The Flash Director Says Film Failed Due To Lack Of Interest

Nearly two years have passed since the release of The Flash in 2023, and the film has earned a reputation as one of the biggest flops in recent superhero cinema. In a recent conversation on Radio Tu’s La Baulera del Coso, director Andy Muschietti expressed his understanding of the film’s disappointing reception. He pointed out that The Flash didn’t resonate with audiences as broadly as he and the team at Warner Bros. Pictures had anticipated.

“The Flash didn’t succeed, partly because it failed to engage all four quadrants of the audience. That was a major misstep,” Muschietti explained. “When you invest $200 million into a film, [Warner Bros.] expects you to attract viewers of all ages, even bringing in the grandmothers.”

During the interview, the filmmaker, known for his work on the IT series, acknowledged a revelation he had after the film’s release. He discovered that many people are less invested in the character of The Flash compared to heavyweights in the DC universe like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. “In discussions, I learned that a significant number of viewers simply don’t care about The Flash,” Muschietti remarked. “This was particularly true for female audiences. All these factors played a role in working against the film’s success.”

Upon its release, The Flash garnered mixed reviews from critics and managed to collect around $271 million globally. While this figure may appear respectable at first glance, especially against the more recent underwhelming performances of films like Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter, it’s crucial to remember that the film’s production budget was approximately $200 million, as noted by Muschietti. Warner Bros. had hoped the film would rejuvenate enthusiasm for its DC franchise, yet it ultimately fell short of the studio’s lofty expectations.

The film’s underperformance marked an anticlimactic end for Warner Bros.’ DC Extended Universe in 2023. However, Muschietti’s career seems unaffected by this setback. He is now set to direct The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce audiences to the new take on iconic characters like Batman and Robin in the fresh DC Universe.

You can now stream The Flash on Max.