Why I Want to Watch The Flash
For the first time in ten years, DC’s future is hopeful and exciting. Following James Gunn’s announcement earlier this year, we’re going to have more structure and cohesion in upcoming DC projects, matched with a passion for the characters. Before we can get to this point however, there are still films scheduled for release. Most notably, in June we’ll finally be able to see The Flash, which will reset continuity, close off the DCEU and allow this new DCU era to begin. Considering this film was announced almost ten years ago and the universe is resetting, you might wonder why anyone still cares. But I do. I want this film to release as soon as possible.
Although the title of this article indicates I’m enthusiastic about The Flash, there’s numerous reasons why I’m disinterested or apathetic.
- Ezra Miller - I have no attachment to this portrayal of The Flash, because we’ve barely seen them. During their limited screentime, this version of Barry Allen hasn’t made an impact. Also, based on the drama and controversy, having Ezra Miller involved in the DCU is a huge complication. It’s best for the studio and Miller to part ways.
- The multiverse - Honestly, I’m over it already. I know it’s a big trend, and the MCU is currently trying (and failing) to explore the multiverse, but it’s mostly hollow and vanilla. Favouring cameos over story and substance was never going to work, so The Flash has a tough job of avoiding big traps Marvel have already sprung. Put as many Batmen on screen as you like, but Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse already set an incredibly high standard of multiverse storytelling, and the only film to exceed that standard thus far is Everything Everywhere All at Once. Good luck beating either of those.
- Entertainment value - The latest trailer looks okay, but it’s struggling to stand out in a saturated market. There’s a lot of superhero content out there, and despite an exciting appearance from Michael Keaton’s Batman, the overall film looks quite generic.
- Emotional engagement - It’s hard to imagine anything in this film will matter, beyond the reset. There’s only so much we can invest in the story and characters when it’s unclear how much will be carried across to the new DCU and how much is being left behind.
- Fuel for the rivalry fire - As someone who likes both Marvel and DC, I find any form of rivalry incredibly petty and annoying. But, DC always receive harsh criticism when a new film releases, regardless of the quality. I expect The Flash to experience the same immature reception. Times like this make me I’m glad I left Twitter.
There are other concerns which make me less excited for The Flash, despite being a big fan of the character’s comic books. However, the reason for reading this article (presumably) is to understand why I am excited to see The Flash. The answer is simple. I’m excited because I want the DC universe to reset. The sooner the universe resets, the sooner fans can move on, and the sooner we’ll be on our way to happiness. It’s like meeting your ex-partner for a final meal; the food might be delicious, but it’s still just a magnanimous last gesture before you part ways. Keep smiling, pay the bill, then skip into the sunset with the world as your oyster.
A couple of years ago, the prospect of a reset for DC seemed messy. Much like in the comic books, resetting continuity and rebooting can be a very risky move, which frustrates loyal fans and confuses casual viewers. Also, creators inevitably run into issues when deciding how much continuity to keep or rewrite. However, resetting has now become the best option. The DCEU was consistently controversial throughout the Snyder era, which fractured the fanbase, fuelled a wider anti-DC bias which still lingers, and inspired a toxic discourse perpetuated by cult-like fans. It’s good to have a clean break and leave that negativity behind. At this point, even if there is some inevitable mess to clear up in-universe, the problems are massively outweighed by the benefits. It’s a chance for everyone to move on.
Warner Bros finally releasing The Flash isn’t about trying to salvage the old DCEU. It’s the opposite. The DCEU soured long ago, and despite the occasional good film since Zack Snyder’s departure, the problems have persisted. The wider fandom is a peaceful spaceship, but the old DCEU is a passenger who is contaminated with a parasitic alien lifeform. We’ve tried living with them. We’ve tried ignoring the problem and hoping it solves itself. We’ve tried covering them with a sheet and pretending the problem doesn’t exist. None of those ideas worked, and we’ve already spent too long pretending to be happy and hoping positive change would miraculously occur. It’s time to kick the contaminated passenger into the airlock, and watch them drift away into the void while everyone celebrates. So long, and thanks for all the fish!
An adaptation of ‘Flashpoint’ is the perfect film to reset the DC universe. In 2011, the ‘Flashpoint’ event was specifically designed to reset comic book continuity and provide a fresh start. It used time travel to explore an alternate reality, the conclusion rippled across the universe and it warped reality into the exact shape needed to start a clean slate. It ushered in the New 52 era and provided a central point for all DC titles to reset at issue #1. It was a very ‘comic book’ decision, but it worked, so I’m hopeful the same success can be replicated on the big screen. Looking at the new release schedule, it does seem to mirror a comic book reboot. There’s a collection of solo projects, including popular and obscure characters, and they’ll build the universe upwards over time.
Having this fresh start means we can move on from whatever has happened until this point. It’s not about burying older films or forgetting they exist. The studio is drawing a line in the sand, which simply closes off one era and allows us to start another. It’s beneficial for everyone. For the audience, it means we no longer have to worry about the importance of divisive films from the past, the continuity will be simple and untainted, and we can proceed knowing there’s a solid plan. For the creators, it’s a fresh start. They can play with all of the toys in the chest, tell fresh and exciting stories and create paths in a new extended universe. After everything DC have been through so far, I can’t think of anything more exciting. The potential is limitless, and it offers a second chance for characters that mean so much to fans across the world.
While you may read this and think my argument comes from a cynical place, I disagree. Everything I’ve said comes from a place of positivity. As someone who loves both cinema and comic books, this is a big deal for me. I appreciate Marvel and DC equally, and the prospect of DC getting back into a good position is awesome. Being able to enjoy one cinematic universe is great, so being able to enjoy two is even better! I remember the sheer joy I experienced when I saw The Suicide Squad, feeling how much life and heart James Gunn injected into the DCEU. That was just the tip of the iceberg. No longer will we have a murky and grey extended universe with the occasional, uncharacteristic splash of colour. Our new baseline is a huge upgrade in terms of quality and substance, so having a continuity reset to get us there is a small price to pay.
Ultimately, I want what is best for DC. I’ve been a DC reader for years and I love so many of their characters and stories. The fact James Gunn has expressed his passion for the characters and legacy of DC is evidence we’re in safe hands. He’s explicitly stated there will a big focus on storytelling moving forwards, not just in terms of which stories are being told, but careful consideration about how those stories are told. After a whole load of ‘style over substance’ in the past, this is music to my ears. If DC’s characters and stories are being adapted on screen, I would rather see them thrive. I want The Flash to reset continuity as soon as possible, so we can begin a new era of creative and passionate projects, which please existing fans and inspire new fans.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, please check out my other recent Marvel articles:
