The Flash trailer has finally arrived, but as much as DC have put on a brave face with star Ezra Miller’s controversies, the first reactions are tied to Miller’s past actions.
There’s a heck of a lot to like about the first look at The Flash. Some interesting use of color, exciting and clear premise, bringing back old stars from various timelines, and of course complete newcomers. But all of it has been overshadowed, as almost anyone could’ve predicted, by Miller’s involvement. The actor has seen significant controversy in the last few years, including several arrests and straight up bizarre behavior.
Somehow, Warner Bros. and DC decided to continue on with Miller as the titular lead of the film. But the fans aren’t convinced still, as talk of boycotts continue for The Flash. Using Miller so prominently feels like an odd choice, and while the film lookd excellent, all people can talk about is them and their poor behavior.
There have been months of discourse on the issue of Miller, and whether the film should’ve gone ahead at all. The popular opinion remains they should’ve lost the role, but given Warner Bros. are in a dire financial situation, it would’ve possibly resulted in them going completely bankrupt. Whereas now they’re just morally bankrupt.
Ditching Miller still feels on the cards for Gunn’s DC series, but The Flash is meant to be the start of this new vision and also the end of the old Zack Snyder vision for the retired DCEU. The Flash, bones and all, is a mess of a film for Warner Bros., and they likely know it.
Memes will flow in when the film releases, especially when Warner Bros. has to work out press junkets, and whether they can even send Miller to do them. Regardless, The Flash is set to release June 16, and will remain a discourse catastrophe.