The DC Universe (DCU) has been abuzz with debates about the Scarlet Speedster, particularly after the lackluster reception of the 2023 film The Flash, starring Ezra Miller. The movie, which grossed a mere $271.4 million against a $200 million budget, was a significant box office failure, marking one of the biggest disappointments in superhero cinema history. Fans and critics alike have pointed to multiple issues, including poor visual effects, controversial cameos, and the off-screen controversies surrounding Miller, as reasons for the film’s downfall. Amid this backdrop, a growing chorus of fans has rallied behind Grant Gustin, the star of The CW’s The Flash series, asserting that his portrayal of Barry Allen is unmatched and that he could revitalize the character in the rebooted DCU under James Gunn’s leadership.
Gustin’s tenure as Barry Allen spanned nine seasons from 2014 to 2023, making him synonymous with the Flash for an entire generation. His debut in Arrow showcased a charismatic, witty, and relatable Barry, qualities that carried over into his own series. Despite uneven writing in later seasons, Gustin’s performance remained a highlight, blending humor, emotional depth, and heroism in a way that resonated with audiences. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with fans like @SepzenoOfficial stating, “Can we all agree that Grant Gustin was a much better Flash than Ezra Miller?” His ability to navigate complex arcs—time travel, multiverse crossovers, and moral dilemmas—earned him widespread praise, cementing his status as the definitive live-action Flash for many.
In contrast, Ezra Miller’s portrayal of Barry Allen in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has been divisive. While Miller’s comedic take shone in moments like the Peacemaker cameo and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, the 2023 The Flash film struggled to win over audiences. The movie’s multiverse narrative, featuring cameos from Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, often overshadowed Barry’s story, leaving fans feeling that the character was sidelined in his own film. Director Andy Muschietti’s claim that audiences “don’t care about the Flash” sparked outrage, particularly among Gustin’s supporters, who argue that the character’s potential was mishandled. One X user, @thcfastestman, called Muschietti’s statement “disrespectful,” highlighting Gustin’s superior portrayal.
Miller’s off-screen controversies further tainted the film’s reception. Legal issues, including arrests for alleged violence and other troubling behavior, alienated many fans, who felt that Miller’s casting overshadowed the Flash’s legacy. In contrast, Gustin’s clean public image and decade-long commitment to the role make him a safer and more beloved choice. Fans on X, such as @lynz2484, have expressed frustration, stating that Miller’s controversies deterred audiences from the film, while Gustin’s Flash was “perfect.” The Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, where Miller’s and Gustin’s Flashes met, only reinforced this preference, with fans celebrating Gustin’s emotional authenticity over Miller’s quirkier take.
The call for Gustin to replace Miller in the DCU has gained traction, especially as James Gunn and Peter Safran reshape the franchise. Gunn’s comments on Threads, noting that the DCU is “holding a beat” on the Flash’s development, suggest caution after the 2023 film’s failure. Fans see this as an opportunity for Gustin to step in, potentially as a veteran Barry Allen mentoring younger heroes like Wally West. Gustin himself has expressed openness to returning, telling a fan on X that he’d consider any “amazing Flash idea” from Gunn. His experience and fanbase could bridge the gap between the Arrowverse and the DCU, offering a fresh start for the character.
However, challenges remain. Some argue that Gustin’s television background might not translate to the cinematic scale, and his absence from the 2023 film—despite rumors of a cameo—suggests studio hesitance. Muschietti’s decision to exclude Gustin, possibly due to concerns about audience appeal or continuity, has been criticized as a missed opportunity to leverage the Arrowverse’s popularity. Still, with the DCU’s reboot offering a clean slate, Gustin’s proven track record makes him a compelling choice. As fans continue to champion him, the question remains whether Gunn will heed their calls to bring Gustin’s Flash to the big screen, potentially redeeming the Scarlet Speedster’s tarnished cinematic legacy.
