After years of development and production struggles, the highly-anticipated superhero movie The Flash has finally made it to theaters. The film faced various challenges, including being shot during the Covid-19 pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions, isolation during a 138-day shoot, coordinating expensive A-list cameos, and managing star Ezra Miller’s legal run-ins amid a mental health crisis, among other issues.
The Flash had been in various stages of development since the late 1980s, with different writers and directors involved over the years. But in 2014, Warner Bros. announced a shared universe of DC Comics films, and The Flash finally started taking shape, with Miller starring as Barry Allen. Despite some disagreements and scheduling conflicts, the movie eventually moved forward with the help of screenwriter Christina Hobson and director Andy Muschietti, who found inspiration in the emotional core of Barry Allen’s relationship with his mother.
The film also features some surprising cameos, including Michael Keaton, reprising his role as Batman after 30 years, and other fan-favorite characters from the DC Comics universe. While making the movie, changes were afoot at Warner Bros. and DC Studios too, including new CEO James Gunn, who will be rebooting the Superman franchise in 2025. The Flash is officially from a previous regime, but Gunn has said it resets the entire DC universe.
Despite the challenges during production, the response to The Flash has been mostly positive, with reviewers praising Miller’s dual roles and the movie’s overall nostalgic and emotional impact. Conversations are also underway about potential future films for the characters. Regardless, the focus for now is on getting The Flash in front of audiences and delivering a satisfying and epic cinematic experience.
