DC’s New The Flash Trailer Just Dropped, and It’s Epic
Justice League star Ezra Miller returns as Barry Allen in the DC Extended Universes’ newest take on their iconic superhero, The Flash, set to release on June 16.
The film will derive its plot from the fan-favorite comic Flashpoint by Geoff Johns which features notable superheroes, such as Batman, Wonder Woman, and many more. The Flash also marks DC’s first live-action take on the concept of a multiverse, an idea popularized by Marvel’s Spiderman: No Way Home. We’ve seen this plot play out before in the 2011 film The Flashpoint Paradox, but what should we expect to see this time around?
The Flash‘s Time Travel Problems
The trailer opens with a burst of the Flash’s iconic lightning over the home of Barry Allen. We see a teary-eyed Allen approaching his house as the voice of Michael Keaton’s Batman plays over the scene. “You can go anywhere,” he begins. “Another timeline. Another universe.” We linger on a shot of Batman’s bloodied cowl, which may be a nod to the Flashpoint plotline where Bruce Wayne died in Crime Alley, causing his father to become a homicidal version of Batman. “So why do you want to stay and fight to save this one?” Batman questions.
“Because this is the one where my mom lives,” Allen responds. “And I’m not gonna lose her again.”
On June 16, worlds collide. Watch the official trailer now for The Flash – only in theaters. #TheFlashMovie pic.twitter.com/5vHMq4elkQ
— The Flash (@theFlash) February 12, 2023
Jumping through scenes of traumatic events in Barry Allen’s life, we finally get to the big reveal: another Barry Allen. That’s right, Ezra Miller is doing double duty as two versions of the same character. Time travel and its consequences will play a significant role in the plot of The Flash, demonstrated by the world breaking down around Allen.
A Villain Emerges
After trying to save his family, Allen becomes trapped in a reality where General Zod — a Kryptonian supervillain played by Michael Shannon — won the battle against Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel. The trailer features his introductory speech from the aforementioned film. This time, Allen lingers in the background. “This can’t be happening,” he states, his voice ragged with emotion. “I completely broke the universe.”
First look at General Zod in ‘THE FLASH’. #TheFlashMovie pic.twitter.com/dWNC4RBD4f
— The Hollywood Handle (@hollywoodhandle) February 12, 2023
Allen confesses that he has accidentally caused a world with no metahumans. Just as all hope seems to be lost, we’re hit with an appearance from our favorite ordinary hero: Batman. Michael Keaton utters the iconic line, “I’m Batman,” and then treats us to an incredible fight scene in the Batcave. Complete with spooky lighting, gunfire, and awe-struck Barry Allen(s), it’s everything fans have been hoping for.
Eventually, the Allens persuade Batman to join forces with them to save the world from total annihilation. However, Allen will have to make the ultimate sacrifice in the process. DC heroes, including Wonder Woman, Superman, and a confirmed brand-new Supergirl (Sasha Calle), are expected to make appearances. It’s gearing up to be a thrill ride from start to finish.
Reception for the trailer has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the choice of source material and cinematography.
“Imagine someone telling you 5 years ago this will all be in The Flash movie,” states Twitter user @NicholasPascar5, linking several exciting shots from the trailer.
Imagine someone telling you 5 years ago this will all be in The Flash movie pic.twitter.com/4ydJKQJikU
— Nicholas (@NicholasPascar5) February 13, 2023
Costumes for The Flash received high praise, as well. “This shot of the Flash ring is dope,” chimed in @TheQuiver_ on Twitter.
Trailer kinda won me over tbh, also this shot of the Flash ring is dope pic.twitter.com/7gN35IJnnN
— Ollie🏹 (@TheQuiver_) February 12, 2023
Ezra Miller’s Problematic History
Though fans are excited to see a new DCEU movie in theaters, many have raised questions regarding Ezra Miller’s role in the film. The actor, who goes by they/them pronouns, has run into a litany of legal issues beginning in 2020. With accusations including choking a woman, harassing patrons of a karaoke bar, threatening a couple in Hawaii (who then filed a restraining order against Miller), throwing a chair at a woman, and many more. It’s understandable that their role in The Flash would receive backlash.
“It’s kinda weird how many people are ignoring the fact that neither Warner Bros. nor Ezra Miller themself has commented on their two-year-long reign of terror,” wrote Twitter user @ZoeRoseBryant in response to the release of the film’s first poster.
Not to rain on everybody’s parade but it’s kinda weird how many people are ignoring the fact that neither Warner Bros. nor Ezra Miller themself has commented on their two-year-long reign of terror around the world that involved assault, burglary, and kidnapping/grooming minors https://t.co/n5AXq3pRCi
— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) February 12, 2023
Another Twitter user, @Bolverk15, has a similar view of the situation, noting, “almost 3 years of Ezra Miller being a violent insane person and some of you immediately forget about all of that because of [the trailer].”
almost 3 years of ezra miller constantly getting caught red handed being a violent insane person and some of you immediately forget about all of that because of this…
— B0l // Comms open (@Bolverk15) February 13, 2023
this industry will never improve dawg pic.twitter.com/GPVRpEnDmr
In a statement provided to Variety, Miller declared that they are in treatment for their “complex mental health issues,” adding, “I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior.” Though many viewed the response as unsatisfactory due to its vague nature, it is improbable at this point that Miller will be replaced.
The Flash Posters Were Released
In addition to the trailer, Warner Bros. also released three new posters featuring Ezra Miller as the Flash, Sasha Calle as Supergirl, and Michael Keaton as Batman.
The Flash, Batman, and Supergirl. Watch their worlds collide only in theaters June 16. #TheFlashMovie pic.twitter.com/MnexX9uGdq
— The Flash (@theFlash) February 13, 2023
Themes of loss, guilt and the price of being a superhero can be expected in The Flash. Hitting theaters on June 16, the official trailer can be watched below.
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