Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, and John Francis Daley share their original vision of The Flash.
The Flash superhero film is in the making and will have huge implications for DC’s future movie universe. John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein are the filmmakers. However, the Scarlet Speeder’s solo debut on the big screen would likely have been a lot different.
Goldstein and Daley spoke with Variety about the vision they had for The Flash. Daley stated, “We pitched this idea for a ground-level superhero where it’s not entirely end-of-the-world stakes.” “He is just learning his powers and is somewhat dysfunctional with his own life. The more flawed we can make a superhero, then the better. That’s the inherent challenge. How do you give imperfection and grace to someone who is physically perfect?
RELATED: Michael Shannon explains General Zod’s role in The Flash
Why Goldstein & Daley Left The Flash
Goldstein and Daley also spoke out about why they quit The Flash. Before they began writing the script, the filmmaking pair met Ezra Miller for dinner. Goldstein said that Miller was intense and bright. “Later, we realized that they didn’t want to do the same thing as us.” The Flash suffered from a troubled production. Many directors and writers were involved in the project at various points, including Goldstein or Daley.
Warner Bros. Pictures had been eyeing Goldstein, and Daley to write and direct Flash in early 2018. In 2019, it was revealed that Miller was co-writing a rival script with Grant Morrison, an acclaimed comic book author. Warner Bros. eventually rejected Miller and Morrison’s screenplay. However, Goldstein, Daley, and others saw the potential and left the project shortly after.
RELATED: Flash Synopsis Leans into the Film’s Man of Steel Storyline
Daley stated that there were a variety of creative differences which led to us deciding that it was time for us to move on to Variety. “If we feel that the powers that aren’t as excited to make the same movie we are, then we won’t win that battle,” Goldstein stated that it is better to lose the battle and move on. The Flash was eventually directed by Andy Muschietti using a screenplay from Christina Hodson. Joby Harry, Goldstein, and Daley were given story credit.
Goldstein and Daley were recently able to screen Flash. Although a lot had changed, they still saw some of the original visions in the final film. Goldstein said that the team took the idea we had and turned it into a fun and emotional movie. “We are really happy with the outcome.”
RELATED: DC Studios has Revealed ‘Less That Half’ Of Its Chapter 1 Slate
Barry Allen breaks the universe in The Flash
Flash Follows Barry Allen/The Flash (Miller), as he travels back in time to stop his mother’s murder. Inadvertently, this causes a ripple effect that dramatically alters the DC Extended Universe. Barry’s actions result in a world where General Zod is alive and intent on global dominance. There is no Superman to stop him. Barry, Kara Zor-El/Supergirl (Sasha Calle), as well as the Burton-Verse Bruce Wayne/Batman (Michael Keaton), join forces to save the planet. This film is loosely inspired by the limited series Flashpoint 2011, which was used to reboot DC Comics’ comic book universe.
After being in development for many years, Flash will finally be released in theaters this Summer. But, it has been a bumpy road. Miller’s legal troubles have been a major issue in the film’s long and difficult development. Warner Bros. remains committed to the release of the film, even though Miller is currently being treated for “complex mental issues”. Notably, Flash has had a positive experience with testing audiences and holds significant implications for DC’s fate.
RELATED: Why Dungeons & Dragons – Honor Among Thieves Didn’t Go the Jumanji Route
Goldstein, Daley, and the other co-writers of the 2017 Marvel Cinematic Universe movie Spider-Man, Homecoming are no strangers to superhero projects. Next up for the two is the Dungeons & Draconian: Honor Among Thieves film, which will hit theaters in the middle of October. Goldstein and Daley directed D&D from a script they co-wrote together with Michael Gilio.
The Flash is in theaters starting June 16.