2023 proved to be a significant year for cinema, featuring blockbuster hits like *Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse* and *Oppenheimer*, while *The Flash* emerged as a notable disappointment. Director Andy Muschietti discussed the film’s shortcomings, citing its failure to engage diverse audiences and the negative impact of Ezra Miller’s controversies. Despite its ambitious attempts to launch the DC multiverse, the film struggled financially. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the upcoming *Superman: Legacy* and the delayed sequel to *The Batman*.
A Look Back at the Films of 2023
As we reflect on the cinematic landscape of 2023, it’s clear that it was a remarkable year for film enthusiasts. Notable titles like *Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse*, *Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes*, *John Wick 4*, *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3*, *Barbie*, and *Oppenheimer* dominated the box office both in France and around the globe. However, alongside these triumphs, there were also some notable disappointments, with *The Flash* standing out as a significant flop. Directed by Andy Muschietti and starring Ezra Miller, this film has left a lasting impression on audiences, and the director has recently shared his thoughts on its shortcomings.
Director Andy Muschietti’s Insights on *The Flash*
For superhero film aficionados, *The Flash* was a highly anticipated release in 2023, marking the first feature dedicated to the titular character portrayed by Ezra Miller. It aimed to kickstart the DC multiverse, featuring not just multiple versions of the Flash but also iconic characters like Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle as Supergirl, along with a host of cameos, including Nicolas Cage. Despite the hefty investment of around 200 million dollars (exclusive of marketing costs), the film only amassed 271 million dollars globally—far below the threshold needed to be deemed profitable in Hollywood, which typically requires a film to earn at least twice its production budget.
In a candid interview on the podcast *La Baulera del Coso* from Radio Tu, Andy Muschietti attempted to dissect the reasons behind the film’s failure. He mentioned the concept of the “four quadrants,” which refers to four distinct demographic groups in cinema: men under 25, men over 25, women under 25, and women over 25. Muschietti suggested that *The Flash* struggled to engage all these audiences, primarily drawing in male viewers. While this perspective raises some valid points, it’s noteworthy that Barry Allen, the character at the center of *The Flash*, had previously enjoyed significant success with a nine-season television series that attracted a substantial female audience.
Moreover, the controversy surrounding Ezra Miller, who was facing serious allegations of misconduct at the time of the film’s release, likely deterred many potential viewers, particularly women. Additionally, the film suffered from various issues related to its writing, pacing, and overall quality, which are factors that Muschietti may need to consider when reflecting on this experience. As the DC Universe prepares for a reboot with the upcoming *Superman: Legacy*, set to hit French theaters on July 9, *The Flash* may soon be relegated to the archives of cinematic history.
While fans were initially skeptical about the possibility of a new Batman following Christopher Nolan’s portrayal, Matt Reeves successfully captivated audiences with *The Batman*. Although the sequel’s release has recently been delayed, it promises to bring surprises, particularly concerning its main antagonist.