The Flash has become the biggest flop in superhero cinema history
Topics: News, Film and TV, DC Comics, Warner Bros
Charisa Bossinakis
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros/DC
Topics: News, Film and TV, DC Comics, Warner Bros
James Gunn’s The Flash has become one of the biggest superhero flops of all time.
While people have been flocking back to the cinemas thanks to a little-known phenomenon known as Barbenheimer, The Flash didn’t see the same colossal box office numbers.
According to Hyperbeast, the movie had the worst drop in box office returns from the first to second week in DC history, falling 72.5 per cent following its underwhelming opening box office weekend.
It has officially finished its theatrical run and it hasn't been smooth sailing.
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With a budget of $220 million (£172.7m) and $150 million (£117.7m) in promotional budget, Warner Bros. has lost around $200 million (£157m), officially making it the biggest financial loss a superhero film has ever seen.
The Flash has even now made less than Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which saw Warner Bros. lose around $150 million.
There are many questions looming as to why the film fell so specularly.
There were two Batman cameos from Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton, as well as a cameo from Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman.
Some praised the movie for being quirky and fun.
However, it didn't manage to get enough bums on seats.
Some are pointing the finger at the movie’s lead, Ezra Miller, who has been at the centre of controversy over the past year.
And just to give you a quick rundown of all the legal issues the actor has faced, here we go.
In August 2022, Rolling Stone reported that Miller was charged with felony burglary.
Miller was accused of stealing liquor bottles from an empty home while its residents were out.
On January 13, 2023, Miller pleaded guilty to trespassing, and the court approved their plea a day later.
They were also charged with assault in Hawaii after reportedly throwing a chair at a 26-year-old woman in April 2022.
Later that year, Native American activists Chase Iron Eyes and Sara Jumping Eagle issued a temporary restraining order against Miller on behalf of their daughter, 18-year-old Tokata Iron Eyes.
In February, a mother also accused the actor of grooming their 11 year old child.
As a result of these arrests and accusations, many fans announced they would boycott the film.
I mean, things get a bit dicey when you’re fashioning a tight red suit while trying to convince the audience that you’re a superhero.
It also meant that Miller was barred from doing press for the film, which largely fell on the shoulders of director Andy Muschietti, producer Barbara Muschietti and Supergirl actor Sasha Calle.
Also not to mention, The Flash landed 65 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, which isn’t exactly bad, but it doesn’t really scream a ‘must-see’ movie.
Don’t expect plans for The Flash 2 to be in the pipeline anytime soon.