DC Extended Universe Wiki

The voting process for the separation of DCEU/DCU has begun, join and vote.

Feel free to leave your vote at any time, voting closes in July 2024.

READ MORE

DC Extended Universe Wiki
Register
Advertisement
DC Extended Universe Wiki
__The Flash banner_ Film | Comic | Soundtrack | Characters | Cast | Crew | Gallery
For other uses of Flash, see Flash (disambiguation).

" I completely broke the universe! I created a world with no metahumans, and now there's no one to defend us!"
Flash

The Flash is a 2023 superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero of the same name. Co-produced by DC Films, Double Dream, and The Disco Factory and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is a sequel to/spin-off of Man of Steel, Zack Snyder's Justice League and a crossover/sequel to Tim Burton's Batman duology, the thirteenth and second-last installment in the DC Extended Universe as a new continuity will be established. The film released on June 16, 2023.

Directed by Andy Muschietti from a screenplay by Christina Hodson and screen story by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, and Joby Harold, the film stars Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / Flash, alongside Sasha Calle as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl, Michael Shannon as General Dru-Zod, Ron Livingston as Henry Allen, Maribel Verdú as Nora Allen, Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, Antje Traue as Sub-commander Faora-Ul, with Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman.

A sequel was written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, but it is currently unknown if the project will move forward in development.[1]

Synopsis[]

Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?[2]

Plot[]

The Flash saving babies - Promo still

Rushing to get a sandwich, Barry Allen must turn into the Flash when he is called to stop a robbery at the Gotham General, where he rescues falling people from the hospital building with help from Batman and Wonder Woman. After arriving late at work, Barry ran into Iris West from school, mentioning this in a call with his father, awaiting his next trial. He thus remembers his mother's death that his father was wrongly acclaimed to be responsible for, running as the Flash until he discovers the Chronobowl through the Speed Force, in which he can interact with the past. He tells Bruce Wayne this before meeting Iris again, who indirectly inspires him to alter the moment where his mother forgets to buy the tomatoes, leading to her untimely death.

Barry explains the Multiverse to his 89 self

Having altered the past, Flash is punched out of the Chronobowl by an unknown entity. Ignoring this, Barry reunites with his parents until discovering an alternate version of himself, talking to him in his room. Realizing he messed up the timeline, Barry asks his alternate self what day it is, revealing to him the date of when he received his powers. Barry must get his variant to acquire his powers in little time, losing his own powers in doing so. The next day, after Barry had caused a catastrophe with his newfound powers, the Earth's technological devices get an interruptive transmission from General Dru-Zod, with Barry now knowing this is the day the Black Zero Event occurred, during which Barry saved a child, but not his father. The two Barrys now search for Batman, who could help them find Kal-El.

Flashes and Supergirl

With him found in a Siberian black site, Batman assists the two in taking him with them, only to find out there is a Supergirl, Kara Zor-El, in this timeline instead. Kara helps the Barrys and Batman escape the black site and return to the Batcave, where Barry retrieves his powers through three lightning strikes. As a new Justice League, the four face Zod in a fierce battle where Batman and Supergirl inevitably die. Past Flash attempts to save them, now also being able to access the Chronobowl himself, but every time, he fails. Barry realizes that this event, Kara’s death, cannot be changed but Past Flash keeps trying, until the mysterious person, Dark Flash, that struck Barry reappears. Revealed to be Past Barry from the future, who still believes he can save his Earth, Dark Flash fights the two, having alternate universes collapse into each other the more they disrupt the fabric of reality. Nonetheless, Dark Flash prepares to stab Barry, only for Past Barry to take the hit for him. Dark Flash ceases to exist as Past Barry passes away, restoring broken realities.

The Flash Trailer 037

Barry reverses time now to put the can of tomatoes back on the shelf and to say farewell to his mother. Unbeknownst to Barry, putting things right in itself has made a less extreme, albeit still alternate timeline, where his father is proven innocent. Barry also meets yet another Bruce Wayne. He also meets with an alternate drunken Arthur Curry to whom he tries to explain the concept of the multiverse.

Cast[]

Appearances[]

Characters[]


Locations[]

Events[]

Items[]

Vehicles[]

Sentient species[]

Creatures[]

Organizations[]

Production[]

Development[]

In 2006, Warner Bros. gave first pick to David S. Goyer to write for a DC film based on a character of his choice. Goyer selected The Flash and began to attempt writing a version for the screen.[5]

In June 2010, Warner Bros. hired Green Lantern and Arrow writers Greg Berlanti, Michael Green, and Marc Guggenheim to pen a treatment of the film. The script for The Flash would be based on the recent run by DC's Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, and would feature Barry Allen as the first film incarnation of the Flash.[6]

In June 2014, it was rumored that the film would release Christmas 2017 following Justice League and Wonder Woman, and that it would be a team-up film uniting Flash with Green Lantern, the later character not being portrayed by Ryan Reynolds.[7]

On October 5, 2015, it was reported that Seth Grahame-Smith was in negotiations to direct the film.[8] However, on April 29, 2016, it was announced that Grahame-Smith had exited the project due to creative differences. The project would reportedly retain Grahame-Smith's script, which he wrote working off of a treatment from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.[9]

In June 2016, it was announced that Dope director Rick Famuyiwa had been hired to direct the film, replacing Seth Grahame-Smith. The studio believed Famuyiwa provided a vision for The Flash that would resonate with young viewers, and also was compatible with the already existing script by Grahame-Smith that Warner Bros. intended to shoot with.[10] It was reported in August that The Flash would begin filming in London, England in January 2017.[11] On October 31, 2016, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Famuyiwa had left the film due to creative differences. Sources claimed that Famuyiwa intended to make a film with more edge, which clashed with the studio's ideas.[12] Other choices for directors included Robert Zemeckis, Matthew Vaughn, Sam Raimi, or Marc Webb, with Zemeckis and Vaughn as frontrunners.

On January 25, 2017, Variety reported that Joby Harold will rewrite the script for the film.[13] At 2017 San Diego Comic Con, it was revealed that the film would adapt the "Flashpoint" storyline and would also be titled Flashpoint.[14]

In January 2018, filmmaking duo John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein entered negotiations to write and direct the film.[15] Warner Bros. also had discussions with Ben Affleck to direct, but Affleck passed on the project and one of the studio's top picks, Robert Zemeckis, was not available due to a busy schedule. Daley and Goldstein were confirmed as directors in March 2018, and in April the film's title reverted back to The Flash.[16] On February 28, 2019, Deadline Hollywood reported that the directors will also write the script.[17]

On March 15, 2019, Ezra Miller and Grant Morrison were reported to be writing the film's script.,[18] In July 2019, director Andy Muschietti was reportedly in talks to direct the film with Christina Hodson writing, after Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley left the project.[19] Muschietti was confirmed as director and Hodson as screenwriter.

Casting[]

On October 15, 2014, it was announced that Ezra Miller would play the title role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, his solo film and both upcoming Justice League films.[20]

In July 2016, Variety reported that Kiersey Clemons was Famuyiwa's top choice for the role of Iris West,[21] while The Hollywood Reporter's Borys Kit revealed that Rita Ora and Lucy Boynton were also among the list of top-runner actresses.[22] In August of the same year, Ray Fisher was confirmed to appear in the film as Cyborg[23], but later resigned from the film after an ongoing battle with Warner Bros.

On June 22, 2020, The Wrap broke the news that Michael Keaton was negotiating to appear as his Bruce Wayne from the Tim Burton films.[24] The same day, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Keaton was in talks to portray Batman in a multi-picture deal as a new mentor character for the DC Films.[25] On August 20, 2020, Michael Keaton was confirmed to appear along with Ben Affleck who will reprise his role as Batman in the film.[26] In September of 2020, Billy Crudup was revealed to be in talks to portray Barry Allen's father in the film.[27]

On February 19, 2021, Muschietti announced on his Instagram page that Sasha Calle had joined the cast of the film as Supergirl.[28] On March 12, 2021, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Maribel Verdu had joined the cast of the film as Nora Allen, while Billy Crudup who was set to play Henry Allen, had dropped out of the project due to scheduling conflicts.[29] Kiersey Clemons was confirmed to star as Iris West.[30] On March 22, 2021, Variety reported Keaton as having doubts about committing to the project, citing possible scheduling conflicts and problems posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.[31] On March 24, 2021, Variety reported that Ron Livingston will replace Crudup as Henry Allen. Additionally Ian Loh joined the cast to portray a young Barry Allen, along with Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Rudy Mancuso in talks to join the film.[32] On April 19, 2021, The Wrap reported that Michael Keaton's talent agency, ICM Partners, had confirmed the actor's return for the film.[33]

Filming[]

The Flash principal photography was scheduled to begin in February 2019, with filming taking place at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in the United Kingdom, and Atlanta, Georgia in the United States,[34] but the start of principal photography has been pushed back and is expected to start in late 2019, with a 2021 release date.[35] After numerous delays to the release date, the beginning of principal photography was rescheduled to March 2021 in September 2020.[36] However these plans were possibly changed together with the release date. On April 16, 2021, Deadline reported that production would begin in London.[37]

On April 19, 2021, Andy Muschietti revealed a new logo for the film, and confirmed that filming had begun. [38] On August 18, 2021, Michael Keaton confirmed he has wrapped filming on his scenes. On October 18, 2021, filming officially wrapped.[39]

Music[]

On April 19, 2021, Benjamin Wallfisch was announced to score The Flash. Wallfisch previously was an assistant to Hans Zimmer for Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before making his solo debut for Shazam!.

On September 20, 2022, the score was completed. [40]

Song title Artist Location(s)
Time Pink Floyd
  • Final Trailer

Release[]

The Flash was originally scheduled to be released in the United States on March 23, 2018.[41] It was later advanced to March 16, 2018,[42] which was eventually given to Tomb Raider.[43] The project was put on hold after the departure of Famuyiwa, and was now projected for a 2021 release.[35] On December 11, 2019, the film was scheduled to be released on July 1, 2022.[44] On April 20, 2020, the film was pushed forward to June 3, 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[45] On October 5, 2020, the film was pushed back to November 4, 2022.[46] On March 9, 2022, the film was pushed back once more to June 23, 2023. Warner Bros has clarified that VFX/CGI issues and the COVID-19 Pandemic was the cause of the pushback but then moved up one week to it’s final release date of June 16, 2023 Due to Positive Test Screenings.

Videos[]

Trailers[]

TV spots[]

Featurettes[]

Other[]

References[]

Site-logo
The DC Extended Universe Wiki has a collection of images and media related to The Flash.
  1. DC at a Turning Point: James Gunn Pitches Secret Movie, Dwayne Johnson Flexes His Superman Power (Exclusive)
  2. The Flash – Official Trailer
  3. 3.0 3.1 The Flash scriptwriter announced that there will be two scenes in which Independiente will appear - TyCSports
  4. "EXCLUSIVE: Flash Movie Won’t Feature The Flashpoint We Expect, Says Director" - That Hashtag Show
  5. "The Dialogue: David Goyer Interview Part 1" - YouTube
  6. "Warner Brothers Hires Green Lantern Writers for Green Lantern 2 and The Flash" - /Film
  7. "‘Justice League’ Movie To Hit May 2017, ‘Wonder Woman’ & ‘Green Lantern’/’Flash’ Crossover Coming Same Year" - Indiewire
  8. "DC movies release date calendar" - Entertainment Weekly
  9. "'The Flash' Movie Loses Its Director (Exclusive)" - The Hollywood Reporter
  10. "‘The Flash’ Lands ‘Dope’ Helmer Rick Famuyiwa; He Will Direct Ezra Miller As Fastest Man Alive" - Deadline Hollywood
  11. "‘The Flash’, with Ezra Miller, begins filming in London January 2017" - On Location Vacations
  12. "'The Flash' Movie Loses 'Dope' Director Rick Famuyiwa (Exclusive)" - The Hollywood Reporter
  13. "Joby Harold to Do Page-One Rewrite of ‘The Flash’ Script (EXCLUSIVE)" - Variety
  14. "The Flash Movie Officially Titled Flashpoint" - Comic Book
  15. "‘Flash’ Standalone Film Taps Directors John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein (EXCLUSIVE)" - Variety
  16. "'Flash' Movie Writer Dan Mazeau Tackling Ernie Cline's 'Armada'" - The Hollywood Reporter
  17. "New Line Veteran Michael Disco Boogies To Producing Deal, Launches The Disco Factory" - Deadline Hollywood
  18. "'Flash' Shocker: Ezra Miller Writing Script in Bid to Stay On as Star (Exclusive)" - The Hollywood Reporter
  19. "Andy Muschietti in Talks to Direct ‘Flash’ for DC and Warner Bros" - The Wrap
  20. "Warner Bros.' 'The Flash' Movie to Star Ezra Miller" - The Hollywood Reporter
  21. "‘The Flash’: ‘Dope’ Actress Kiersey Clemons Top Choice for Female Lead (EXCLUSIVE)" - Variety
  22. Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) - Twitter
  23. "Cyborg to Appear in ‘The Flash’ Movie (EXCLUSIVE)" - Variety
  24. "Batman Returns! Michael Keaton in Talks to Play Bruce Wayne in ‘The Flash’ Movie (Exclusive)" - The Wrap
  25. "Michael Keaton in Talks to Return as Batman for 'Flash' Movie" - The Hollywood Reporter
  26. "Ben Affleck Will Return as Batman in The Flash" - Vanity Fair
  27. "Billy Crudup in Talks to Join 'The Flash' (Exclusive)" - The Hollywood Reporter
  28. Andy Muschietti (@andy_muschietti) - Instagram
  29. "'Flash' Movie: Spanish Actress Maribel Verdu to Play Barry Allen's Mother (Exclusive)" - The Hollywood Reporter
  30. "Kiersey Clemons to Star in 'The Flash' Movie" - Hollywood Reporter
  31. "Michael Keaton Would Break SAG Ensemble Award Record With ‘Chicago 7’ Win; On Playing Ramsey Clark & How He Will Reprise Batman 30 Years Later: Q&A" - Deadline Hollywood
  32. "‘The Flash’: Ron Livingston to Replace Billy Crudup as He" - Variety
  33. "Yes, Michael Keaton Really Is Playing Batman in ‘The Flash’" - The Wrap
  34. "Warner Bros. Shifts DC Strategy Amid Executive Change-Up" - The Hollywood Reporter
  35. 35.0 35.1 "Flash Standalone Movie Pushes Start Date, Eyes 2021 Release (EXCLUSIVE)" - Variety
  36. "The Flash Movie Reportedly Starts Filming March 2021" - Screen Rant
  37. "Andy Muschietti & Barbara Muschietti Form Production Company Double Dream" - Deadline Hollywood
  38. Andy Muschietti (@andy_muschietti) - Instagram
  39. ⚡️That’s a wrap on The Flash⚡️Day 124 with a fantastic sound team, brilliant cast and crew. It’s been challenging but great fun.
  40. FilmAce2 on Twitter
  41. "DC Comics Movies Announced: ‘Suicide Squad,’ ‘Wonder Woman,’ ‘Justice League,’ ‘The Flash,’ ‘Aquaman’" - /Film
  42. "‘The Flash’ movie release date gets bumped up" - Batman-News
  43. "Alicia Vikander’s ‘Tomb Raider’ Gets 2018 Release Date" - Variety
  44. "'Flash' and 'Matrix 4' Get Release Dates" - The Hollywood Reporter
  45. "'The Batman' Moves Back Amid Warner Bros. Date Shuffle" - The Hollywood Reporter
  46. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named release


External Links[]


Films in the DC Extended Universe
Man of SteelBatman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeSuicide SquadWonder WomanJustice LeagueAquamanShazam!Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)Wonder Woman 1984Zack Snyder's Justice LeagueThe Suicide SquadBlack AdamShazam! Fury of the GodsThe FlashBlue BeetleAquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Advertisement