Andy Muschietti Remains ‘Proud’ of 2023 Film, Addresses Ezra Miller ‘Crisis’ and Fan Reaction
The lightning had the potential to be a great comic book movie. After Zack Snyder’s controversial approach to the Scarlet Speedster, filmmaker Andy Muschietti decided to put the hero back on track by pairing Barry Allen with Michael Keaton’s iconic Batman.
Unfortunately, the film didn’t work. Whether it’s Ezra Miller’s personal issues overshadowing the character, their wacky performances, or a plot bad CGI, The lightning failed to reach the public. Even after decent, if mixed, reviews, the film flopped with $271 million worldwide.
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn praised the 2023 film and tapped Muschietti to direct the long-delayed film. The brave and the bold (a film that the director would remain committed to taking charge of).
Talk to The Playlist about This: Welcome to DerryMuschietti thought about making The lightningthe negative response to the film and the Ezra Miller of it all.
“No, we just evolved and understood that sometimes there are headwinds and a project that you put a lot of work into,” he replied when asked if the fallout had shaken his confidence. “And we’re very proud of it. I think it’s a good film.”
“A lot of people haven’t seen it. But you know how things are these days, like people don’t see things, but they like to talk about it and they like to jump on the bandwagon,” Muschietti continued. “They don’t really know. People are angry for reasons that have nothing to do with these things. Of course, we had a publicity crisis with Ezra that is undeniable. And I don’t question that.”
“But yeah, we love the movie. And in fact, we really recommend it. It might not seem important now, but we also had so much support from the studio, really, at a time when they could have, you know, pulled out because of all the problems we had with the publicity. And they pulled out all the stops, and we all pulled out all the stops.”
“And again, we love the movie. We, you know, we gave it our blood, sweat and tears until the end.” he concluded. “And I watched it about a week ago and I loved it again.”
Although The Flash’s many problems overshadowed the film, a lot of things worked. Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, Muschietti’s approach to Batman, and the portrayal of the powers of the fastest man alive were all strong points that ultimately fell by the wayside after edited clips of the hero putting a baby in a microwave went viral.
DC Studios has apparently decided to shelve The Flash, and it’s unclear when or where we’ll see a new version of Barry Allen (or maybe even Wally West). The DCU currently lacks Batman, while Milly Alcock has replaced Calle as Maiden of Might.
What do you think of Muschietti’s point of view The lightning? Head to the comments section below to let us know your thoughts.
