If you were hoping no one would give the internet any reason to relitigate the Ezra Miller controversy ahead of The Flash‘s opening weekend, think again: Director Andy Muschietti recently said he wants Miller to continue playing the character, despite their string of recent legal trouble stemming from reported erratic and violent behavior.
Muschietti, along with his sister and producing partner Barbara Muschietti, discussed this possibility on The Hollywood Reporter‘s The Discourse podcast. When asked whether he intended for Miller to reprise the role in any sequels the director might make for DC Studios, Andy Muschietti said, “If it happens, yes.” He elaborated:
“I don’t think there’s anyone that can play that character as well as they did. The other depictions of the character are great, but this particular vision of the character, they just excelled in doing it. And, as you said, the two Barrys — it feels like a character that was made for them.”
Barbara Muschietti also weighed in:
“In principal photography, Ezra was brilliant and the most committed and the most professional [actor]. Ezra gave everything for this role — physically, creatively, emotionally. They were absolutely supreme.”
While Miller may have turned in a terrific performance, this is perhaps a shining example of filmmakers speaking from the heart when they should be reading the room. Miller is still a pretty toxic standard-bearer for the new film, as evidenced by (gestures to all of Twitter):
Miller’s effect on the film’s success is being closely studied beyond just the digital court of public opinion: The Flash‘s most recent domestic box office predictions were just lowered to account for the bad press — but also, to be fair, general fatigue with superhero movies.
This is all despite very successful early screenings. Pretty much everyone who has seen The Flash likes it, but not nearly enough people who haven’t are showing any interest. We can’t prove with science that this is Miller’s fault, but an online boycott because of their behavior sure isn’t helping matters.
The Muschiettis would have benefitted from giving a vague “we’ll have to wait and see” response, but if they truly enjoyed their time with Miller and want to speak their truth, good for them. Just don’t expect the suggestion that this film could be the first of many star vehicles for the actor who allegedly grooms and assaults people to help your opening weekend. But hey, how about that Michael Keaton?
