The Flash Flops Due to Character Disconnect

Director Andy Muschietti attributes the box office failure of his DC Extended Universe film, "The Flash," to a lack of broad appeal. In an interview with Radio Tu, as reported by Variety, Muschietti stated the film didn't successfully engage "the four quadrants" – a crucial demographic metric in Hollywood encompassing all age and gender groups. He explained that a $200 million budget necessitates widespread audience attraction, a goal "The Flash" ultimately missed.

"The Flash failed, among other reasons, because it didn't appeal to all four quadrants," Muschietti said. "When you spend $200 million, [Warner Bros.] wants to bring even your grandmother to the theaters." He further elaborated that, based on private conversations, many, particularly women, simply lacked interest in the Flash character. This, he noted, created significant headwinds for the film.

Unfulfilled DCEU Teases

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Muschietti's acknowledgment of "other reasons" for the film's underperformance likely encompasses its negative critical reception, CGI criticisms (including the recreation of deceased actors), its late-stage release within a dissolving film universe, and other contributing factors.

Despite this setback, DC Studios has retained Muschietti to direct "The Brave and the Bold," the inaugural Batman film in James Gunn and Peter Safran's revamped DC Universe.