Title: The Flash: How James Gunn’s Strategic Moves Affected the Cast in the Final Cameo
Word Count: 1063
Introduction:
Henry Cavill’s absence in the new ‘Flash’ movie raised eyebrows among fans, as Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot received the green light for their roles. The Hollywood Reporter (THR) revealed that the final cameo, which teased a new Batman, underwent reshoots and multiple iterations. The article explores the changes made to the ending, the reasons behind selective casting, and James Gunn’s influence on the DC universe.
Reshoots and Iterations:
According to THR, the final scene of ‘The Flash’ went through several iterations before reaching its theatrical version. Originally, the scene was intended to feature Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen alongside Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl when Warner Bros. was under AT&T’s ownership. However, after the merger with Discovery, additional alterations were made, incorporating Cavill’s Superman and Gadot’s Wonder Woman into the scene. This version of the ending reflected Warner Bros.’ initial belief in Cavill’s potential return as the iconic superhero, driven in part by “The Rock’s” (Dwayne Johnson) endorsement of Cavill’s Superman in ‘Black Adam.’
Gunn’s Role and the Canon:
When James Gunn assumed the position of DC chief, he made significant changes to the movie’s ending. He decided to eliminate Gadot, Cavill, Keaton, and Calle from the final scene, substituting a former Batman actor, George Clooney, as a nod to the franchise’s history. Gunn and co-DC chief Peter Safran aimed to avoid raising false hope among fans of the Snyder-verse regarding the return of these characters in their revamped DC universe. However, this decision seems somewhat contradictory since Gadot and Affleck had both been allowed to make earlier cameos in the movie, leaving fans questioning the selective casting.
Possible Reasons for Cavill’s Absence:
While it may appear that Henry Cavill was purposely excluded from the final bow as Superman, it is important to consider other factors influencing the decision. It is unlikely that Gunn and Safran harbored any personal animosity towards Cavill. Recent developments in the DC universe indicate that Gunn has plans for a new Superman in his upcoming project, ‘Superman: Legacy.’ The desire to dissociate from Cavill’s Superman and start fresh in Gunn’s new universe could explain why his appearance was omitted. Had Gunn been hired prior to ‘Black Adam,’ it is possible the post-credit cameo featuring Cavill would have been scrapped altogether.
Reflection on ‘The Flash’ Performance:
Despite the behind-the-scenes alterations and choices made by the creative team, ‘The Flash’ failed to impress at the box office. The movie’s performance fell below expectations, a trend evident by Sunday’s figures. The article suggests that the upcoming release of two remaining DCEU films this year will provide further insight into the reception and success of the franchise.
Conclusion:
The absence of Henry Cavill’s Superman in the final scene of ‘The Flash’ has raised questions and sparked speculation about the reasons behind his exclusion. The article sheds light on the multiple iterations and reshoots that shaped the film’s ending. James Gunn’s influence on the DC universe, alongside changes in Warner Bros. ownership, played a significant role in determining the cameos and casting decisions. As fans eagerly await the upcoming DCEU releases, time will tell how the franchise recovers from the underperformance of ‘The Flash’ and how Gunn’s fresh take on Superman will be received in ‘Superman: Legacy.’
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