EDITORIAL: The DCCU Casting of THE FLASH and Why It Doesn't Sit Well With Me

EDITORIAL: The DCCU Casting of THE FLASH and Why It Doesn't Sit Well With Me

EDITORIAL: The DCCU Casting of the Flash and Why It Doesn't Sit Well With Me

Editorial Opinion
By TheRockmore - Oct 15, 2014 03:10 PM EST
Filed Under: The Flash
EDITORIAL: The DCCU Casting of the Flash and Why It Doesn't Sit Well With Me
 
Pardon the long title....


Ezra Miller is The Flash in the DCCU...



I would like to start this article by saying... YES I do know that Hollywood Reporter HAS scooped that he will be playing Barry Allen in the movie... and no other Flash... although H.R. can be accurate a lot... it has been VERY VERY off at other points, so this will be written from the POV that we do NOT know what Flash he will be playing.

Let's Start of with Ezra Miller himself....



Just a precursor... I don't think this kid is a bad actor at all... on the other hand I find him extremely talented... a common misconception that differs this deemed "miscast" from others is that YES people do seem to mind that Ezra Miller is playing the Flash, BUT it isn't for lack of talent (as people claim(ed) with Batfleck, WW, Ledger...etc...) BUT RATHER for the direction this character is/isn't taking in THIS universe. This is a notion that some people don't understand, so in simpler terms... it isn't the actor everyone is ripping on in terms of HOW he can act... I have yet to see anyone complain about believability as an actor; but this rather is a testament to the direction WB is unfortunately taking the character.

Now, with he with he Flash a success on the CW, and Barry Allen being that Flash, you want to differentiate the Flash of the DCCU from the one on TV...esepecially if you aren't choosing to merge the universe. To start, casting someone just as young (actually 2 years younger) then Gustin... in a world where the heroes are substantially older then that already doesn't seem right...especially when an age differential between Gustin and the DCCU's Flash would have been a nice "separator" between the two. The DCCU also seems to be going with all "older" (not super old :P ) heroes rather than post-college... they seem to be content with early 30's and late 20's....why make the Flash a brooding gothic kid who is in his early 20's? ... Yes...people can be "aged" with movie magic...but anything beyond 3-4 years starts to look unnatural...  This also applies to looks, even if they both played Barry, why would you want them both to look dissimilar in terms of an iconic part of the character (his blond hair).... yes we can all bring up the "but they can dye his hair"... but really? Do you think Ezra Miller would look good as a blond?... Nope? nor do I.




Some may argue that making him look like Grant is a way to pull viewer ship...but in reality a JL/Flash movie doesn't need that...this casting is not only "out there" but unseeable...in this day and age is MATTERS if people look the part of a hero in general...Miller unfortunatley does not. The argument of viewership is one that shouldn't exist, because despite who is cast, people will see the movie...

On top of that, the biggest initial complaint with Gustin was that he didn't look like any of the Flash's from the comics...especially when it came to his hair. Why then would they pick someone who looks more like Grant Gustin then Barry Allen or Wally West ( I assume they will go with Wally...for reasons stated below)... On the other hand, I personally think Grant looks more like Barry then people credit him for, minus the hair, BUT given his performance that has Barry (which is spectacular) that is the least of anyone's worries at this point.

Lastly, this guy is good at one thing...DARK ROLES, not only does he look goth 99.9% of the time, but EVERY role he plays has that hint of goth because that is what is natural to him. Even the roles he is supposed to be a happy character come off as dark and brooding...something that none of the Flash's are.



Now onto which Flash he could play and why (or why not)...


Barry Allen: No, no, no we should NOT see another Barry Allen on screen in any form, I am not just saying this because I love Gustin's portrayal, but in terms of logistics and logic... why would anyone in their right mind create two characters SO alike, age, hair color differential, etc.. fact of the matter is, it would seem they were trying to "recreate the Gustin casting". Personallyif a blond, well built, 30+ year old was cast as Barry Allen today... although I would have minded a little, I would have still been fine with it... they create enough difference that it all makes sense, and that they are clearly different characters who don't have to follow the same events. In this regard people tend to bring up the "Gotham v. Batfleck" comparison, which I find laughable... can you really look at a 12 year old preBatman Bruce Wayne and call him the same character as an aged and seasoned 40+ year old Batman?... No... I don't believe you can.. And to the same end, Smallville, had it been running during MoS, although this comparison is slightly closer, Clark was approximately 26-27 when Smallville ended, and Cavil's MoS was 33... they were still clearly different enough that they could have run concurrently.





Wally West: Yes... if any Flash then this Flash... I will also be bringing Green Lantern into this argument as I find GL and Flash to be two pea's in a pod... Now at first I agreed, Hal and Barry SHOULD be the Flash and GL in the JLA movie....I even thought so after the Arrowverse was confirmed to be separate from the DCCU; but the more I thought about it...the less sense it seemed to make.
 
As mentioned above, the Flash show currently stars  Barry Allen, and producers recently confirmed they would like to bring seemingly, the New 52 version of Wally onto the show eventually. CW/WB/DC has now established 2 out of the 3 logical TV screen trinity choices, with the next in line being, you guessed it....Hal Jordan. I won't go into the logistics of the character or the show because it has been gone over in write ups linked right here.

Onto the cinematic universe and who should be chosen... with the CW using Barry Allen, and Hal Jordan being a theoretical and logical choice... and considering WB isn't Marvel, and they own all the rights to the characters, why compete with themselves?....Why make this a Peter Maximoff (DoFP) vs. Quicksilver (AoU) when they own ALL of the rights? On top of that, if each member of the League is broken down into their core components, especially if you want to diversify the League in both the literal sense, and the sense of their essence, using John and Wally (preNew 52) makes even more sense. On top of all of this, using a Pre-New 52 take on Wally in the DCCU and a Post-New 52 take on the CW allows for two characters who are EXTREMELY different two be developed and never really confused, even their codenames... a CW Wally would likely never grow out of the Kid Flash moniker and a DCCU Wally would just be.. THE FLASH.
 
Just to take a quick glance at the League as it stands (theoretically):

Superman: A man who fights for the people, and stands up to do whats right.

Batman: The brains, who also packs a punch, the methodological leader.

Cyborg: The young, yet driven and smart member of the League.

Wonder Woman: (Rumors say she has been among humans for awhile in DoJ) So, very logical, human ambassador type leader, political in her views.

Flash (Wally): The fun loving, joke cracking "kid" of the team.

G.L. (John): The post war vet who understands that doing things by the law isn't always the best movie...due to his war based past...he gets that.

Shazam?: Wall's counter...the only member of the team who gets Wally, and at times acts like him, but unlike Wally he wants to be more like Superman...to stand for something...but because he is a kid on the inside...he struggles with it. (This is the Barry and Hal relationship)

**Quick note....there are 3 distinctive pairings...and if you have 1 of the 2...you kind of have to have the other or their is no point in having the former: Hal and Barry, John and Wally, Kyle and Wally**

Now I bet there are people out there who will say "but if they ignore Barry and Hal then...." thats just it...they don't have to ignore Barry and Hal...but they don't have to mention them either. The Justice League cartoon, which was among the more popular cartoons of its time did the exact same thing (although Hal had a brief 20 second cameo in JLU). And fans didn't complain, to that point people may say "but those were just kids watching that show, they didn't know that there was a Barry and a Hal". And I respond to that by saying.... 90% of CBM goers have never picked up a comic, nor do they chose to.... then there are the kids that watched that show who have now grown up on comics due to that shows influence...they would get it....all thats left are the fans who WOULD accept the minor swap and the complainers who WOULDN'T...and since majority does rule...well you get it...and most likely, as comic fans do best..people would complain complain complain and then realize it works just fine... as I'm sure they will when Age of Ultron comes out and they see that Hank Pym NOT having a hand in Ultron's creation works just fine
 
**Another reason to include John would be to distance themselves from the very recent 2011 GL movie that didn't do so well at the box office, and disappointed many fans**
 
Many people don't know this...but the JL cartoon did have a very different lineup....pictured below...but they, as WB seems to want to do now....chose to diversify the group.





Bart Allen... well for starters Bart isn't really notable for being The Flash... ever, it was a title he held for less then a year (real time, not comic time). On top of that having a Bart and Barry is JUST as confusing as having a Barry and a Barry.

Final thoughts although disappointed...He will most likely be a preNew 52 version of Wally if anything...that way people can have a semi logical Justice League...Bart was the Flash for all of 1 year (if that even) and is barely known....the "Allen" last name will confuse people regardless of who is playing who...especially the 90% of moviegoers who don't read comics but hear about a show about Barry Allen (B. Allen) and Bart Allen (B.Allen).... the CW seems to be taking a post New 52 take on Wally, one that is less widely known, and will be his routes as Kid Flash, and it would make
sense for the DCCU to elaborate on a part of Wally we most likely won't ever see on the CW, a preNew 52 take on the character

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TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 3:34 PM
@Aguaman no haha but if you want to go that route... what I am saying is

Grant Gustin>Both Quicksilvers>Ezra Miller logic

so to some degree Marvel 1/2 beats DC in my book...

Toss it a thumbs up?
ThedamnBatman
ThedamnBatman - 10/15/2014, 3:44 PM

You can not know if it is the wrong direction, if we have literally no idea which direction they are taking it. Literally lets wait for a pic in the suit or some sort of footage or description to have some sort of an idea, why do we all need to jump to conclusions every single time, and then we get proven wrong in the end most of the time.

We have as it stand no [frick]ing clue what the direction they are taking the character in, not a single information besides knowing he's cast.
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 3:45 PM
@MrSotoMan

@AXE

As I clearly state this is the direction they seem to be taking PURELY based on said casting...so don't pretend like your making a point I haven't already and trying to insult me by doing so...
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 3:49 PM
Then there is the part where the title include the words "With Me"...implying this is my belief... so... these comments as always seem to be written by people to lazy to actually read
Dingbat
Dingbat - 10/15/2014, 3:50 PM
I agree, based solely on his appearance. I'm sure he'll be fine in the role but there's just something wrong about this casting. I wasn't even skeptical when Lex was cast so what does that tell you about this? (Barry) Flash should have been an older, more normal looking MAN.
Dingbat
Dingbat - 10/15/2014, 3:51 PM
I gave you the thumbs up because you explained it so well and in depth.
staypuffed
staypuffed - 10/15/2014, 4:26 PM
Ezra Miller is a fantastic actor and I can very easily imagine him being the Flash. That's what I think.
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 4:33 PM
@MrCBM56

@staypuffed

again missing the point....I state a few times that I'm sure he can pull it off...but the direction this casting implies is what i dislike...

I wish people on this site would actually read the things posted rather then skim and comment
batz11
batz11 - 10/15/2014, 4:33 PM
She is a fantastic actor, two chics now in the Justice League, kinda cool...
ThedamnBatman
ThedamnBatman - 10/15/2014, 4:33 PM
@Arrowverse

Mate, did I do anything to insult you in my comment? No. I am purelly saying that this type of thinking has backfired in the past most of the times and we shouldn't judge it based solelly on looks, that's all. Don't try to read between lines or anything, there is nothing there.
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 4:35 PM
@batz11 100% Comment of the day

@AXE And this isn't "reading between the lines"... I have had 0 issues with any other CBM castings to date...
When Affleck was cast ... everyone who thought past the complains said "hmm guess they are going with an OLDER batman...what does that mean"... that is the exact same thing I am doing here...
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 4:37 PM
complaints*
ThedamnBatman
ThedamnBatman - 10/15/2014, 4:48 PM
@Arrowverse

Fair enough, ofcourse you are entitled to your opinion, I still advise to just wait until there is some more information. With this site you can never be sure how people are thinking.

For example, you thinking I insulted you in the slightest way, I haven't insulted anyone on this site so far, and I don't feel the need to, as I know none of you personally. Just knowing people's age would make it a bit easier for me to caution my comments as to who I am talking to at the moment. I'm 23 and I feel like a lot of times I'm dealing with a lot younger people who completely misunderstand my comments and think I specifically insulted them.

The only one's age I now are the one's from pasto's forum, and that's about it.

How old are you might I ask?
ThedamnBatman
ThedamnBatman - 10/15/2014, 4:49 PM
By the way you don't have to answer that if it feels too personal of an information, I'm merely stating an examplified point
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 4:59 PM
@AXE I just would like to point out the insulting part was directed to the other user
ThedamnBatman
ThedamnBatman - 10/15/2014, 5:02 PM
@Arrowverse

Alright man thanks, I really feel no hate or anger towards you or anything like that, glad that got resolved
Emblemmaniac
Emblemmaniac - 10/15/2014, 5:12 PM
1. They had 2 Supermans out when Superman Returns released and Smallville was one. So they could easily do two Barry Allens for what we know. Especailly since DC Comics is also known for multiverse.

2. With Geoff Johns (Wich seems to be a Hal Jordan fan) at the realms as one of the big guys in DC Comics, seems to be one of the produceers of the movie, and Dwayne Johnnson claiming that he wanted to play John Stewart first of all, but they allready have a version of that...

That make's you think. If they would go with John Stewart, why not give that part to Dwayne The Rock Johnsson, that they seem to be willing to litteraly pick the role he wanted that was avaiable? I say that it would be rather suprised if they would go with John Stewart...

3. Ezra has range, and is a good actor. And since every incarnation of Barry on the screen (Grant Gustin, John Weshley Ship and now Ezra) has not been blond. so what's the diffrent about that now.

4. In the comics it has been old a well as young version of the charachter. As long as they find a fitting actor, for that certain version of the charachter that they look for, then what is the problem?
Emblemmaniac
Emblemmaniac - 10/15/2014, 5:14 PM
But i give you props at least, to give a propper article of why you disslike it, instead of just ragefull nonseriou fancommnt's
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 5:26 PM
@Insomnia well #1 is resolved by my MoS/Smallville comparison

2... Because that isn't the route they wanted to go with the character and they have someone else in mind? Plus he is PERFECT for black adam

3. Again thats not the point...they need to differentiate

4. Same as 3
Emblemmaniac
Emblemmaniac - 10/15/2014, 5:39 PM
1. Yes i know, but my point with Smallville/SR is that if they did'n't bother before with have 2 version out, why bother now?

2. Ehm.... Since they seem to villing to let him handpick the role in such aspect that they would talk in years with him about it, i cannot believe that they wouldn't talk with him to make a John Stewart, that would fit him and fit this universe if Stewart was the way to go for them. Especially since he admitts that JS is the charachter that he want to play the most.


3, See number 1.
alamborn19
alamborn19 - 10/15/2014, 5:46 PM
Is he Asain?
alamborn19
alamborn19 - 10/15/2014, 5:47 PM
and with the hair Yuckk!
alamborn19
alamborn19 - 10/15/2014, 5:48 PM
hes not funny diversity is important but to cast the first JLA role to someone that dosent fit the part is not Legendary
DCGuy
DCGuy - 10/15/2014, 5:56 PM
yeah...just lost all respect for you. I'm out
Pedrito
Pedrito - 10/15/2014, 5:57 PM
All of that, plus this Ezra guy looks like Yoko Ono.
You can't have a Flash that looks like that.
HulkOnion
HulkOnion - 10/15/2014, 5:59 PM
They should've just made him Wally west I couldn't care if he was Ezra Miller or Neil Patrick Harris.
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 6:24 PM
@Insomnia to your #1/#3 point... they were different enough....again...which they should have done for this casting...Welling was playing a teenage clark whilst Routh played an experienced Superman, they didn't look similar etc... Casting a 22 year old miller implies they are going with yet another young Barry (if they so choose to use Barry)

@DCGuy for me? haah...ok goodbye
gamecreatorjj
gamecreatorjj - 10/15/2014, 6:34 PM
Ezra Miller is fantastic, he could pull off anything, including Barry Allen. Love this casting, I have been wanting to see him in more stuff.I would have preferred him as Jason Todd, but I have total faith in him as an actor.
McGee
McGee - 10/15/2014, 6:39 PM
I think I speak for everyone on the internet and around the world when I say that...everyone else is not only cool with this casting, but that Ezra Miller was their first choice for The Flash.
DCGuy
DCGuy - 10/15/2014, 6:42 PM
LMAO @ McGee nailed it!!! hahahaha

Arrowverse unliking from fb.... such biased shit here. begging for thumbs SMH.
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 6:57 PM
@DCGuy... go ahead.. this isn't biased... at all its logical... but please.. go complain... I care all of...wait for it...wait for it... NONE
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 6:58 PM
@DCGuy before you do... leave a comment saying "@DCGuy" just so I know who to ban for being a general annoyance and follower of trends
DCGuy
DCGuy - 10/15/2014, 7:15 PM
LOL dude stop tagging me, I am above you, go back to your small fb page with horrible 'shop skills xD
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 7:20 PM
You are above me? ... laughable... your the one complaining of a biased... I laugh at people like you
TheRockmore
TheRockmore - 10/15/2014, 7:27 PM
As for the 'shop skills, I hope abbreviating the word photoshop makes you feel good, great! They aren't that good... I am balancing about 40 other things an teaching myself photoshop... so don't act like your comment is supposed to hurt...because again I laugh

To touch on you being "above" me... you complain of a biased in an article with the word "me" in the title... even if no bias was intended.. this is clearly an article of opinion...so again why complain? Ahhh your small-minded

And lastly... as I have seen in nearly every article here you are admired among the trolls and hated among the fans...so good for you... king of the troll army...must be a real honor
SteveBosell
SteveBosell - 10/15/2014, 11:22 PM
The biggest problem (besides his effeminate appearance) is that the movie will be good whether Miller is or not. WB has a lot riding on these movies so even if Miller is terrible he won't be replaced. So we're stuck with him. Sure he might bulk up a bit but he still will look nothing like Barry Allen.
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