Set to begin production in March 2017, plans for The Flash may have to change. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie has lost its director – Rick Famuyiwa, best known for 2015's Dope. This is the second director the movie has lost; Seth Grahame-Smith (who wrote the script) left the project back in April.
Of course, this isn’t the first time a comic book movie has lost its director - however, given the time when this happened, the big question arises: Will The Flash be released on the 16th of March 2018, as previously announced, or will it be delayed?
Rick Famuyiwa has played an important part in the production of the movie thus far, having cast both Iris West (Kiersey Clemons) and Henry Allen (Billy Crudup). According to the sources, the departure was caused by creative differences between the director and the studio. If Rick Famuyiwa wanted to make an edgier Flash flick, the studio apparently got tired of such experiments (for good reason, seeing how divisive Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad were).
Of course, this is also in contradiction of what the Snyders have said about the DCEU being solely in the hands of the directors"¦
The reason for the departure is made clear by Famuyiwa's statement:
When I was approached by Warner Bros and DC about the possibility of directing The Flash, I was excited about the opportunity to enter this amazing world of characters that I loved growing up, and still do to this day.
I was also excited to work with Ezra Miller, who is a phenomenal young actor. I pitched a version of the film in line with my voice, humor, and heart. While it's disappointing that we couldn't come together creatively on the project, I remain grateful for the opportunity. I will continue to look for opportunities to tell stories that speak to a fresh generational, topical, and multicultural point of view. I wish Warner Brothers, DC, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns, and Ezra Miller all the best as they continue their journey into the speed force.
What do you think? Is this just a minor hiccup?
