The DCU has officially entered the Multiverse with its upcoming film,The Flash, releasing today. Helmed by Andrés Muschietti, it will be the first solo movie of the titular speedster, played by Ezra Miller, after appearing as a supporting character or a cameo in several DCEU films. Since its announcement, fans have waited with great anticipation for the film. Unfortunately, many reasons, like creative differences, directors' exits, the pandemic, and controversies surrounding the 30-year-old actor, contributed to its delayed release. At one point, the film was on the verge of getting canceled, but thankfully,Miller’s public apologyseemingly “saved” the movie from getting shelved.
The Flashfollows Barry Allen as he uses his superhero abilities to time travel in order to save his parents. A change in past events alters reality, leading to the Flash seeking the help of a former Batman, his alternate version, and Supergirl to restore the universe. The cast members include Ezra Miller, Sasa Calle, Michael Shannon, Michael Keaton, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Anthe Traue, and others. Ahead of the film’s release, it’s essential to know which past DC films to watch to better understand the hidden connections and the storyline.
Batman (1989) & Batman Returns (1992)
The multiverse has the power to bring back old, beloved superheroes into new narratives and make the viewers all nostalgic.The Flashfilm is bringingMichael Keaton’s Batmanout of retirement to aid Barry Allen in his multiverse mess. Rewatching the 1989 and 1992 films,BatmanandBatman Returns, becomes essential to better understanding Keaton’s take on the Caped Crusader. Initially, when Keaton was cast for the role of Batman, he faced a lot of criticism for initially being seen as a comedic actor. Many people didn’t find him a great fit for playing Bruce Wayne, but they were proved wrong as the actor’s powerful performance zipped everyone’s mouth.
The two films were created by Tim Burton in his iconic dark filmmaking style. Keaton’s Caped Crusader faced off against villains like the Joker (Jack Nicholson) and Oswald CobblePot, also known as Penguin (Danny DeVito), in the films. He never received a third installment, titledBatman Forever, due to creative differences between the actor and new director Joel Schumacher. According to Muschietti, the Batman variants in the film will serve as “an archetypal mentor, a father figure for Barry” (viaEmpire).
Related:The Flash Being Called ‘One of the Best Superhero Movies Ever Made’ Left Studio ‘Bemused'
Wonder Woman (2017)
Several DCEU films have been axed due to Warner Bros.' restructuring plans, one of them being Gal Gadot’sWonder Woman. However, a little hope emerged for the fans when the news circling around revealed that she would appear inThe Flash. But now it won’t be possible as Warner Bros. (viaHollywood Reporter) revealed that the scene featuring Gadot’s character has been cut from the film. So, why is rewatchingWonder Womannecessary?
Well, if the appearance of the superhero was confirmed prior, it opens the possibility of a few connections or Easter eggs popping up in the film. So, it’s always best to watch the stand-alone movies to not miss out on references. The 2017 film was directed by Patty Jenkins and showcased Wonder Woman in action to protect humanity. The film did outstandingly well, with a gross box office collection of $822 million worldwide.
Man of Steel (2013)
For years, Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman has been adored by fans. While the post-credit scene ofBlack Adamcreated a lot of hype around his character, soon Cavill made the announcement of hanging up the cape, which put an end to the excitement of fans in the blink of an eye. Some leaks on the internet hint at his small cameo inThe Flash(viaThe Direct), but its legitimacy can only be confirmed after the film is out. However, fans will get to witness Sasha Calle as Supergirl.
Michael Shannon will reprise his role as General Zodd from the 2013 film in the upcoming Miller movie. He will also play a major antagonistic role inThe Flash, which makes it essential to watchMan of Steelin order to comprehend his wicked roots and evil schemes. The movie was directed by Zack Snyder, and fans have been waiting for another sequel to the film, but unfortunately, it isn’t in the works.
Related:Revisiting Man of Steel: A Modern Reinvention of the Superhero Model
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Batman’s character has been passed on from one great actor to another. The multiverse theme ofThe Flashserved as a perfect opportunity to bring back the past Caped Crusaders. Keaton and Ben Affleck are ready to don their bat suits and guide Barry Allen in this multiverse adventure. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck disclosed that he will have five minutes of screen time in the film.
TheArgostar’s Batman was introduced in the year 2016 in the movieBatman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film witnessed a face-off between the two iconic superheroes of the DCEU. In the film, Bruce Wayne embarks on a quest to defeat Superman, whom he considers a threat to humankind after the metropolis battle. Ahead of his return, the 2016 film will make you recall the initial introduction of Affleck’s Batman and the Flash in the DCEU.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
Directed by Jay Olivia, the 2013 animated film showcases a somewhat similar storyline to the upcoming 2023 movie, as both films are influenced by the Flashpoint comics. InJustice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, Barry Allen travels back in time to save her mother from dying, which creates a fractured reality. In that timeline, there is no existence of the Justice League. Barry assembles a team of Cyborg and Batman to stop the war between Wonder Woman’s Amazons and Aquaman’s Atlantis.
The film will give viewers an idea of how alterations in reality transpire and the solution that the team comes up with to restore the universe. The voiceover cast of the film includes Justin Chambers as Barry Allen,Kevin Conroy as Batman, Michael B. Jordan as Cyborg, Sam Daly as Superman, Cary Elwes as Aquaman, Vanessa Marshall as Wonder Woman, and others. Eobard Thawne, also known as the Reverse Flash, played the antagonist in the film.
Justice League (2017) & Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
TheJustice Leaguefilm unites the beloved DCEU superheroes in a fight against the main antagonist of the film, Steppenwolf, and his parademons. In the 2017 film, Barry Allen was more than eager to join the team when Batman asked for his help. His character was shown to be limited to the goofy side, which the Snyder cut completely modified. The 2021 film reintroduced him as a confident character and not just comic relief. It also removed some inappropriate scenes and gave more screen time to his introduction, backstory, and relationships.
AlongsideJustice LeagueisZack Snyder’s Justice League, which is Snyder’s original cut of the film, which includes reshoots and rewrites, making it a 4-hour-long treat for the audience. The movie also had some new characters introduced, like the Joker, Ryan Choi, Vulko, Darkseid, Desaad, Granny Goodness, Iris West, Victor Stone, and others. BothJustice Leaguefilms play an important role in introducing the Speedster, whether in a goofy way or a detailed one. These films will give an insight into the Flash’s story to viewers who are intrigued to know more about the beloved DC character.
The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened? (2015)
You may wonder why a documentary is needed to watch ahead ofThe Flash. Well, the answer is that a famous character is being brought to life from a scrapped Superman film. In an interview with Esquire Middle East, the director ofThe Flashconfirmed that Nicolas Cage will be suiting up as Superman after almost 25 years. For background, in the 90s, director Tim Burton planned a film titledSuperman Livesstarring Cage as the Kryptonian, which was axed three weeks before filming.
The documentary gives a detailed behind-the-scenes look and showcases interviews with the people involved in its making. The film faced a lot of monetary issues and went through various rewrites, resulting in its cancelation. ButThe Flashis about to fulfill the dream of Cage taking on the role of Man of Steel. It will be exciting to see what his character has in store for the audience.
