Andy Muschietti Still Loves The Flash (Despite the Box Office Woes)

Director Andy Muschietti is opening up about his 2023 DC flick, The Flash, admitting the film faced an uphill battle but still proudly calling it a "good movie" despite its disappointing box office and mixed reception.

TL;DR

• Andy Muschietti believes many people criticized The Flash without actually seeing it, jumping on "bandwagons."
• He acknowledges Ezra Miller's "undeniable publicity crisis" heavily impacted the film's performance.
• Despite its struggles, Muschietti remains "very proud" of the movie and is set to direct the upcoming DCU Batman film, The Brave and the Bold.

Andy Muschietti's Candid Thoughts on The Flash's Mixed Reception

It's no secret that The Flash, released in 2023, had a rough ride. Despite early hype from big names like James Gunn and David Zaslav, who called it "one of the greatest superhero Movies ever made" and "the best superhero movie I've ever seen" respectively, the film ended up being a critical and commercial flop. Grossing just $271.4 million worldwide against a reported $200 million budget (and failing to recoup advertising costs), it marked a disappointing end for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) before James Gunn's reboot.

Now, director Andy Muschietti is reflecting on the whole experience. In recent interviews, including one on The Playlist's Bingeworthy podcast, Muschietti has staunchly defended his film, suggesting external factors played a massive role in its poor reception.

"A lot of people did not see it. But you know how things are these days — 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. But yeah, we love the movie. And actually, we really recommend it."

— Andy Muschietti, Director of The Flash

Muschietti believes a significant portion of the negative chatter came from viewers who simply didn't watch the film but were quick to join the "bandwagon" of criticism. He also previously suggested that part of the problem was that "a lot of people just don't care about the Flash as a character," especially among "the two female quadrants" of the moviegoing audience, indicating the film failed to appeal broadly enough to justify its massive budget.

The Unavoidable Ezra Miller Publicity Storm That Shook the Film

While Muschietti points to a general "headwind" against the film, he's also very clear about one undeniable issue: the controversies surrounding its star, Ezra Miller. Miller, who played Barry Allen (and an alternate version of the character), faced a lengthy string of legal troubles and public allegations leading up to and during the film's release.

These issues included a 2020 video of Miller seemingly assaulting a woman in Iceland, which they later described as a "spontaneous reaction" to being taunted. This was followed by multiple disorderly conduct and harassment charges, alleged threats of violence, and allegations of grooming a minor. This "publicity crisis," as Muschietti calls it, undoubtedly cast a long shadow over the film's marketing and audience perception. Many moviegoers, following Miller's personal troubles, likely had no intention of buying a ticket, directly impacting the box office.

Beyond the Headlines: The Flash's In-Film Challenges and Criticisms

Even setting aside the external controversies, The Flash wasn't without its own internal struggles, which many fans and critics highlighted. The film had a notoriously long and troubled development, cycling through five directors and four different writing teams before cameras even started rolling. This tumultuous production history arguably laid the groundwork for some of its perceived flaws.

While Christina Hodson's script was praised in parts for its humor and a heartfelt depiction of Barry Allen's character motivations, it also drew criticism for relying on generic clichés, plot contrivances, and a third act that heavily leaned on nostalgia with a barrage of CGI-created cameos of past DC characters.

Speaking of CGI, many considered The Flash's visual effects to be some of the weakest in years, often appearing unrealistic or even unfinished. Muschietti, however, defended this choice, stating that the distorted look was intentional, meant to represent Barry's fragmented perception of time within the Speed Force.

Another common complaint was the film's handling of its supporting cast. Despite Michael Keaton's highly anticipated return as Batman becoming a primary marketing focus amid Miller's issues, some argued his character was ultimately sidelined. Sasha Calle's Supergirl, notable as the first Latina actor to play the role, also received criticism for having little to no backstory and insufficient screen time to make a lasting impression.

Why the Director Stands by His Superhero Saga and Production

Despite the box office performance and public perception, Muschietti stands by The Flash, expressing deep pride in the effort put in by the cast and crew. He noted that even with all the "issues we were having with publicity," Warner Bros. offered "so much support from the studio," indicating a commitment to the project right up to its release.

The film currently holds a 63% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a mixed but still majority-positive review from surveyed critics. Muschietti's continued belief in the film, even after its commercial performance, suggests a genuine artistic pride in what he and his team created. He reiterated, "We gave it our blood, sweat, and tears all the way to the end. And I watched it, like a week ago, and loved it again."

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

Interestingly, Muschietti's involvement with DC Comics films isn't over. Despite The Flash's struggles, he has been tapped by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the co-heads of the new DC Studios, to direct The Brave and the Bold. This highly anticipated film will introduce the DCU's version of Batman, making Muschietti a key figure in the franchise's new era.

Before that, fans can look forward to his work on It: Welcome to Derry, an HBO Max prequel series set to release on October 26th, further showcasing his talents in the horror genre where he achieved significant success with the two-part big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's It.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Flash Movie

What is The Flash's Rotten Tomatoes score? The Flash holds a 63% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its audience score, or "Popcornmeter," was 81%. How much did The Flash make at the box office? The film grossed approximately $271.4 million worldwide against a reported production budget of $200 million. Who directed The Flash movie? Andy Muschietti, known for directing the It films, helmed The Flash. When was The Flash released? The Flash premiered in theaters on June 16, 2023. Sources

• CBR
• Den of Geek
• GamesRadar+
• IGN
• The Indian Express
• Cosmic Book News
• ComingSoon.net
• World of Reel
• ComicBook.com