The first screening of The Flash took place at CinemaCon yesterday evening and, for the most part, the response has been very positive. We've all grown wary of glowing social media reactions like those, of course, especially as reviews so often differ.
Director Andy Muschietti was on hand following that screening to hype up the DC Comics adaptation, including potential sequel plans.
The filmmaker chose his words carefully and offered the expected response. "We didn't talk about it," he started. "I think that we're all waiting to see how this movie does. Of course, there's excitement about continuing the story, especially if this movie's successful."
"Of course, there's an architecture in DC that is brewing, and it's being created. And the question is, will this new architecture absorb this story? The good thing about the multiverse is that it is possible. The multiverse allows all of these different worlds to coexist and interact. And so hopefully, yes. We don't know yet. That's the truth."
In other words, it sounds like The Flash may or may not find a place in the new DCU, and when Muschietti was pushed on whether this movie sets the stage for that new world to be born, he suggested that we'll find out for sure in June.
"As you know, this is not the final version," the director teased. "What you saw is not the version that will you see in June 16. You can ask me that question again after June 16. I'm sorry."
Not helping The Flash franchise's future is the fact it still has a troubled lead in star Ezra Miller. The actor wasn't present at CinemaCon and isn't expected to promote the movie, but Muschietti did share a brief update.
"Ezra is well now," he stated. "We're all hoping that they get better. They're taking the steps to recovery. They're dealing with mental health issues, but they're well. We talked to them not too long ago, and they're very committed to getting better."
Whether Miller gets another chance in the DCU remains to be seen, though there are already rumblings that James Gunn wants Muschietti to take charge of The Brave and the Bold after being impressed by his work on this movie.
The Flash arrives in theaters on June 16.