Recently, James Gunn announced the upcoming projects in the first phase of the new DC cinematic universe (DCU), titled ‘Gods and Monsters,’ set to kick off in 2025. Alongside this announcement, the new head of DC Studios also highlighted the films scheduled for release in 2023, which are considered the final works of the previous DC cinematic universe (DCEU), including The Flash, which is set to premiere on June 16.
The Flash is a film focused on the superhero Barry Allen, portrayed by Ezra Miller, and has been in development since the inception of the DCEU. However, due to numerous production challenges, including continuous changes in directors and delays in filming schedules, this film has only recently reached the point of release. Furthermore, James Gunn confirmed that The Flash will “reboot” the storyline to pave the way for the DCU in 2025.
How has Flash changed the DC universe in comics?
The concept of using time travel to reset the entire universe is not new in superhero comics, and DC is no exception. In the comic arc Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985), after dying and being resurrected in different timelines, Barry Allen used the full speed force of his being to prevent the Anti-Monitor from destroying all universes. This event unified different Earths, leading to the first large-scale reboot in the DC universe.
Many years later, in 2011, DC continued to reboot its entire timeline prior to the release of the New 52 series. Once again, Flash played a crucial role through the event Flashpoint, where he sought to change the consequences of past events in his life.
After a tumultuous year full of losses, but not to be disheartened, Barry decided to time travel to save Nora Allen. However, this action not only altered all significant events that happened after his mother’s death but also impacted everything that occurred before, as a minor change could ripple through the flow of time.
At that time, Barry found himself amidst the Flashpoint timeline, where Superman did not exist, and Bruce Wayne was killed by Joe Chill. Only when he accepted the reality of his mother’s death could Barry escape Flashpoint. Yet, when he returned to reality, the DC universe had already changed significantly.
More recently, in 2016, another superhero, Wally West, also participated in the reconstruction of the DC universe – specifically the New 52 version. The time stream remained altered after the Flashpoint event, leaving Wally as the only one aware of what had transpired. This superhero opened the door for the DC Rebirth arc, which would have a direct impact on the New 52 series afterward.
The Flash will utilize time travel and set the stage for DCU reboot
Previous trailers have confirmed that The Flash will incorporate time travel elements and set the groundwork for a broader narrative. Specifically, the trailer released during the DC FanDome 2021 showcased Barry Allen appearing in front of his childhood home on the exact day Nora Allen was murdered. Additionally, this film will feature various iterations of characters from different realities, including Michael Keaton’s Batman from Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), along with Ben Affleck’s Batman from the DCEU.
In the initial teaser, Michael Keaton’s Batman tells Barry that he might “travel to any universe,” yet he “ends up choosing this universe.” This detail suggests that multiverse elements will play a significant role in The Flash. Therefore, alongside the character transitions from the Flashpoint comic storyline, this blockbuster will also introduce many unexpected elements from various timelines within the DC universe.
Specifically focusing on Barry’s time travel and revisiting past events in The Flash will complement the groundwork laid by James Gunn and DC Studios for a comprehensive reboot of the DCU. To compare, let’s analyze the previous X-Men film series by 20th Century Fox (now known as 20th Century Studios). Wolverine, after reversing time and preventing Mystique from killing Trask in Days of Future Past, returned to his original timeline. However, at that point, the timeline of the X-Men series had already changed significantly.
Theoretically, this could also happen in The Flash, with the film’s conclusion potentially resetting the DC cinematic universe due to Barry’s interference with the timeline. Moreover, this could serve as a foundation for James Gunn to “rebuild” the DCU, where multiple Earths are united and create a new reality, similar to the events in Crisis on Infinite Earths.
The Flash could erase the existence of the DCEU
In reality, DC Studios does not need to spend time contemplating how to reboot its cinematic universe. They can easily discard the DCEU and consider it a completed project, with the DCU representing a new endeavor that is not connected to previous events portrayed on screen.
However, with The Flash, DC Studios could bring about a smoother transition, effectively concluding the DCEU while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the future of the DCU. This also allows James Gunn to continue developing characters he has previously established, such as Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) and other “notable figures” from the series Peacemaker. This is precisely why The Flash could effectively erase the DCEU and allow DC to operate more fluidly in leading into the DCU.
It is also worth noting that outside of Viola Davis, James Gunn has yet to confirm the return of any other DCEU actors in the first phase of the DCU – Gods & Monsters. This raises questions about the future of “Aquaman” Jason Momoa, “Wonder Woman” Gal Gadot, or even “Flash” Ezra Miller himself. Additionally, Gunn has hinted that the DCU will officially begin with the film Superman: Legacy. Everything that does not fit within this new framework will be categorized into a separate universe called Elseworlds, such as films like The Batman or Joker.
In summary, after many delays, The Flash is now set to release strategically for DC. With a slew of official DCU films beginning in 2025, having a film related to time travel and universe resetting released in 2023 will significantly benefit DC Studios’ planning.
The Flash may provide the clearest answer for audiences regarding why the new DC universe has so many changes yet still retains familiar elements from the previous DCEU. In other words, this blockbuster will be the key that helps James Gunn reconstruct the overall identity of the DC cinematic universe in a cohesive and innovative manner.
Source: ScreenRant
