Here’s a bold statement: The Flash was a film that divided audiences and critics alike, yet its director, Andy Muschietti, stands firmly behind it. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite early hype labeling it as “one of the greatest superhero movies ever made,” the film struggled at the box office, raking in just $271.4 million globally and receiving mixed reviews. So, what went wrong? And why does Muschietti remain so proud of it?
In a recent interview with The Playlist, Muschietti addressed the film’s underperformance with a candid take on today’s audience behavior. “A lot of people didn’t see it,” he noted, “but they still felt compelled to criticize it without truly knowing what they were talking about. People jump on bandwagons and get angry for reasons that have nothing to do with the film itself.” And this is the part most people miss—Muschietti believes the backlash was fueled by external factors rather than the film’s actual quality.
He elaborated, “We put so much work into this project, and we’re incredibly proud of it. I genuinely think it’s a good movie.” However, Muschietti didn’t shy away from acknowledging the elephant in the room: the Ezra Miller controversy. “There’s no denying we faced a publicity crisis with Ezra,” he admitted. “But despite that, we still love the film and wholeheartedly recommend it.”
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Did the Ezra Miller controversy unfairly overshadow The Flash, or was the film’s underperformance a result of deeper issues? Let’s dive deeper.
At the time of its release, DC Studios was undergoing a major transition, with James Gunn and Peter Safran taking the reins and planning a brand-new DC Universe. Despite this shift, Muschietti emphasized the studio’s unwavering support for The Flash. “They could have backed out due to the publicity issues, but they went all in,” he said. “And we did too.”
As for my take? I never found The Flash to be as bad as some made it out to be. Sure, the CGI was jarring—I still can’t believe it was intentional—and the third act lacked the punch it needed. But Ezra Miller’s performance was undeniably committed, and seeing Michael Keaton reprise his role as Batman was a nostalgic thrill. Speaking of Batman, Muschietti isn’t done with the DC Universe just yet. He’s still attached to direct The Brave and the Bold, though progress has been slow. Gunn recently teased that they’ve got a “really, really good story” in the works for Batman, so there’s plenty to look forward to.
Here’s a controversial interpretation: While The Flash may not have lived up to its initial hype, it’s a film that deserves a second look, free from the noise of external controversies. What do you think? Two years later, does The Flash hold up, or was it rightfully overshadowed by its own drama? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
