead, but with “Elseworlds” films as well? The Flash could open up worlds of possibilities.

Also Read: DC FanDome Recap

The post Flashpoint: The Defining Film of DCEU? appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.