Ezra Miller has been in a soup lately. The Flash movie actor has a litany of accusations against him, including grooming a minor, throwing a chair at a woman, sexual assault, and felony burglary. Yet, the DC Extended Universe’s (DCEU), parent company Warner Bros Discovery has continued to back the film, despite the new CEO David Zaslav towing the mantra that the company would operate on cost-effectiveness. 

For a man so concerned with the bottom line that he unflinchingly ordered the shelving of Batgirl – a film that had neared the completion of its post-production process, and cost around $90 million to make – the decision to stand by The Flash has been surprising, or perhaps not so much, once the reasons are examined. 

The Ezra Miller of it all 

Miller is part of two major Warner Bros franchises – DCEU and Fantastic Beasts. While the actor plays the speedster in the DC Comics-inspired movies, Miller is Credence Barebone or Aurelius Dumbledore, Albus’ nephew, in the Harry Potter spinoff.

However, Warner Bros were quick to cut ties with Johnny Depp who played the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, when Amber Heard’s accusations first went public. 

With Miller, they have been far more lenient, with Variety reporting that an insider at Warner Bros saying the film could go ahead if the 29-year-old seeks help, and does an interview, speaking about the reasons for his erratic behaviour. Miller would then do a limited promotional tour after which the movie would be released. 

Soon after, a statement went to Variety from Miller’s representatives, where the actor said “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment”. 

Zaslav – CEO and Flash fan 

Jordan Ruimy, film critic and journalist, reported via World of Reel that a source inside Warner Bros said that Zaslav was a fan of The Flash movie. 

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Hence, it is on track to hit theatres in 2023, despite the budget skyrocketing to $300 million. Zaslav in a call with investors had noted, “We have seen Flash, Black Adam and Shazam 2. We are very excited about them. We’ve seen them. We think they are terrific, and we think we can make them even better”. 

Ruimy, who’s written for publications such as IndieWire, reported the source saying that Zaslav didn’t like what he saw of the Aquaman sequel. However, the source also said that Miller is perfect for his role in The Flash. 

Test screening scores make history

Zaslav’s confidence has reportedly been enhanced after a test screening on August 11. The Flash earned the highest test score ratings in DCEU history. 

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With the release of The Flash, DCEU can also move past their previous phase and plan ahead, wherein Zaslav has assured that a ten-year plan will be made to rival Marvel. 

With the finished product satisfactory to the new CEO, Ezra Miller seems to have outrun part of the consequences of their actions. The Flash hasn’t been axed by an efficiency-centric CEO, though it remains to be seen what happens of their legal troubles, with the actor facing charges in Hawaii, North Dakota, and Massachusetts.