Andy Muschietti Reflects on The Flash Backlash: “People Just Love to Jump on Bandwagons”

Director Andy Muschietti has finally spoken about the tough reception his 2023 superhero film The Flash received. In a recent conversation reported by The Playlist, the filmmaker looked back on the experience, calling it both challenging and eye-opening.

Released in 2023, The Flash starred Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, the speedster who travels back in time to prevent his mother’s death.

The film also featured Michael Keaton’s long-awaited return as Batman, Sasha Calle’s debut as Supergirl, and Michael Shannon reprising his role as General Zod. Despite its strong cast and heavy promotion, the movie fell short at the box office, earning around $271 million worldwide on a budget of more than $200 million.

While critics enjoyed the film’s humor and action, many were disappointed by its visual effects and ending. Audiences, too, seemed divided, and according to Muschietti, that reaction was made worse by online negativity.

“A lot of people did not see it,” Muschietti said. “But you know how things are these days — people don’t see things, but they like to talk s** about it, and they like to jump on bandwagons. They don’t really know. People are angry for reasons that are unrelated to these things.”

The director admitted he was disappointed by how the situation unfolded, especially since the film’s release was overshadowed by the real-life controversies surrounding lead actor Ezra Miller. Those issues, he explained, made people judge the movie before even watching it.

“Of course, we had a publicity crisis with Ezra that is undeniable. And I’m not questioning that,” Muschietti said. “But yeah, we love the movie. And actually, we really recommend it.”

Despite the backlash and box office struggles, Muschietti said he remains proud of the film and grateful to Warner Bros. for standing by him and his team through the difficult period. “We also had so much support from the studio, really, at a point where they could have been like, you know, backing out because of all the issues we were having with publicity. And they went all in, and we all went all in.”

The director said that, even after all the criticism, he still enjoys watching the movie. “We gave it our blood, sweat, and tears all the way to the end. And I watched it, like a week ago, and loved it again.”

Muschietti’s comments show that while The Flash didn’t meet expectations, he continues to stand by his work and the people who helped make it.

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