It’s been a long and grueling road to get to The Flash solo movie. Ever since the film adaptation of Barry Allen made his debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice back in 2016, there has been anticipation for either the origin story or solo film for The Flash both prior to and after Justice League. The time has finally come, but the journey has been mired in controversy. The hype for the upcoming The Flash has been primarily positive, and many agree it is one of the best DCEU films ever made, but no other claim has been as bold as one made by the movie’s production designer, Paul Austerberry.
According to CBR, Austerberry claims Ezra Miller’s performance is so good that people will forget about all the negative press surrounding the film’s star that has been a dark cloud over this release for the last couple of years. Austerberry would emphasize the professionalism and dedication Miller displayed while under “a lot of pressure.” The production designer also pointed out, “Miller had to play two different versions of the character, switching roles every few days.” Austerberry would add that the Flash star only had three days off during the entire production. Miller was reported to have been shooting scenes six days a week and spent one in stunt rehearsals.
Legal trouble has been plaguing Ezra Miller ever since a drug possession arrest in 2011. Then, 2022 saw The Flash star facing multiple charges and accusations, including burglary, disorderly conduct, harassment, and second-degree assault. In addition, Miller has been hit with allegations of drug abuse, child endangerment, and harassment in separate cases in both Vermont and Massachusetts. Warner Bros. would administer ultimatums while damage-controlling promotion for The Flash. Either Miller would issue a statement of apology, seek help, and participate in very limited press or they would release Miller altogether and recast Barry Allen in future movies (all this was made before James Gunn and Peter Safran’s plan to reboot the universe).
Miller had issued a statement taking responsibility for the behavior and crimes committed, and it is being reported that Ezra will be sitting out on doing promotion for The Flash. The buzz has been amazing for the movie, with even Tom Cruise saying he loved it. Fans are hyped for one aspect or another since this movie also brings back Ben Affleck in his Batman incarnation as well as the return of Michael Keaton to his legacy role. Despite all the positive talk and the recent comparisons with Marvel’s Jonathan Majors facing similar crossfire with legal troubles and a future commitment of a franchise, it may be hard to completely forget that The Flash will still have that dark cloud over it.