Here’s what you need to know before racing into cinemas to witness the fastest man alive in upcoming film, The Flash.
Stars: Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon and Sasha Calle.
Release: June 15, 2023.
Story: Worlds collide in the latest DC Comics based film, The Flash, with actor, Ezra Miller reprising their role as Barry Allen (and The Flash) in the superhero’s first-ever standalone feature film. After discovering he can use his powers to travel back in time, Barry makes a desperate attempt to save his family. However, the time-travelling journey has tumultuous consequences and Barry unintentionally creates an alternate universe without metahumans. Enter the now living supervillain, General Zod, who is ready and eager to conquer the planet. To reset the universe, Barry seeks help from alternate reality heroes, Batman and Supergirl, but, will the ultimate sacrifice be enough to save the future?
The Flash Characters.
Who: Barry Allen / The Flash.
Played by: Ezra Miller.
Barry is a police forensic investigator who as superhero, The Flash, can move at superhuman pace using the Speed Force and belongs to the superhero group, Justice League. Ezra Miller plays not one, but, two versions of Barry Allen from different universes in The Flash.
Who: Bruce Wayne / Batman.
Played by: Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck.
Batman represents a wealthy and intelligent socialite from Gotham City who doubles as a crimefighting vigilante. In The Flash Batman acts somewhat as a mentor to Barry Allen and joins the action-packed adventure.
Who: Kara Zor-El / Supergirl.
Played by: Sasha Calle.
A Kryptonian who possesses superhuman powers, abilities and a costume similar to her cousin, Superman. In Supergirl’s modern cinematic debut, she is held as a government prisoner before being rescued by The Flash and Batman to help save the world.
Who: General Zod.
Played by: Michael Shannon.
A Kryptonian supervillain who also has similar powers to those of Superman. Previously appearing in the 2013 film, Man of Steel, General Zod returns to the role in The Flash as a potential deadly threat to the planet.
Who: Faora-Ul.
Played by: Antje Traue.
The biggest supporter and second-in-command to General Zod who returns due to the time-bending plot of The Flash.
Who: Nora Allen.
Played by: Maribel Verdu.
Barry Allen’s mother who sadly passed away when he was a young boy. Unknowingly, Nora becomes the catalyst that starts the multiversal adventure of this year’s The Flash.
Who: Henry Allen.
Played by: Ron Livingston.
Barry Allen’s father who was wrongly framed and convicted for his wife, Nora’s murder. Henry helps develop Barry’s motivation to become the good-hearted superhero that he represents.
Who: Iris West.
Played by: Kiersey Clemons.
The romantic interest of Barry Allen and journalist for the Picture News.
Flash Facts
Influenced by the comic book storyline ‘Flashpoint’, this film adaptation features various DC Comics characters, including multiple versions of Batman played by actors, Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck.
The original release date for The Flash experienced multiple delays due to director changes, the pandemic and post-production setbacks. Produced by DC Studios, it is intended to be the 13th movie instalment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
Some of the other actors reportedly considered for the role of Barry Allen / The Flash included, Bradley Cooper, Chris Pine, Ryan Kwantan, Matthew Fox and Daniel Radcliffe.
The trailer for The Flash debuted in February, 2023, during the Super Bowl LVII representing Warner Bros.’ first television commercial booked during the game since 2006. It had huge engagement across social media and gained over 97 million views within 24 hours.
As part of the film’s marketing plan, DC Comics published a three-issue prequel comic book series called, ‘The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive’. The issues were released once a month across September, October and November, 2022.
During production of The Flash a camera operator travelling behind the Batcycle on a motorbike was involved in a collision. Filming was put on hold and luckily the worker was not “seriously hurt”.
In anticipation of The Flash performing well at the box office, a script for a potential sequel was already written by October, 2022, by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick who also wrote the Aquaman films.
Other actresses considered to play Iris West included, Rita Ora and Lucy Boynton, whilst Julia Roberts and Julianne Moore were rumoured to be considered for the role of Nora Allen.
The reported production budget for The Flash was a significant $200 million.
