The hype for the upcoming DCEU film The Flash is electric, with people saying it’s one of the best outings coming from the DC universe. Promotion for the movie is in full swing, and the film’s stars, Michael Keaton and Michael Shannon, have been talked respectively about their roles being reprised in the multiverse/time travel film. Unfortunately, there is an uncomfortable element to deal with where The Flash star Ezra Miller has become a major liability with many criminal charges being filed.
Though Miller may be sitting out with the press during promotion, other cast members face an inevitable line of questions where they may be asked their opinions or their knowledge of the dark cloud over the film. CBR is reporting on Michael Shannon’s recent comments responding to Miller’s controversy. “I thought Ezra was lovely—very kind to me when I was there. It’s difficult to talk about, but I always give people a lot of slack in this business, because there’s a lot of people in this business that have issues. And some people have more privacy than others. Any time somebody is out in the spotlight getting picked on, I feel for them. Even if it’s warranted, it’s still a horrible situation,” Shannon addresses.
While Shannon is speaking from his own experiences and being diplomatic about the situation, the director Andy Muschietti has spoken nothing but positive things about his film’s star. Recently, the production designer on The Flash, Paul Austerberry, went as far as to say that Miller’s performance is so superb, that people will forget about the negative press. Austerberry would go on to praise Miller’s professionalism and dedication, saying that the Flash star was under a ton of pressure and only had three days of during the whole production.
Warner Bros. gave Miller the opportunity to issue a statement in addition to stipulating that the Justice League star seek professional help. A statement was indeed given where it was said that Miller is being treated for “complex mental health issues.” Not wanting draw attention to the controversy, as the studio decided to push forward with the release of the film, a lot of the marketing focuses on the anticipated unlikely return of the original, prolific, big screen adaptation of Batman, Michael Keaton. Not seen in the role since 1992’s Batman Returns, Keaton was in the perfect place to play an aging Bruce Wayne who decides to strap on the cape and cowl for another outing.
The Flash runs into theaters on June 16.