While Andy Muschietti’s theories regarding the box office disappointment of The Flash may be questionable, I still consider him a strong candidate to direct Batman‘s inaugural film in the DC Universe. Though Ben Affleck has had a notable presence as Bruce Wayne in the DCEU, he will not reprise his role in James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe, similar to Henry Cavill’s exit as Superman. Speculation has circulated about Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne potentially joining the DCU, yet it has now been confirmed that a new actor is set to play Batman in The Brave and the Bold.
This eagerly awaited Batman movie will explore Bruce Wayne’s journey as he uncovers the existence of his son, Damian. With Muschietti at the helm, some DC enthusiasts may feel uncertain about the choice, especially considering the substantial losses incurred from The Flash, which one of the largest flops in box office history. Recently, Muschietti suggested reasons for the film’s failure, and while I find his perspective misguided, I hold out hope for the Dark Knight’s upcoming cinematic adventure.
Disputing Muschietti’s Take on The Flash’s Failure
The Director’s Perspective on DCEU’s Box Office Performance
Before its release, industry figures including DC Studios’ James Gunn and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav expressed optimism about The Flash. Despite this, the film fell short of expectations, exacerbated by Ezra Miller’s controversies, subpar CGI, and a convoluted narrative featuring disappointing multiverse cameos. With a budget of $200 million, the film’s total earnings of $271.4 million resulted in a staggering financial setback for Warner Bros.
About the failure of #TheFlash , director Andy Muschietti vents: “A lot of people are not interested in Flash as a character, the public half of that is the four quadrants, the two female quadrants there are a lot of women who are not interested in Flash as a character” pic.twitter.com/XdFJsixxwp &mdash ; Flash Legacy Brasil (@FlashLegacyBR) January 12, 2025
Calculating marketing expenses alongside production costs, The Flash proved to be a costly endeavor for Warner Bros. In an interview, Muschietti attributed the film’s underperformance to a general lack of interest in The Flash as a character, particularly among female audiences. He cited the necessity of capturing all four audience demographics to achieve success.
However, I reject Muschietti’s premise. The enduring popularity of the character, as exemplified by Grant Gustin’s successful portrayal in the Arrowverse, demonstrates that The Flash can resonate with audiences. The real issues stemmed from Miller’s absence of fan support, pre-release controversies, negative reviews, and the impending reboot of the DCU that rendered The Flash’s narrative less impactful.
Muschietti’s Grip on Batman: A Different Perspective
Mastering Various Versions of Bruce Wayne
Though I contest Muschietti’s analysis of The Flash, I believe his skills align closely with the character of Batman. The film showcased Muschietti’s adept handling of different versions of Bruce Wayne, with notable appearances from Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, and George Clooney. Each portrayal contributed to a multifaceted understanding of Batman, enhancing the film’s narrative depth.
Keaton’s return was particularly impactful, as it depicted Bruce’s evolution in the face of new foes. Affleck delivered a memorable performance, highlighted by emotionally charged exchanges with Barry about family and sacrifice — certainly one of the film’s standout moments. This suggests that Muschietti can bring a rich emotional layer to Batman’s character in future installments.
Muschietti’s Strengths Align with The Brave and the Bold
Navigating Batman’s Darker Themes
Muschietti’s adeptness with the horror genre, evidenced by his work in the IT series, positions him well for The Brave and the Bold. Gotham’s atmospheric darkness and grim narratives provide fertile ground for his storytelling abilities. Similar to Matt Reeves’ successful portrayal in The Batman, Muschietti can create a Gotham that is deeply layered and resonant.
| Upcoming Batman Movies | |
|---|---|
| Movie | Release Date |
| The Batman – Part II | October 1, 2027 |
| The Brave and the Bold | TBD |
| The Batman 3 | TBD |
James Gunn has indicated that the DCU will explore a variety of tones, allowing each character’s story to unfold authentically. Given Batman’s darker narrative style, Muschietti’s horror roots could result in an exceptional cinematic portrayal, tapping into the forbidding aspects of the character’s legacy. Batman’s rogues’ gallery is notorious for its menacing presence, and Muschietti is well-equipped to delve into that terrifying universe.
Could There Be a Change in Directors for the DCU Batman Movie?
Current Developments Hint at DC’s Strategic Direction
After being appointed as the director of The Brave and the Bold in June 2023, Muschietti was labeled a visionary by DC Studios’ co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Despite concerns around the box office performance of The Flash, Muschietti’s commitment to the project has been reaffirmed. Talks regarding the film’s tone and thematic direction are already underway, suggesting a positive collaboration between Muschietti and Gunn.
Although The Batman has experienced delays, Muschietti’s efforts are still in alignment with the franchise’s schedule. His confirmed interest and forward-looking statements indicate that there is indeed a robust plan for bringing The Brave and the Bold to fruition. I remain optimistic about Muschietti’s direction for Batman’s new chapter, believing that he has the potential to craft a compelling and memorable film.
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