Did DC Replace Ezra Miller with Grant Gustin in The Flash Movie?

No, Despite the Controversy: The controversy over actor Ezra Miller playing Barry Allen in The Flash movie has persisted. However, it's important to clarify that Miller did not get replaced by Grant Gustin. In fact, Miller played not one, but two versions of the Flash - the present-day Flash and his younger self with Flash powers.

Collaboration in Crisis on Infinite Earths: Interestingly, Grant Gustin, who portrayed the TV series Flash, had a brief appearance alongside Miller in a short scene during the Arrowverse crossover event, Crisis on Infinite Earths. This cameo highlights the intertwined nature of the Arrowverse, but it doesn't factor into the main film.

End of The Flash Movie: At the conclusion of the movie, there's a significant twist: Ezra Miller’s Flash gets a glimpse of the DC Movie/TV Multiverse, which includes nearly all DC’s live-action shows and movies, as well as some that never happened. However, it's worth noting that Grant Gustin's Flash was not captured in this multiverse scene.

Theories Behind the Casting

There are several theories regarding Ezra Miller's role and the casting behind the scenes.

Speculation 1: The Impact of COVID-19

My first theory revolves around the impact of the global pandemic, COVID-19. Prior to the outbreak, The Flash TV series was expected to have a 10th season and additional episodes. However, with the arrival of the pandemic, the CW introduced severe budget cuts, leading to the premature end of the series.

The TV series was performing well by this point, and Grant Gustin was set to receive a significant increase in his paycheck due to these financial gains. Participating in a blockbuster movie like Justice League was seen as a risky decision because such films are designed to be massive box office hits, and the expectations are always high. The $700 million gross at the box office and the subsequent 4-hour director's cut release in 2021 added another layer of complexity for negotiations and future deals.

Given that these projects are often interconnected, Grant Gustin's association with the Flash franchise would become more prominent. This would be similar to the way Robert Downey Jr. became the face of Iron Man. Logistically, it wouldn't have been a smart move for financial reasons, especially when there was no certainty about the impact of the pandemic on future viewership.

Speculation 2: The Flexibility of the DC Multiverse

The DC Multiverse provides a unique flexibility that allows for different versions of the Flash to coexist. This concept has already been explored in the TV series, where alternative versions of the Flash from different timelines and universes have been depicted. Such a multiverse allows for more freedom in casting, whether for TV series or movies. However, once the decision is made, changes need to be carefully handled, as fans often require a storyline-related explanation for any shifts in the ongoing narrative.

Speculation 3: Actor Popularity and Buzz

Another theory suggests that Ezra Miller's popularity, despite the controversies, would generate more buzz around the movie. His character is central to the Fl benefited from the controversy, generating more interest and marketing opportunities. Fans have a vested interest in seeing Miller’s performance, as his involvement is a significant draw for the movie.

In conclusion, the decision regarding the casting of actors in the DC universe is multi-faceted and influenced by various factors, including financial considerations, creative flexibility, and fan expectations.