The Flash was one of the breakout characters from DC’s Justice League films, but the latest trailer for his self-titled solo film suggests the scarlet speedster will be overshadowed by nostalgia and a new Kryptonian hero.
The trailer, unveiled during Sunday’s Super Bowl, hints at what to expect from Barry Allen’s adventure, which will star not just one, but two (or more) Batman stars.
The film hits theaters on June 16th.
“Tell me something. you can go anywhere Another timeline. Another universe. Michael Keaton’s “Batman” — the version of Tim Burton’s 1989 and 1992 Batman films — asks in the trailer opening.
“Because this is the world my mother lives in. I won’t lose her again,” replies Ezra Miller’s Flash/Barry Allen.
We then see Barry Allen meet another version of himself (who conveniently has longer hair so we can tell them apart) and pay a visit to Bruce Wayne’s mansion. He speculates on going back in time to “fix things” after completely destroying the universe and takes advice from Ben Affleck’s Batman – the iteration of Zack Snyder’s DC films.
Then we see General Zod getting ready for battle by Michael Shannon. Since this Kryptonian villain was killed by Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel, it appears that Barry (or Barrys) will return to this point in the timeline. The trailer implies that their meddling in the timeline wiped Superman and Earth’s metahumans (DC’s universal term for super-powered people) from existence, leaving the planet vulnerable to the alien invaders.
Continue reading: Watch all the Super Bowl 2023 trailers here
Keaton’s Batman then gets a big reveal, appearing in his Batcave and uttering the line, “I’m Batman.” He looks pretty happy to be there, and we also see him take on some jerks in the classic Caped Crusader fight crashes.
Keaton’s Batman has a costume for each day of the week.
DC/YouTube screenshot
A shorter Super Bowl TV spot for the film features some different footage, including a shot of Keaton’s pretty cool collection of Batsuits, implying he’s had a lengthy crime-fighting career.
Not all are familiar faces, however. A brand new Supergirl, played by Sasha Calle, is also introduced. She’s Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El, and it looks like she’ll take on Zod. It’s unclear if Calle will land the role in the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie as The Flash will reset the DC film continuity, but it’s likely that she will be back.
“Our kids will want to see that.”
DC/YouTube screenshot
The Flash will play Ezra Miller’s fourth season as DC’s fast-moving superhero after his debut in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Miller has been linked with the solo film since 2014, although the actor’s recent troubles, including multiple arrests, have cast doubt on the character’s cinematic future.
Maribel Verdú plays Barry’s mother, Nora, while Ron Livingston portrays his father, Henry. You may know them from Pan’s maze or office room.
The solo Flash flick is directed by Andy Muschietti (previously responsible for the hit horror It and its sequel), who says the film was influenced by the Flashpoint comic, which featured alternate timelines. This allows the film to visit different versions of the characters, thus joining Affleck’s newer Batman Keaton, who once again dons the rubber Batsuit.
No word on whether Val Kilmer’s, George Clooney’s, Christian Bale’s, or Robert Pattinson’s version of the character will show up, but anything is possible.
2023 is coming to new movies from Marvel, Netflix, DC and more
View All Photos First published on Feb 12, 2023 at 3:36pm PT.