Update: WB defends Walter Hamada in response to Ray Fisher Twitter attack

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Update: WarnerMedia has responded to Ray Fisher's most recent Twitter outburst in which he attacked the current President of DC Films, Walter Hamada. You can read Fisher's impassioned post for yourself below, in which he blasts the studio for officially ousting his Cyborg character from the long-gestating superhero film The Flash, in addition to criticizing the studio's handling of an investigation into the set of Joss Whedon's Justice League.

You can read WarnerMedia's prepared comments on the matter below:

“As has been previously stated, an extensive investigation was conducted by an outside law firm, led by a former federal judge who has assured WarnerMedia that there were no impediments to the investigation,” a spokesperson said. “Last summer, Mr. Fisher was offered the opportunity to reprise his role as Cyborg in The Flash. Given his statement that he will not participate in any film associated with Mr. Hamada, our production is now moving on."

WarnerMedia also shared a statement from Ann Sarnoff, Chair and CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group: “I believe in Walter Hamada and that he did not impede or interfere in the investigation. Furthermore, I have full confidence in the investigation’s process and findings. Walter is a well-respected leader, known by his colleagues, peers, and me as a man of great character and integrity. As I said in Walter’s recent deal extension announcement, I’m excited about where he’s taking DC Films and look forward to working with him and the rest of the team to build out the DC Multiverse.”

Original Article: Ray Fisher has taken to his social media to announce that he has received official word from Warner Bros. that he has been removed from The Flash film as Cyborg but the lengthy essay also takes aim at DC boss Walter Hamada and Fisher is making it clear that he will not go quietly into the night.

The tension between Fisher and the higher-ups that worked on the 2017's Justice League is no secret. It all began when Fisher went public with allegations about Whedon's unprofessional behavior on set which also implicated former co-president of DC, Geoff Johns. There was a subsequent investigation that resulted in Warner Bros. parting ways with Whedon and what appears to be a "phasing out" of Geoff Johns. While many might believe that Fisher got what he wanted, the actor is adamant that Hamada interfered with the investigation because of his personal relationship with Johns. This is why on December 30, 2020, Fisher stated that he could not "with a clear conscience—participate in any production associated with the current President of DC Films, Walter Hamada." Given the fact that Warner Bros recently re-upped Hamada's deal to stay with the studio, it likely left them in a position to part ways with Fisher and his role in The Flash. Fisher hasn't looked at this as a defeat. In fact, he seems more fired up to keep this fight going. Check out a snippet of his essay below:

I have received official confirmation that Warner Bros. Pictures has decided to remove me from the cast of The Flash. I strongly disagree with their decision, but it is one that is unsurprising. Despite the misconception, Cyborg’s involvement in The Flash was much larger than a cameo—and while I do mourn the lost opportunity to bring Victor Stone back to the screen, bringing awareness to the actions of Walter Hamada will prove to be a much more important contribution to our world. 

On December 30th 2020, I made it clear that I cannot—with a clear conscience—participate in any production associated with the current President of DC Films, Walter Hamada. The reasoning behind that declaration was twofold: 1) Walter’s purposeful attempt to undermine the Justice League investigation in order to protect his friend, and former co-president, Geoff Johns. 2) Walter’s attempt to protect himself by contributing to the public dissemination of lies and misinformation about myself and the Justice League investigation in Warner Bros. Picture’ September 4th statement to The Wrap. 

Bear in mind, Walter Hamada interfering with the Justice League investigation is a completely separate issue than the investigation itself. And while Walter’s behavior was not a point of focus for the investigation of the Justice League reshoots, his dangerous and enabling actions during the investigation process must be called to account.

The full statement, which you can check out below, goes on to describe his discussions with Hamada beginning from the start of the allegations through the start of the investigation that was launched by Warner Bros. They go into detail about Hamada's alleged undermining of Fisher's claims and what he believes were Hamada's attempts to dissuade the actor from making the allegations a bigger issue. As I said before when discussing this dispute, it's hard to know what really happened since I wasn't there but Fisher's determination and passionate desire to see this through makes me believe some of his claims. I'm sure he's aware he could lose a lot on this and he's a small fish in a big pond, but that isn't stopping him. I think there is some validity to what he's saying and the fact that he appears undeterred, speaks volumes to me. 

What are YOUR thoughts on Fisher's essay?