Warner Bros. have released the new trailer for The Flash, starring Ezra Miller in the lead role, at the Super Bowl over the weekend. The film also sees Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton return as two different versions of Batman.
Since April 2020, Miller has faced accusations of harassment, assault, disorderly conduct, grooming and kidnapping for various incidents. Authorities arrested him for second-degree assault, and twice for disorderly conduct in Hawaii. The allegations grew even more concerning when Vermont State Police attempted to serve an emergency care order to a 25-year-old woman and her two children, who were allegedly living in Miller’s home. In August 2022, he addressed his behaviour and apologised for it in a statement to People. He said he had gone through “a time of intense crisis” and was suffering “complex mental health issues”, for which he was seeking treatment.
“I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.” Miller said.
The film was already complete when the allegations surfaced. But fans of the DC Universe are concerned and upset by the fact that it will continue to release as planned. Neither Warner Bros. nor Miller have issued any new statements on the charges. It sets a precedent that film studios are willing to entirely overlook disturbing allegations from an actor’s personal life and not hold them accountable for the damages they have caused.
Not to rain on everybody’s parade but it’s kinda weird how many people are ignoring the fact that neither Warner Bros. nor Ezra Miller themself has commented on their two-year-long reign of terror around the world that involved assault, burglary, and kidnapping/grooming minors https://t.co/n5AXq3pRCi
— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) February 12, 2023
The silence from DC, Warner Bros. and Miller is not working in their favour. Many believe Miller should not reprise his role as Barry Allen in the franchise. Of course, this is hardly the first time an artist in the industry has continued to thrive despite concerning accusations. From Woody Allen to Ansel Elgort, Hollywood has a long history of being far too forgiving when it is convenient. The new first look at The Flash is receiving backlash for trying to brush Miller’s behaviour under the carpet.
