Ezra Miller’s DC Fate Has Reportedly Been Decided
Reports say that Warner and DC executives held an emergency impromptu meeting on March 30 about Ezra Miller and their legal troubles.
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Even as his film The Flash is nearing release, the future for actor Ezra Miller does not look bright. According to an exclusive report by Rolling Stone, executives with Warner Bros. and DC met to address the actor’s reportedly bizarre behavior and recent arrest. The report states that all future projects with the actor are on hold, including any Flash appearances, with the studio exploring the possibility of breaking ties with the actor to save their billion-dollar movie franchise from additional negative publicity.
Rolling Stone reports that Warner and DC executives held an emergency impromptu meeting on March 30 about Ezra Miller and their legal troubles. On March 28, Miller was arrested after they attacked a couple singing at a karaoke bar in Hilo, Hawaii. Miller reportedly cursed at the couple and grabbed the microphone from a 23-year-old woman while she sang. The reports say Miller then lunged at a 32-year-old man playing darts at the bar, leading police to arrest the actor. Miller was charged with disorderly conduct and was released on $500 bail.
After posting bond, Miller allegedly broke into the couple’s residence, burst into their bedroom while they slept, and threatened them. A police report claims Ezra Miller told one of the victims, “I will bury you and your slut wife,” and then stole the woman’s passport and the man’s wallet. A judge in Hawaii granted the couple a temporary restraining order, which could be made permanent in a hearing later this month.
The behavior of Ezra Miller could have huge economic implications on Warner Bros., just as a $43 billion mega-merger is moving WarnerMedia (the parent company of Warner Bros., DC Comics, and HBO) under the control of Discovery. DC films and TV series are a vital part of the Warner/DC/HBO media empire, and The Flash could define the direction of the franchise for years to come. It appears no one at Warner or DC wants Miller and his alleged volatile behavior undermining the franchise, and it appears more likely that they will be considered expendable. Warner has reportedly considered dropping Miller before, and this incident may be the last straw.
The Flash, due in theaters on June 23, 2023, is perhaps the most anticipated DC film in years. mostly because of the cast surrounding Miller. Like Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Flash will use the “Multiverse” concept to cross over multiple beloved franchises. Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton will return to play their versions of Batman, as will Michael Shannon playing General Zod. Sasha Calle will play Supergirl, and Temuera Morrison will return to play Arthur Curry’s father Tom. Production of the film was reportedly difficult, with Miller having what was described as “frequent meltdowns” and voicing concerns over their acting. One insider on the set said Miller was “losing it.”
The concerns over Ezra Miller are not over the single act in Hawaii, but rather over an ongoing pattern of unpredictable, embarrassing, and even criminal behavior. In January, he posted a bizarre video on Instagram in which he appeared to issue direct threats to a North Carolina chapter of the KKK. Miller later deleted the video. In 2020, he was caught on video choking a girl and throwing her to the ground. While the video is a brief moment without context, the concerning video went viral and raised a lot of questions about his behavior. In a 2018 Hollywood Reporter interview, he talked about his obsession with weapons, which caused concern with many, when coupled with his violent outbursts.
Ezra Miller isn’t the only DC star to face an uncertain future. Will Smith was on track to star in a spinoff of his Suicide Squad Deadshot character for DC, but that has been put on hold after his attack on Chris Rock at the Oscars. It seems, when it comes to the DC films, Warner Bros. isn’t afraid to make a major change.
