In a recent interview, director Andy Muschietti defended the box office failure of "The Flash," asserting that much of the criticism stems from individuals who hadn't actually seen the film. Despite grossing only $271 million globally, Muschietti stresses that "The Flash" is a good movie deserving of appreciation. He acknowledges the negative impact of Ezra Miller's off-screen controversies on its reception and states that many people simply do not connect with the Flash character, which contributed to its struggles to attract a wide audience. Muschietti emphasizes that creating a film appealing to all market segments, especially women, is crucial for success, explaining that "The Flash" failed to reach those "four quadrants." Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the film and mentions his ongoing involvement with the DC franchise.

Why did "The Flash" underperform at the box office?

"The Flash" underperformed due to a combination of factors, including negative publicity surrounding Ezra Miller, a critical reception that did not resonate with audiences, and a lack of interest in the Flash character across key demographics. Muschietti points out that the film did not appeal adequately to the four quadrants required for a blockbuster.

"The Flash" is part of the DC Extended Universe, which has undergone significant changes in response to its mixed reviews and box office performances. The character of the Flash, known for his super-speed and time-travel abilities, has been a long-standing figure in DC Comics. This film aimed to explore multiverse concepts and integrate beloved characters from past DC films, but its failure has led to a rethinking of the DC cinematic strategy moving forward under new leadership.