(Updated 05/24/2023)
The fastest person in the universe is running back to the big screen. Ever since Ezra Miller appeared as the Flash in Zack Snyder‘s BATMAN V SUPERMAN back in 2016, a Flash movie has been a development at Warner Brothers. Now the movie is almost here.
THE FLASH will be DC‘s own Multiverse-hopping story, and it will help unite some of the different incarnations of DC Comics heroes that have graced the silver screen. For example, Miller will play multiple versions of the Flash, and Michael Keaton returns as his version of Batman, as originally seen in Tim Burton‘s 1989 movie. A couple of other key members of Zack Snyder's DC movies will show up, too.
Here’s everything we know so far about THE FLASH. including the revealing new trailer.
When and Where Can You See The Flash?
THE FLASH will open exclusively in movie theatres on June 16.
Watch the Final Trailer for The Flash
We had to wait a long time for the first trailer, and it offered a big payoff. This final trailer shows even more. We see a lot of Keaton as Batman alongside two versions of the Flash — one of which seems to wear a Flash costume made out of an upcycled Batman suit — and this movie's version of Supergirl.
There's also the return of Ben Affleck as the Zack Snyder version of Bruce Wayne and Batman, as the story seems to take the characters through an alternate version of the attack on Earth mounted by General Zod (Michael Shannon).
Is The Flash Based On A Comic Book Story?
THE FLASH is based at least loosely on the comic book story "Flashpoint" from 2011, in which Barry Allen's attempt to rewrite history has ramifications he did not expect. Indeed, the official description of THE FLASH is "Barry travels back in time to prevent his mother's murder, which brings unintended consequences," which is the core of "Flashpoint" in a nutshell.
We'll See Multiple Batmen in The Flash
Michael Keaton suits up as Batman for THE FLASH, in which he will reportedly play a Nick Fury-type advisor character. (Keaton was also set to appear in the now-canceled BATGIRL streaming movie, and he could show up in AQUAMAN 2 as well.)
In addition, as the trailer shows, Ben Affleck will appear in THE FLASH. In contrast to Michael Keaton's Batman, expect Affleck's appearance to be an emotional grounding force for the Flash. "He’s a very substantial part of the emotional impact of the movie," director Andy Muscietti told Vanity Fair in 2020. "The interaction and relationship between Barry and Affleck’s Wayne will bring an emotional level that we haven’t seen before."
Supergirl Makes Her Modern Movie Debut In The Flash
In addition to two Batmen, THE FLASH will feature a new movie version of Supergirl, played by Sasha Calle ("The Young and the Restless"). As with many of the other characters in this movie, there have been multiple screen versions of Supergirl in the past. “I saw more than four hundred auditions," Muschietti said. "The talent pool was truly amazing and it was very hard to make a decision, but we finally found an actress who was destined to play this role."
It's worth noting, too, that this is probably not the same version of Supergirl who will be at the center of the recently announced SUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW. While Calle was once expected to star in a different Supergirl movie, we'll see what happens as James Gunn's DC plans unfold.
Supergirl won't be the only Kryptonian in the movie, either. Trailers show Michael Shannon suited up as General Zod, his character from MAN OF STEEL whose attack on Metropolis helped set BATMAN V SUPERMAN in motion. And there's a chance that one more former resident of the planet Krypton could appear as well…
The Flash May Be Henry Cavill's Superman Swan Song
Unconfirmed rumors say that Henry Cavill will wear Superman's suit one more time in THE FLASH. We don't know any details about the appearance, which may be only a cameo — and indeed we're not even certain that Cavill will be in the final cut of THE FLASH. The Hollywood Reporter also said at CinemaCon in 2022 that a "young Superman" is in the movie, and given the timeline-jumping aspects of the story that is certainly possible.
The Elephant In The Room
We can’t discuss THE FLASH movie at this point without talking about star Ezra Miller. Miller has been arrested multiple times, most recently for felony burglary. Miller says they have committed to undergoing treatment for emotional problems, but the actor's questionable activities — and the specter of other allegations against them — have created an uncertain future for THE FLASH.
Recently, DC co-head Peter Safran said, “Ezra is completely committed to their recovery. And we are fully supportive of that journey that they’re on right now. When the time is right, when they feel like they’re ready to have the discussion, we’ll all figure out what the best path forward is. But right now, they are completely focused on their recovery. And in our conversations with them over the last couple of months, it feels like they’re making enormous progress.”
Will There Be a Sequel to The Flash?
The question of a FLASH sequel is huge. James Gunn said that THE FLASH "is probably one of the greatest superhero movies ever made," which seems like the sort of thing that would earn a sequel, especially if the movie resonates with audiences.
As the trailer premiered, one fan begged Gunn to keep director Andy Muscietti on board for future DC movies. Gunn's response was simply, "okay." Make of that what you will! We certainly don't know what it means, but that response will keep fans speculating for months.
The Cast Of The Flash
In addition to everyone mentioned so far — Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon, Sasha Calle, and Ben Affleck — there are some returning actors in THE FLASH, and some new additions as well. Ron Livingston plays Barry Allen's father, Henry, and Kiersey Clemons returns as Iris West. Maribel Verdú plays Barry's mother, Nora Allen, and Temuera Morrison reprises his role from AQUAMAN.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Rudy Mancuso, and Luke Brandon Field have landed roles that are yet to be revealed. And Antje Traue is back as Faora-Ul, last seen being sent to the Phantom Zone in MAN OF STEEL.
The Flash opens on June 16.
All images courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.