Credit: DC/Warner Bros.The Flash making headlines once again!
There’s been no shortage of news about the character The Flash. Warner Bros. and DC currently have two iterations of the character in the production, the one from the former DC Expanded Universe, played by Ezra Miller, and then the arguably more popular one from the series, played by Grant Gustin. Both have been making news for one reason or another, for better or worse, and now, the latter has made an interesting reference to another DC property.
Related: Ezra Miller Will Be Removed From ‘The Flash’ and Replaced With a Familiar Face: Report
Ezra Miller’s The Flash (2023) has been making headlines for two primary reasons. One is the return of Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman. The legendary actor last appeared as Batman in Batman Returns (1992), after the immense success of Batman (1989), playing opposite Jack Nicholson’s Joker. While fans are elated to see Keaton’s return, that elation is somewhat tempered by the seemingly neverending bad news about the film’s lead.
As many fans already know, Ezra Miller has been in hot water with the law for months now, pleading guilty to a burglary charge but with much more than that on the rap sheet. Though other charges haven’t stuck, like the burglary charge, Miller has been accused of abduction, grooming, assault, psychological abuse, harassment, threats, and much more. What’s more, is that despite all this, Miller is still the lead in a film that is moving forward this year.
On the other hand, Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen/Flash has been extremely well-liked amongst DC Fans but has been making news because, after 9 seasons, the series is coming to an end. This has been just one of the many sources of consternation between DC fans and new studio chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Why would they move forward with a Flash (Miller) that has been the source of lots of trouble for many people when there’s a fan favorite Flash (Gustin) that is willing and able to step into the role?
That, however, is not why Gustin’s Flash is in the news this week. This time it has to do with a very specific reference made in the shows final season. As reported by The Direct, the in-universe Batwoman (Javicia Leslie) removed the Red Death’s Mask and declared, “I am vengeance.” While this reference does also exist within the Batman comics, with the line featuring so prominently in Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), it seems a fairly obvious nod to the new iteration of the Caped Crusader.
This subtle reference to Robert Pattinson’s Batman/Bruce Wayne, though it caused some controversy online, spurs the thought and makes the imagination run: What would a Gustin Flash/Pattinson Batman movie look like? Keaton’s comeback is legendary, and there is really no issue with his return, but what an amazing movie that would be, with Gustin’s Barry Allen and Keaton, Affleck, and Pattinson all crossing paths as the Dark Knight. It would be on par with Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)!
Related: Will ‘The Flash’ Bring Any ‘Batman’ Movie Villains Into the DCU?
As it is, fans can look for The Flash to release in theaters on June 16, 2023. The film stars Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash, Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Sasha Kalle as Supergirl, and Kiersey Clemons as Iris West. One of the most controversial DC movies, The Flash will show Barry (Miller) as he accidentally brings the Multiverse to his own timeline by traveling through time.
What do you think about this Battinson reference? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!