Ezra Miller Out At DC Because The Flash Was Such A Bomb?
It’s been almost a month since The Flash, previously dubbed one of the greatest superhero movies ever made, was released in cinemas across the globe. Despite massive pre-release hype and projections of a $70 million opening weekend, the film fell short, earning only $24.5 million. As a result, questions have been raised about the future of Ezra Miller within Warner Bros’ DC Universe, and multiple factors point to the actors’ departure from the DCU.
A series of unfortunate events marred the film’s journey from the get-go. However, the most significant hurdle for The Flash stemmed from the controversy surrounding Ezra Miller. Various troubling incidents, such as a widely circulated video of the actor choking a woman, allegations of disorderly conduct, harassment, assault, and grooming accusations, severely tarnished their reputation.
Despite Warner Bros’ efforts to shield Ezra Miller from the press in the lead-up to The Flash, these controversies did not go unnoticed by fans. Many expressed their disapproval and vowed to boycott the movie due to the actor’s behavior. Still, the film’s director, Andy Muschietti, remained adamant that he would not recast the role for a potential sequel.
Speaking on The Discourse podcast via Variety, Muschietti insisted that Ezra Miller was the best actor for the role. “I don’t think there’s anyone that can play that character as well as they did,” the filmmaker said about keeping Miller on board for future projects. “The other depictions of the character are great, but this particular vision of the character, they just excelled in doing it.”
While an argument could be made for second chances, the negative impact on the studio’s reputation and box office returns is too significant.
No one could blame Muschietti for sticking by his lead star. At the time, The Flash was believed to be a sure-fire hit, and why would anyone want to dismantle a winning formula? So Era Miller walked the red carpet at The Flash premiere on June 12 and thanked Warner Bros executives for their “discernment and care” during their legal troubles.
This carefully orchestrated appearance was not enough to save The Flash. People are still unhappy that the controversial actor was in the movie at all, and now that the project is all but a certified failure, there really is no reason to keep Ezra Miller around. While an argument could be made for second chances, the negative impact on the studio’s reputation and box office returns is too significant.
A New Warner Bros. Project Has Already Replaced Ezra Miller as The Flash
Recasting superheroes is not unprecedented in the film industry, with recent examples including Batman and The Joker. Despite not having the same level of household recognition, recasting The Flash could salvage the character’s future in the DC Universe. Interestingly, Warner Bros may be preparing to replace Ezra Miller very soon if the film’s audio sequel is anything to go by.
In the aftermath of The Flash’s disappointing box office performance, DC decided to introduce a fresh take on the titular hero in the form of a captivating podcast. Announced on July 6, the project is billed as a companion piece to the movie told solely through voice acting. The story is set a few years after the film’s conclusion while remaining firmly within the canon.
The project is also a complete departure from Ezra Miller’s portrayal of The Flash, with a fresh actor taking on the role. While the podcast’s narrative direction may not directly impact Miller’s potential return in James Gunn’s DCU, it is a fascinating avenue to explore.
Ezra Miller in The Flash
Titled The Flash: Escape The Midnight Circus, the podcast features Max Greenfield, known for his role in New Girl, as the lead. According to the official release on the Apple Podcast website, the story revolves around Barry Allen, who has served as Central City’s prominent superhero for several years and is content in his relationship with Iris West.
The project is also a complete departure from Ezra Miller’s portrayal of The Flash, with a fresh actor taking on the role.
However, as his responsibilities as the Flash interfere with his personal life, Barry once again travels back in time to repair his relationship. Yet, much like in The Flash, Barry discovers that his actions have altered the timeline, leading him to become entangled in a televised gladiatorial competition for superhumans known as The Midnight Circus.
While similar to the Flashpoint comic storyline, the story distinguishes itself just enough to present a unique tale. The podcast ventures into uncharted territory, delving into the Flash’s true Rogues Gallery, featuring notable adversaries such as Captain Cold. While it may seem like an odd creative direction for DC Studios, it might be a great way to see if The Flash is better off without Ezra Miller.
