What a curious position the upcoming The Flash movie occupies; by all accounts, it seems to be scoring big praise from those who have seen it, with new DC gaffer James Gunn even going as far as calling it his favorite film of the year so far, but with the ever-controversial Ezra Miller starring as the protagonist, the mixed reception to Michael Keaton’s descent into real-life Birdman territory, and the internet just making a habit out of dunking on everything DC, this is one release whose discourse won’t end for some time.
That said, it also has plenty going for it outside of what support it has seen. Sasha Calle’s Supergirl was marked as a surefire scene-stealer right out the gate, but there’s one other aspect of The Flash that proves bringing back veteran DC actors can actually be the resoundingly correct choice, even if the statement is spoiled by the presence of Miller and, to an extent, Keaton.
When asked to name their three favorite DC Extended Universe antagonists, the influx of responses from the folks at r/DC_Cinematic had Michael Shannon‘s General Zod at or near the top.
Shannon, of course, first portrayed the fan-favorite villain in 2013’s Man of Steel and subsequently laid claim to one of the film’s best performances. And judging by this wave of praise, having a tried-and-true DC actor not only come back for The Flash, but reprise a role that he’s already knocked out of the park, suggests that the film just might have yet another unique strength in the eyes of seasoned DC fans; those fans, of course, being The Flash‘s most valued audience members.
Whether or not it will live up to the claim of the best superhero movie ever is a whole other question (and a markedly bold suggestion, may we add), but it’s safe to say that a film of The Flash‘s magnitude will have quite a bit going for it, and just as well; as the DCEU’s final high-profile hurrah before ending on smaller notes in Blue Beetle and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, here’s hoping the goods fly high.
The Flash releases in theaters on June 16.
