Say that flash, a Warner Bros. venture, was heavily tinged with negativity would be an understatement. The reason behind this is, of course, the reported legal controversies that lead actor Ezra Miller has become a part of. Many wondered what approach the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav, is ready to adopt when it comes to the notoriety of such altercations. A few weeks ago, three potential outcomes were speculated.
Also read: Is Ezra Miller’s apology just WB Studios’ PR strategy to save The Flash – a movie they’ve already invested $200 million in?
It turns out the studio has already made up its mind with a specified course of action, taking into account Ezra Miller’s recent apology. However, despite these precautionary measures, The Flash’s the release is not favored by the majority of the public – reaching 42% of people who want the film to be shelved for good.
The public is against the release of the film
According to a Morning Consult survey, if an incident like this took place in association with another movie, American adults are more likely to speak out against the effort and opt for its cancellation. In the report it was mentioned that “2 in 5 American adults (42%) would like the studio to cancel the film entirely.
Additionally, through polls, it has been inferred that approximately 38% of persistent and recurring movie audiences think the flash should never be released if a lead actor is involved in such problematic legal incidents. According to the data, the Gen-Z population was inclined towards a more self-aware attitude and was aware of Miller’s reported arrests and misconduct.
As for the other information revealed in the survey, apparently 72% of American adults say wholeheartedly that they would support any studio that would end any ties with an actor/actress implicated in such legal charges.
Also read: ‘I want to apologise’: Ezra Miller breaks silence on series of controversies, blames ‘complex mental health issues’ as reason for reported assaults and burglary charges
Warner Bros. and their awkward position on the flash
Previously, it was reported that the studio is planning three potential storylines when it comes to the release of the flash. One involved the $200 million film being canceled altogether, while another likely outcome detailed the release process, granted only if Ezra Miller sought professional help and issued a public statement. The actor would be allowed to be part of restricted press appearances if that’s the route he takes. And the last involved proceeding with the exit, but cutting all ties with the actor, excluding him from post-release publicity activities, and recasting someone else for the stipulated role.
Following Miller’s recent apology, where the actor detailed the reasoning behind their actions, it can be inferred that Warner Bros. Discovery did not plan for a possible cancellation of the film. Despite a collective chorus of denunciation, the film is still scheduled for release in 2023, the studio having made no comment elsewhere.
Also Read: ‘Let Ezra Miller Get the Nuclear Codes and Free Skynet’: Fans Relentlessly Troll Flash Star as He Establishes Himself as Hollywood’s Most Controversial
Regardless of the results of the investigation, it is impossible to know whether Warner Bros. Discovery would even consider opting for the shelving of the film. Controversies aside, the film had a huge budget. What we can now at least pray and hope for is a potential redesign storyline, however, nothing is confirmed yet. There has been absolute silence from CEO David Zaslav regarding the actor’s legal controversies and erratic behavior.
With such circumstances to consider, what the future may bring is not well defined.
the flash is slated for release on June 23, 2023.
Source: Morning Consultation
