What a twisty turn of events! Warner Bros. is on the hunt for a new director to take overThe Flashand it looks like they might landBack to the FutureandForrest GumphelmerRobert Zemeckisafter all. Last month,ScreenJunkiesreported that Zemeckis was “in talks” for the superhero tentpole, but thatquickly shot downby The Wrap’s El Mayimbe, who clarified that Zemeckis had taken a meeting and that’s it. When Universal announced that Zemeckis' next film would be anuntitled fantasy drama starringSteve Carell, that seemed to put the nail in the coffin on that particular pipe dream, but the tides are ever turning.
NowThe Wrapreports that Zemeckis may indeed the directThe Flashafter his Universal picture and he has emerged as the studio’s frontrunner for the gig. Additionally,VarietyhasKingsmanhelmerMatthew Vaughnin the mix for to take overThe Flash’s director’s chair. However, the article also notes that Vaughn is eager to get to work on a third Kingsman film to follow-up The Golden Circle, and while he showed interest inThe Flashafter a meeting, “he may have also been using the project as leverage to get the green light from Fox on another installment in theKingsmanfranchise.“As we previously reported, the comic book movie veteran (X-Men: First Class, Kick-Ass, Kingsman) has also been in talks with the studio as a possibility forMan of Steel 2. But wait, there’s more! Per,The Hollywood ReporterSpider-ManandEvil DeaddirectorSam Raimiis also a “strong contender” forThe Flashand has met with the studio in recent weeks.
That’s three very strong, big name directors in talks for the gig, a sign of changing times at the studio where this past December WB headGreg Silvermanexited the studio as New Line COOToby Emmerichwas promoted to Warner Bros. president and chief content officer. As Adam explained in March, word is that “Emmerich was key in the hiring ofMatt Reevesto helmThe Batmanand similarly tapped Vaughn as a possibility forMan of Steel 2, as the executive wants to make known that Warner Bros. isn’t messing around when it comes to landing quality filmmakers for its big DCEU movies.”
With Scarlet Speedster actorEzra Millerheading off to filmFantastic Beasts 2soon, The Flashis currently undergoing a page-one rewrite at the hands ofKing Arthur: Legend of the SwordscribeJoby Haroldafter loosing directorRick Famuyiwaover “creative difference”. That means Warner Bros. has some time to settle on their director, but it’s clear that they’re locked in on established, big name talent that are natural fits for the tone and style ofThe Flash.
What do you guys think? Who would you like to see land the gig? Sound off in the comments.
