The DC Universe has faced its fair share of speed bumps (pun intended), and with Ezra Miller’s controversial tenure as the Scarlet Speedster, it’s time to ponder how The Flash can dash back onto screens with a fresh start. His name is being brought up again in light of a recent interview from Andy Muschietti explaining why he thinks The Flash failed.
According to fan account Home of DCU the director stated:
“Apart from all the other reasons, it wasn’t a movie that appealed to the 4-quadrants. It failed at that. When you spend $200 million making a movie, Warner wants to bring even your grandmother to the theaters. And I found out in private conversations that a lot of people just don’t care about The Flash as a character. Particularly the two female quadrants. All that is wind going against the movie that I learned about”.
While Miller wasn’t brought up in this statement, many critics and fans believe that his antics and bad reputation (we won’t get into that here, feel free to just google Ezra’s name) led to the demise of the film. Also fans favored Grant Gustin, who played the role of Barry Allen aka The Flash for several seasons on the CW network.
After a tumultuous run with Ezra Miller at the helm, the future of The Flash in the DC Universe is a hot topic. Whether you’re a fan of Barry Allen or prefer Wally West, there’s no shortage of ways to revitalize this iconic character on the big screen. Here are five creative ways DC can bring The Flash back to life and win over audiences.
1. Recast with a Fan-Favorite Star
Sometimes, the simplest solution is to find a new face. Imagine Jack Quaid or even Lucas Till stepping into Barry Allen’s boots. Both have the charisma, humor, and fan approval needed to make the transition feel seamless. Pair that with a sharp script, and The Flash could race back into the hearts of audiences.
2. Pass the Torch to Wally West
Shift the focus to Wally West, Barry’s protégé and a fan-favorite in the comics. We’ve chatted with actor Mamoudou Athie who expressed interest in playing the role of Wally. In fact, he stated that’s his favorite comic book character. By re-directing the story to Wally’s, this change allows the story to explore new dynamics while respecting the legacy of The Flash. Wally’s vibrant, quippy personality offers a sharp contrast to the brooding heroes of the DCU.
3. Introduce The Flash Through Another Hero’s Story
Why not let The Flash reboot himself as a supporting character first? A cameo in the new Superman film or Lanterns TV series could be the perfect way to reset expectations. Gradually developing the character in a shared universe setting could make his eventual solo outing all the more satisfying.
4. Lean Into the Flash Family
Introduce a team of speedsters, including Barry, Wally, Jay Garrick, and even Impulse. A family-focused story can explore themes of legacy, teamwork, and generational differences. Bonus: It opens the door for a spin-off series or film universe.
5. Bring in a Visionary Director to Redefine the Character
No shade to Muschietti, but it’s time to hand the reins to a bold filmmaker with a unique perspective, while James Gunn could be ideal, he may have his hands full. Perhaps Jordan Peele, Gina Prince-Bythewood or Greta Gerwig could add some flair to the franchise. A fresh creative vision can inject new life into The Flash and expand the boundaries of what a superhero film can be.
The Flash is one of DC’s most beloved heroes, and his cinematic journey deserves the same level of care and creativity as his comic book stories. Whether it’s a reboot, a passing of the torch, or a bold new direction, Barry Allen’s future is brighter than ever, if DC makes the right moves. What truly matters is that The Flash reclaims his place as a fan-favorite hero, bringing both excitement and emotional depth to the big screen. The road ahead might be tricky, but if there’s one thing The Flash is known for, is finding his way back…fast.
