As we approach the long-awaited release of “The Flash,” the discussion about Ezra Miller and their abuse allegations and legal issues has not really died down. Though people are praising Miller’s performance in the film, there are still plenty of folks wondering if the actor is going to stay in the lead role if the character continues in the DCU under James Gunn and Peter Safran. Well, if director Andy Muschietti has anything to say about it, then Ezra Miller is here to stay as Barry Allen, aka the Flash.
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In an upcoming episode of The Discourse podcast (which will be released closer to the film’s debut), filmmaker Andy Muschietti and his producing partner, Barbara Muschietti raved about Ezra Miller’s performance as Barry Allen in “The Flash.” In fact, when asked if there is a chance Miller could be replaced in a sequel, considering all of the issues the actor has experienced in their personal life, Andy Muschiettie feels as if there isn’t anyone else who can take over the role and do a better job. Therefore, if a sequel is made and the Muschiettis are involved, Ezra Miller will star.
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“If [a sequel] happens, yes,” Andy Muschietti said about Miller returning for another ‘Flash’ film. “I don’t think there’s anyone that can play that character as well as they did. The other depictions of the character are great, but this particular vision of the character, they just excelled in doing it. And, as you said, the two Barrys – it feels like a character that was made for them.”
Barbara Muschietti added, “In principal photography, Ezra was brilliant and the most committed and the most professional [actor]. Ezra gave everything for this role – physically, creatively, emotionally. They were absolutely supreme.”
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Again, judging solely by the early reactions to the film, people are generally in agreement that Miller turns in a great performance. Unfortunately, for many film fans, a great performance doesn’t redeem an actor who has been the subject of some pretty disturbing allegations. The actor has issued statements about getting mental health help, but there hasn’t been any word about what might happen if there’s a ‘Flash’ sequel.
Normally, a superhero sequel wouldn’t be such a question. The goal for all of these films is to turn into lucrative, billion-dollar franchises. However, with “The Flash,” there are plenty of issues with a potential sequel. “The Flash” was made under the previous DC Studios leadership, and though new co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have been vocal with their support of the film, a sequel doesn’t appear to be in the cards for the duo’s early plans for the rebooted superhero universe. That said, if “The Flash” makes a billion dollars and earns critical acclaim, you have to assume Gunn and Safran might have to rethink their strategy and figure out how to incorporate a sequel.
All of that is pure speculation at this point. What isn’t conjecture, however, is the fact that Andy and Barbara Muschietti clearly want Ezra Miller to stick around if they are called on to make another ‘Flash.’
-Additional reporting by Mike DeAngelo