Andy Muschietti Defends The Flash: "People Talk S Without Seeing It"

The director of DC's 2023 superhero epic, The Flash, is still super proud of his movie, even after all the drama and box office struggles. He thinks a lot of the negativity came from folks who hadn't even given it a watch!

TL;DR: Here's the Speedrun Summary!

Director's Pride: Andy Muschietti remains "very proud" of The Flash, calling it a "good movie" despite its disappointing box office.
Online Backlash: Muschietti believes much of the criticism came from people who "don't see things but they like to talk s about it" and jump on "bandwagons" without seeing the film.
Miller's Impact Acknowledged: He openly admits that Ezra Miller's "undeniable publicity crisis" heavily affected the movie's reception and performance.

Andy Muschietti Opens Up About The Flash's Turbulent Journey

Remember 2023's The Flash? It feels like ages ago, but director Andy Muschietti is still thinking about his time with the Scarlet Speedster. In a recent chat, while promoting his upcoming It: Welcome to Derry series, Muschietti didn't shy away from discussing the rollercoaster ride that was making and releasing the DCEU film. Despite its troubled production, multiple delays, and an eventual box office bomb status, he stands by his vision, firmly believing it's a "good movie."

It's no secret that The Flash had a rough road. It was caught in the shift from the old DC Extended Universe (DCEU) to James Gunn's new DC Universe (DCU), and its star, Ezra Miller, faced a barrage of legal and personal controversies that became a constant headline. But even with all that "headwind," as Muschietti put it, the director expresses unwavering pride in the film and the team's dedication.

Why the Director Believes Many Didn't Give The Flash a Fair Shot

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Muschietti’s latest comments suggest a frustration with the online discourse surrounding his movie. He believes a significant portion of the negative chatter came from people who hadn't even bothered to see the film in theaters or at home. It's a common lament from filmmakers these days, facing a culture where opinions can spread like wildfire, often based on second-hand information or popular narratives.

He highlighted how easy it is for people to "jump on bandwagons" and voice strong opinions without experiencing the art itself. For a movie that had been in development for so long, and with so much personal investment from the crew, it's understandable that he feels some of the criticism was unfairly leveled.

"A lot of people did not see it. But you know how things are these days, like people don't see things, but they like to talk s about it, and they like to jump on bandwagons. They don't really know. People are angry for reasons that are unrelated to these things. Of course, we had a publicity crisis with Ezra that is undeniable. And I'm not questioning that." — Andy Muschietti, Director of The Flash

Acknowledging Ezra Miller's Undeniable Publicity Challenges

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While Muschietti defends the film's quality, he's also refreshingly honest about the massive external factors that plagued its release. He explicitly called out the "publicity crisis with Ezra" as "undeniable." This isn't the first time he's spoken about it, but his continued acknowledgment shows he understands the weight of the controversies surrounding his lead actor.

Ezra Miller, who plays Barry Allen (and two versions of him!) in the film, faced multiple arrests and allegations, including disorderly conduct, harassment, and assault, in the years leading up to the film's premiere. These serious personal and legal issues created a storm of negative press that undoubtedly overshadowed the film's artistic merits and made many potential viewers hesitant to support it.

It's a tough spot for any filmmaker, pouring "blood, sweat, and tears" into a project only to have its public perception largely dictated by off-screen events. Muschietti credits Warner Bros. for standing by the film, stating they "went all in" despite the potential for negative publicity. This level of studio support, given the circumstances, is something he clearly appreciates.

The Flash's Box Office Run and Mixed Critical Reception

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Let's talk numbers and reviews. The Flash hit theaters on June 16, 2023, after years of delays and a rumored $220 million budget. It wrapped its worldwide theatrical run with a disappointing $271.4 million. In Hollywood terms, that's a significant "bomb," even out-grossing 2011's infamous Green Lantern.

Critically, the film earned a 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, which, surprisingly, was higher than some other DCEU entries like Black Adam, Suicide Squad (2016), Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Audiences seemed a bit kinder, with an 81% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes and a "B" CinemaScore. Still, these numbers couldn't save its financial performance.

Many critics pointed to the film's CGI as a major drawback, especially in the third act. The digital cameos of deceased actors like George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, and Adam West were particularly divisive, with some finding them in poor taste and others feeling they were simply unfinished. However, there were definite highlights, including Sasha Calle's powerful portrayal of Supergirl and Michael Keaton's nostalgic return as Batman, which many fans adored.

Key Details and Facts About The Flash (2023)

Release Date: June 16, 2023
Runtime: 144 minutes
Director: Andy Muschietti
Writers: Christina Hodson, Joby Harold, John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein (and characters by various DC creators)
Producers: Bárbara Muschietti, Michael Disco
Main Cast: Ezra Miller (Barry Allen / The Flash), Sasha Calle (Kara Zor-El / Supergirl), Michael Keaton (Bruce Wayne / Batman), Ben Affleck (Bruce Wayne / Batman), Michael Shannon (General Zod), Kiersey Clemons (Iris West), Maribel Verdú (Nora Allen), Ron Livingston (Henry Allen)
Reported Budget: $220 million
Worldwide Box Office: $271.4 million
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63% (Critics), 81% (Audience)

Revisiting Muschietti's Previous Thoughts on The Flash's Performance

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This isn't the first time Muschietti has weighed in on The Flash's struggles. In an earlier interview back in January, he offered another perspective: he suggested that a significant factor in its box office failure was that "a lot of people just don't care about the Flash as a character." He explained that the film failed to appeal to "the four quadrants" of moviegoers – males and females both under and over 25 – in a way that would justify its massive $200 million budget. When a studio spends that much, he noted, they want to bring "even your grandmother to the theaters." This insight points to a broader challenge for many superhero films: balancing niche fan appeal with widespread general audience interest.

Behind the Scenes: Unfinished VFX and a Shifting Cinematic Universe

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The journey to the big screen for The Flash was famously turbulent. It cycled through five directors and four writing teams before Muschietti finally took the helm. Reports also suggest that the film's ending was changed due to the looming DCU reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran, and some insiders even claimed that special effects went unfinished. This fragmented development, coupled with the transitional state of the DCEU itself, meant the film was fighting an uphill battle even before a single ticket was sold.

The movie was released at the tail end of the Snyderverse, a universe that was effectively being dismantled. This left The Flash in a strange limbo, trying to wrap up old storylines while simultaneously setting up nothing for a future that was already announced to be going in a completely different direction. It's tough for audiences to invest in a story when they know it's already a dead end.

What's Next for Andy Muschietti in the DC Universe and Beyond?

Despite The Flash's commercial performance, Andy Muschietti's talent and ability to navigate such a complex, troubled production haven't gone unnoticed. He's currently promoting his It: Welcome to Derry television series, which is set to premiere on October 26. More significantly for DC fans, Muschietti is reportedly still attached to direct The Brave and the Bold, the first Batman film in James Gunn's new DC Universe, which will introduce Bruce Wayne and Damian Wayne's Robin. While some sources express skepticism about it actually happening, his involvement suggests that DC Studios sees value in his filmmaking capabilities.

As for the Flash character himself, James Gunn has indicated that the speedster, or at least a Barry Allen incarnation, won't be racing into the new DCU anytime soon. Future iterations might even explore other speedsters like Wally West.

A Final Takeaway: Should You Revisit The Flash?

It's easy to get swept up in the negativity surrounding films like The Flash, especially when external controversies and online "bandwagons" are at play. Muschietti’s reflections offer a reminder that there’s often more to a film’s story than its box office receipts or initial social media reaction. With its multiversal scope, the return of Michael Keaton's iconic Batman, and Sasha Calle's strong Supergirl debut, The Flash certainly had ambitious moments and genuine creative sparks.

Maybe, as Muschietti suggests, the movie deserves a second look, removed from the initial hype, controversies, and the weight of being the "end of an era." It might not be the "greatest superhero movie ever made" that some studio execs hyped it up to be, but perhaps it's not the complete disaster many claimed either. Ultimately, you're the judge!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Flash (2023)

When did The Flash movie come out?

The Flash was released in theaters on June 16, 2023.

Where can I watch The Flash (2023) now?

The Flash is available for streaming on Max, and also for rent or purchase on various digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and more. It's also available on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD.