According to various sources, “The Flash” will blaze through CinemaCon 2023, where Warner Bros. Pictures will screen the superhero blockbuster at the annual meeting of movie theatre owners in April.
The film’s screening in this capacity is just another indication of Warner Bros.’ enthusiastic support for the movie, which has been marred by controversy due to issues surrounding star Ezra Miller. That will be the first full showing of “The Flash,” which will be released in theatres on June 16.
CinemaCon will be held in Las Vegas from April 24 to April 27. At the yearly conference, major studios often bring sizzle reels, first-look trailers, and celebrities to get exhibitors excited about the films that will be shown on their screens in the following year.
Screening a completed picture usually goes down well with this crowd, which is made up of cineplex executives and theatre managers eager to rub shoulders with Hollywood insiders. Last year, Paramount devoted an entire hour to the first complete screening of Tom Cruise’s blockbuster sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” which played like gangbusters in the room of cinema owners before becoming a box office smash.
Warner Bros. is still anticipated to offer a formal presentation to Caesars Palace’s Colosseum, so “The Flash” will play in the late afternoon on April 25 after the studio previews its forthcoming picture slate.
Variety’s request for comment was not immediately responded to by Warner Bros.
“The Flash” is a relic of a previous DC Films regime, but its internal reaction appears to be so positive that it has the full support of new studio leaders James Gunn and Peter Safran. Gunn has called the picture “one of the finest superhero movies ever made,” pointing out that Miller’s future as the Scarlet Speedster will be totally dependent on their rehabilitation from persistent emotional troubles.
“Ezra is totally dedicated to their recuperation,” Safran remarked at the time. “And we are completely supportive of their current adventure.”
Miller has engaged in disturbing behavior in recent years, which has resulted in legal troubles as well as assault and abuse charges. In a Vermont burglary case, the actor pled guilty to criminal trespassing in mid-January. They could face up to a year on probation and a $500 fine. In addition to the Vermont incident, Miller was captured on camera acting aggressively toward Hawaii police and seeming to choke a fan at an Icelandic bar in 2020.
Miller, who identifies as non-binary and utilizes they/them pronouns, has spoken openly about their mental health difficulties and ongoing concerns about their conduct.
“Having recently gone through an enormous crisis, I now understand that I am suffering from complicated mental health difficulties and have commenced continuing treatment,” Miller said this summer. “I want to apologize to everyone who has been concerned or outraged by my previous behavior. I am dedicated to putting in the effort required to return to a healthy, safe, and productive stage in my life.”
“The Flash” is directed by Andy Muschietti and stars Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton (both reprising their roles as Batman), Kiersey Clemmons, and Michael Shannon.
