Why we need a Flash standalone movie in the DCEU

Would Warner Bros. really deny The Flash a standalone film after his Justice League debut? Perhaps, perhaps not, but The Flash needs a movie regardless.

If the inclusion of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe taught us anything, it’s that a cinnamon roll can really improve a franchise. Things are looking good, then, for DC and the new Justice League movie, which has not one cinnamon roll but two — namely Wonder Woman and the more recent addition, The Flash.

If the trailer is to be believed, The Flash, played by Ezra Miller, is going to be what is technically termed “a cutie patootie”.

He’s a fish-out-of-water superhero, too inexperienced to take big battles in his stride but still very enthusiastic and eager to be involved. This is in many ways a reflection of Miller’s own attitude towards the film, although, as an actor, he’s hardly inexperienced.

Imagine our worry then upon hearing the rumors that The Flash solo movie, Flashpoint, is on the rocks. As pointed out by io9, Variety’s Justin Kroll told the latest episode of Meet the Movie Press that Warner Bros. is waiting to see how Justice League is received before it fully commits to the solo film. The film has had two directors linked to it already and is reportedly still looking.

But we think the world needs a Flash movie. The DC Extended Universe is notably more serious than its Marvel counterpart, with Wonder Woman taking it in a slightly lighter (although still very emotional to the point we’re still not over it) direction.

The Flash is not only sweet, he’s funny. He’s relatably unnerved in a world where Batman lurks in people’s houses to recruit them and yet still geeks out at the prospect. He’s basically our representative in the DCEU.

In fact, we’d argue that he’s a necessary character to take the DC Universe forward. We’ve had two quite gloomy movies in Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman, and with the addition of Wonder Woman’s backstory, perhaps now it’s time for these heroes to grow together into a more progressive, heartwarming team. Who better to bring them together than a common protégé?

Luckily for Miller, his standalone film may just be saved. CBR reports that test screenings of Justice League have found the Flash to be the collective favorite of early audiences. This is unsurprising given that he is quite obviously the movie’s comic relief, but also unsurprising because it’s Miller. Miller’s press interviews are always a joy to behold, simply because he is so happy to be there.

Warner Bros. might be not be sure about a Flash film, but we think it’s time for them to shine a light on the underdog of the DCEU. It’s not always about rich men saving the world – sometimes it’s about a young adult trying their best. What could be more relatable than that?

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