I’ve avoided speaking negatively about anything DC in pseudo-fear (or just the lack of wanting to be bothered) of the retaliation it may bring from DC aka Snydercut fans. However, recent stories in regards to the actor Ezra Miller have me wanting to disregard my previous trepidations and I simply want to state my opinion on this matter. Simply, it’s time to stop rewarding bad behavior.
Disclaimer
Let’s get a few things straight first. This is not an attack on DC as a property. This is not a hateful stance from an MCU fan. If you know me, you know I only want Warner Bros. to succeed. I grew up on Batman and the Justice League. I love the show Peacemaker and I shouldn’t have to do all of these disclaimers just to prove that this isn’t just a hit-piece in the ongoing silly war of DC vs. Marvel. Also, Ezra Miller uses they/them pronouns, which I will be respecting during the duration of this article.
Now, it’s no surprise that I wasn’t ever, particularly a fan of Miller’s portrayal of Barry Allen/The Flash in the DCEU. Miller’s version of this character not only didn’t live up to my expectations, but I always felt that Grant Gustin did a better job in The CW’s The Flash. Even if Miller was attempting to merge Barry and Wally West’s personalities together, they still were disappointing.
It’s Not Looking Good
However, if people enjoy Miller’s Barry then that is fine. But, in recent news, combined with reports in the past of Miller’s bad behavior, why are we still moving forward with The Flash project? In recent years, we’ve seen actors punished for bad behavior, but for some reason, Warner Bros. keeps the likes of Miller and even Amber Heard around. The Flash movie, which has had its own shares of setbacks; is supposed to act like a reset for the DCEU. Some things haven’t worked in the past for the DCEU and Warner Bros. is learning what does work. Having a Flash movie, which will act as a Flashpoint movie; is the perfect way to reset all the bad and keep the good.
But, what do you do when your main actor of this reset is themselves a problem? We no longer have Henry Cavill or Ben Affleck, which can easily be explained by this Flash film. And you know Warner Bros. is resting a lot on this film, which has gone through multiple rewrites and directors; to change the course of the DCEU moving forward. Now, it’s coming out more and more that Miller is not the person you want leading this.
The Hawaii Five-0 have reportedly received at least 10 calls regarding Ezra Miller since March 7
He was arrested earlier this week and a restraining order was filed against him after he threatened a couple
(@ZSharf) pic.twitter.com/B5TRgMPtZa
— Geek Vibes Nation (@GeekVibesNation) March 30, 2022
These Are Serious Crimes
Warner Bros. has really rolled out the red carpet for Miller in sprinkling them in The CW’s The Flash and even the season finale of Peacemaker. However, the signs of Miller being unworthy of this treatment has been there for a while. From the choking incident in 2020 to the recent reports of Miller attacking a woman at a karaoke bar, getting kicked out of bars, and most frighteningly breaking into a couple’s room to steal from them and threaten to kill them, it’s evident that something is not right with Miller.
A couple in Hawaii have filed a restraining order against #TheFlash actor Ezra Miller
The actor allegedly burst into the couples bedroom and threatened them saying “I will bury you and your slut wife.”
(https://t.co/AKj0wey7tV) pic.twitter.com/d8v4RaUT6k
— Geek Vibes Nation (@GeekVibesNation) March 30, 2022
What Kind of Example Does This Set?
There have been other incidents of celebrities displaying concerning and toxic behavior. And as stated before this is not the first time Miller has been in the news for attacking someone. It is clear that Miller needs help. I’m not here to discuss what should happen to Miller legally, but I am here to say that Warner Bros. needs to seriously consider their options moving forward. They cannot continue to harbor abusive actors in hopes that fans will look past the actions of the actor and just appreciate the characters. We have all been too preoccupied with the Will Smith incident (which certainly does deserve continuous discourse) to even pay attention to Miller’s action. But, it’s time to do so and it’s time for Warner Bros. to cut its losses. I know they wanted to release The Flash movie in 2023, but hoping time will heal all wounds is not how you sell this movie. How can they market this film to kids and the general audience with allegations surrounding Miller?
It’s Time for a Break from Miller
People deserve second chances – look at Robert Downey Jr. However, Miller needs time to reflect and seek help and most of all, address and apologize for their actions.
This is probably the most polarizing and serious article I’ve written. I realize there will be many who disagree with me. But, I’m ready for it and I hope that people realize that this is written out of general concern – this is not a hit-piece. This is not cancel culture, this is simply a bad business decision for Warner Bros.