DC's Extended Universe may be up and running but it's still dealing with some speed bumps along the road. The fastest man alive is once again without a director as the second man in the chair has now exited. He's now spoken about the "creative differences" which led to the decision. While he, of course, doesn't go into detail, it would seem that Rick Famuyiwa's voice was not the one DC wanted the film to speak with.
When I was approached by Warner Bros. and DC about the possibility of directing The Flash, I was excited about the opportunity to enter this amazing world of characters that I loved growing up, and still do to this day. I was also excited to work with Ezra Miller, who is a phenomenal young actor. I pitched a version of the film in line with my voice, humor and heart. While it's disappointing that we couldn't come together creatively on the project, I remain grateful for the opportunity. I will continue to look for opportunities to tell stories that speak to a fresh generational, topical and multicultural point of view. I wish Warner Bros., DC, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns and Ezra Miller all the best as they continue their journey into the speed force.
Fans who have been vocal about not liking the direction that DC's films have been taking will likely not be thrilled by Rick Famuyiwa's statement to The Hollywood Reporter. Specifically, the idea that Famuyiwa's version of The Flash had "humor" and "heart" but that DC apparently didn't like it, certainly implies that the DC universe will be continuing down the grim-dark path that they began with Man of Steel and have continued on to this day.
On the one hand, it honestly makes sense. While The Flash is traditionally a lighter character than some in the DC universe, with a wit as quick as his feet, if the idea was too humorous it's possible the film wouldn't have felt like it was part of the same universe, something that is key to the shared continuity of the various superhero characters.
On the other hand, just because DC didn't like Rick Famuyiwa's humor and heart, doesn't mean the film would be entirely without it. Perhaps it was just the style of humor that wasn't working for DC and Warner Bros., not the idea of humor itself. All signs have pointed to DC making at least a slight course correction in the tone department, and The Flash would certainly be a good place to do that.
With a release date of March 2018 currently set a director would have to come on board and get up to speed rather quickly in order to be filming in about six months, which would be necessary to meet that date. If The Flash has to be pushed back it could send a ripple of delays through the entire DCEU.
