“The Flash,” a highly anticipated film, is finally hitting the big screens this Friday, marking the culmination of a tumultuous journey for its star, Ezra Miller. As a significant part of Warner Bros’ summer box office battle, the movie also serves as the reboot for the DC Extended Universe franchise, led by the new co-chairman, James Gunn.
In this thrilling adaptation, Miller takes on the role of Barry Allen, also known as the superhero Flash, who employs his superhuman speed to travel back in time in a desperate attempt to prevent his mother’s tragic fate. Throughout the film, Miller brilliantly portrays both the seasoned Flash and his younger self. The plot takes an unexpected turn as the Flash finds himself trapped in the past, alongside Supergirl, portrayed by Sasha Calle, and the iconic Batman, played by the original cinematic Batman, Michael Keaton.
“The Flash” faced numerous setbacks, including delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Miller’s personal struggles, which made headlines in 2022 due to their mental health challenges and legal issues, including assault and burglary charges. Miller, who identifies as non-binary and prefers they/them pronouns, chose not to engage with the press for promotional activities. However, they made a highly anticipated public appearance at Monday’s premiere, sharing their sentiments about the film.
Warner Bros. captured Miller’s excitement as they expressed, “It’s a truly beautiful moment for me. It’s incredible to witness everyone’s presence here and have a moment to celebrate this movie, which, as you mentioned, has been a profound journey.”
Even Ben Affleck, who plays Batman in certain scenes, acknowledged the significance of portraying a character with wisdom to impart on younger counterparts, adding depth to the narrative.
As “The Flash” races into theaters, early reviews present a mixed reception, with a current rating of 72% on the renowned review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. David Rooney of the Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on the pre-release buzz surrounding Ezra Miller, remarked, “Despite the star’s troubled personal journey, Miller proves to be the film’s greatest asset, infusing it with humor, heart, and a vulnerability seldom seen in blockbuster superheroes.”
Although it is anticipated that “The Flash” may fall short of the remarkable box office achievements seen this year, with an estimated opening weekend revenue of $70-75 million, it pales in comparison to recent standout releases. For instance, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” raked in a staggering $120.5 million, while “The Super Mario Bros.” earned a commendable $146 million in its debut weekend.