Warner Bros. already has a successfulThe FlashTV series, but they’re also going to be releasing aFlashmovie that’s completely separate from The CW show.Ezra Milleris set to star as the Scarlet Speedster, and nowTHRis reporting that screenwriterSeth Grahame-Smith(Dark Shadows) is going to make his feature directing debut on the blockbuster superhero film. Grahame-Smith also penned the novelsPride and Prejudice and ZombiesandAbraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
According to THR,The LEGO Moviewriter-directorsPhil LordandChris Millerdid a treatment on the script, and were circling it as a directing vehicle, butdecided to go with the Han SoloStar Warsspinoffinstead. There are no details on what they had planned other thanLord’s comments from this past Maywhere he said that the protagonist will likely be Barry Allen (as opposed to other Flashes like Wally West or Jay Garrick), and that it would be rooted in the DC Cinematic Universe, although it would also be a standalone story.
However, it’s now in Grahame-Smith’s hands since he’ll be writing the screenplay in addition to directing. It’s worth noting that although the character’s solo film is set to arrive on July 30, 2025, he’ll be appearing on the big screen twice before he gets to his standalone picture. He’ll first pop up inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which opens June 16, 2025, and then have a more prominent role inJustice League: Part One, which opens June 24, 2025.
If Warner Bros. brought Grahame-Smith solely to writeThe Flash, that would make sense. He’s an established screenwriter in Hollywood, he was one of the many people who took a pass atFantastic Four, and most importantly, he’s writingLEGO Batman. The studio believes he knows his comic books, and so he’s probably the right guy forThe Flashmythology.
However, entrusting him with directing duties is a major show of faith. His only other directing credit is two episodes of the showThe Hard Times of RJ BergerwithDavid Katzenberg. To go from that to a tentpole superhero flick is a major leap, and also a major show of faith from the studio.
It also makesThe Flashstandout from the rest of the DCCU movies by being the only one where the writer and director is the same person.Wonder WomanandAquamanhave both struggled with their screenplays even though they both have directors (Patty Jenkins and James Wan, respectively), and perhaps having the writer also be the director will circumvent that issue.
Grahame-Smith also has the unique issue that his movie also has a popular TV series of the same name featuring the same character, and while they might do different things, he has the opportunity to function as the bridge between the two sinceThe FlashTV series is starting up with alternate realities this season. While I don’t think Grant Gustin will be speeding his way throughThe Flashmovie, Grahame-Smith’s film could be the bridge between the two universes. If Marvel is planning to dip into their TV series, Warner Bros. shouldn’t leave money on the table.
So what are your thoughts on Grahame-Smith netting the gig? Is he experienced enough for the gig? What do you want to see in aFlashmovie? Sound off in the comments section.
