Warner Brothers’ ‘The Flash’ movie has lost another director, as Rick Famuyiwa has left the production due to… you guessed it, “creative differences.” That makes two down, as Seth Grahame-Smith was the first director attached to the film. Grahame-Smith also wrote the script, which Famuyiwa was alleged to still be using.
(Note: Grahame-Smith’s script was based on a treatment by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who were also being eyed to direct at one point.)
Reportedly, Famuyiwa wanted an edgier tone, while the studio wanted something lighter. (Not surprising, since the darkness of ‘Batman V Superman’ was a major complaint audiences had about the movie.)
‘The Flash’ was supposed to begin production in March 2017 to be released in theaters on March 16, 2018. Famuyiwa’s departure may delay the start of production, as WB will have to scramble to find a new director. Meanwhile, star Ezra Miller is due to shoot another movie in July, so if the studio can’t find a replacement quickly, the movie’s release may have to be pushed back.
It’s also unclear how or if the loss of Famuyiwa will affect the film’s leading lady Kiersey Clemons, whom Famuyiwa cast after working with her on the acclaimed indie film ‘Dope’.
In a statement, the director stated:
“When I was approached by Warner Bros and DC about the possibility of directing The Flash, I was excited about the opportunity to enter this amazing world of characters that I loved growing up, and still do to this day.
“I was also excited to work with Ezra Miller, who is a phenomenal young actor. I pitched a version of the film in line with my voice, humor, and heart. While it’s disappointing that we couldn’t come together creatively on the project, I remain grateful for the opportunity. I will continue to look for opportunities to tell stories that speak to a fresh generational, topical, and multicultural point of view. I wish Warner Brothers, DC, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns, and Ezra Miller all the best as they continue their journey into the speed force.”
In addition to Miller and Clemons, the cast also includes Billy Crudup as Henry Allen and Ray Fisher as Cyborg/Vic Stone.
Is it time to worry? Maybe not yet. WB has access to some of the top directors in Hollywood. It’s just a matter of finding the right fit for ‘The Flash’. It’s understandable that they wanted a lighter feel after people gave the bleak ‘Batman V Superman’ a thumbs down. They managed to remix ‘Suicide Squad’ which had already been shot with a darker tone (allegedly) to essentially make it more fun and audiences seemed to approve.
And while they’re not connected, ‘The Flash’ TV show was a spinoff from ‘Arrow’, but quickly became more popular than its parent show due largely to being a lighter show that had a more overt comic book feel.
Who would you like to see helm ‘The Flash’ for the big screen?
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
