The Flash star Ezra Miller may have a history of legal troubles and alleged abuse, but director Andy Muschietti isn’t bothered by their sullied record. During an interview on “The Discourse” podcast, the latter said there are no plans to recast the actor, and expressed keen interest in bringing them back as the titular speedster should the opportunity arise.
“If [a sequel] happens, yes,” Muschietti said. “I don’t think there’s anyone that can play that character as well as they did. The other depictions of the character are great, but this particular vision of the character, they just excelled in doing it. And, as you said, the two Barrys — it feels like a character that was made for them.”
Film producer Barbara Muschietti also gave praise for the actor’s performance, adding, “In principal photography, Ezra was brilliant and the most committed and the most professional [actor]. Ezra gave everything for this role — physically, creatively, emotionally. They were absolutely supreme.”
The proclamation comes after a string of problematic behaviour by Miller, who sought treatment for “complex mental health issues” after going through “a time of intense crisis” in August last year. In 2020, the actor was caught choking a woman outside a bar in Iceland on tape, but no charges were filed. Last year, they were charged with felony burglary and arrested twice in Hawaii, once for disorderly conduct and harassment.
“I want to apologise to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior,” Miller said in a statement at the time. “I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.”
Given that The Flash was developed and filmed under the previous leadership at DC Studios, it’s unclear whether a sequel is in the cards. Studio co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran have unveiled the first wave of titles for their 10-year plan, but it didn’t include a follow-up to Muschietti’s feature, which will speed into theatres on 16 June.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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