The Flash has run straight into trouble as it has failed to meet financial expectations and is on track to be a box office ‘bomb’ - with controversial star Ezra Miller already being singled out as the cause of the failure.
The superhero film see’s Ezra reprising their role as Barry Allen in the DC film - with Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton making much hyped returns to the comic book franchise to reprise their role as Batman.
The movie has received a huge amount of hype in the weeks leading up to release - with some claiming the film is the greatest superhero film ever made, and box office projections suggesting it would make at least $70 million (£54.6 million) over the weekend.
However, it has failed to meet expectations at the box office pulling in an initial $24.5 million (£19 million) and may even underperform against recent DC film Black Adam - which was branded a failure when it brought in $62.2 million (£48.5 million) in it’s opening weekend.
The Flash, in contrast, is now forecast to pull in less than $60 million (£46.8 million) - and Ezra’s troublesome recent behaviour may be the reason cinema goers are avoiding the film.
The troubled actor sparked huge controversy in recent years due to a string of legal troubles including arrests for disorderly conduct and various harassment allegations.
TMZ has pointed a finger of blame at Ezra’s troubles, writing: “Some might attribute [the low box office performance] to Ezra themself ... who's been mired in controversies for about 2 years now.
“It might also be the lack of a traditional press run the studio opted for - there were hardly any interviews in the lead-up.”
The Hollywood Reporter has made a similar suggestion, writing: "Box office pundits are divided as to whether Ezra Miller’s off-screen woes are impacting the film’s performance.
"Miller was arrested multiple times in 2022 and was the subject of several controversies, culminating in the actor issuing a statement in August of last year apologizing for their behavior...
"Miller walked the red carpet at the movie’s premiere but has otherwise been absent from doing publicity for The Flash."
The issues facing Ezra were charges of harassment and burglary, as well as accusations of assault and abuse.
The actor said last August: “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. I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.”
Many fans have vowed to boycott The Flash due to Ezra’s misdemeanours.
One cinema fan wrote on Twitter : “I'm honestly not even gonna hate-watch The Flash. They handled the controversy with Ezra Miller's persistent criminal activity very poorly. And there's worse that has been heard now about the movie. They deserve none of my money. And I encourage others to boycott The Flash movie.”
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