The intersection of the DC Extended Universe and the Arrowverse has always been a tantalizing prospect for fans of superhero media. Recently, Tom Cavanagh, known for his iconic portrayal of the Reverse-Flash in the beloved TV series “The Flash,” gave his insights on the theatrical journey of the Scarlet Speedster in the much-discussed 2023 film, “The Flash.” Speaking at Fan Expo Portland, Cavanagh shared his thoughts on Ezra Miller’s titular take and the movie’s place within the wider DC universe.
Origins and Expectations
Tom Cavanagh’s feedback on “The Flash” film comes almost two years after its release, a period during which the movie has both drawn applause and fired up controversies,—largely tied to off-screen issues involving Ezra Miller. Despite these flares, Cavanagh hailed the movie’s initial half as mesmerizing, implying that the storytelling and character depth were impressive, especially for a narrative steeped in pre-existing fan expectations. What’s significant here is his protective stance towards Grant Gustin, who brought The Flash to life on TV for nearly a decade, suggesting that Miller’s depiction was deliberately set apart to avoid treading the same ground.
The Plot Thickens
For those who managed to avoid spoilers—or ignored the blatant marketing cues—the movie unfolds with a gripping genesis story that diverges from the TV show’s established arc. In this universe-jumping narrative, Michael Keaton’s Batman serves as a nostalgic anchor point, stirring up excitement just as his image on the DVD cover likely predicted. According to Cavanagh, this creative choice to lean on Batman’s emblematic presence speaks volumes not only about the complexities of “The Flash” film but also about its marketing strategy.
Tom Cavanagh: I saw it! A) I did see it, B) I liked it! Here’s what I think…I know they had all sorts of things, off-camera issues, and stuff going on. They do a remarkable job – the first half of that movie, in my opinion, and as somebody who’s protective of Grant Gustin as The Flash, I thought they were so very winning… They played him like they took the IQ level down and I thought that was good. No, but they did it purposely, and I think that’s going to make The Flash more innocent and different. Good call!
Because you don’t want to repeat what a guy did for a decade on television. When Keaton shows up – spoiler alert! – you’re like, “Holy c–p!” It’s so funny if you look at The Flash DVD cover, what’s on it? Batman, which tells you a little bit of something. Then the end of it, it’s a massive digital thing. That’s not always easy to accomplish, but if you watch the first half of that movie, and you watch its genesis story, it was a little slightly different than ours and I thought it was extremely well done. I remember talking to Geoff Johns about this, he’s DC, and Marvel’s kicking ass, I’m like “What do you think about their success?” and he’s like, “What’s good for comic books is good for all of us.” And I sort of feel that way.
Indeed, the story arc explores Barry Allen wrestling with his past to alter events of his family’s tragic fate. Fans keen on speedster lore were likely chuckling—or groaning—at the visual effect-laden, reality-bending escapades the film orchestrates in its second act, to which Cavanagh gave a nod for its ambitious execution.
Industry Stir
It’s interesting to point out that Cavanagh had already sensed the swing of tides in the comic book movie realms, discussing with DC honcho Geoff Johns how both Marvel and DC’s on-screen triumphs feed into one another, resonating with his outlook that, “What’s good for comic books is good for all of us.” This emphasizes the notion that despite corporate rivalries, superhero stories maintain a cultural dialogue across spectrums, pleasing die-hard fans and drawing new ones.
Closing Credits
Tom Cavanagh’s perspective on “The Flash” movie adds depth to the ongoing dialogue between TV adaptations and big-screen renditions of beloved characters. His acknowledgment of the film’s strengths, especially in differentiating it from the iconic TV series, highlights the creative challenges inherent in reimagining a beloved character for a broad audience. As the DC Extended Universe continues to evolve, one can’t help but wonder what crossover ambitions or surprises await fans in the future.
For enthusiasts tracking the journey of their favorite speedster, Tom Cavanagh’s insights remind us of the diverse ways stories can be told. As we wait for the next chapter in the DCEU saga, the thoughtful exchanges and evolving landscapes of superhero cinema ensure the excitement is far from over.
