What to expect from the new ‘The Flash’ movie

There isn’t a more anticipated film out this year than The Flash, as it blends new superhero promises with classic vibes thanks to Michael Keaton being heavily featured in the film as Batman. The Flash is a legacy character that has deserved a big-budget film since his creation in 1940, and we’re finally getting it. One of the most notable and familiar characters in the DCU, here’s what to expect from the blockbuster tentpole picture launching June 16th.

If you’re a fan of stories exploring the multiverse, you’re in for a treat. Trailers have already shown there are at least two Flash characters running around. That’s thanks to Flash jumping into another universe–already revealed in the trailer–but there are also hints that other versions of Flash might exist. This evolution of The Flash graphic certainly makes me hope we’re in for a Jay appearance. There will be a dark version of Flash as well. Clearly influenced by the Flashpoint storyline–including the use of another dimension’s Batman and Supergirl–might we also meet Jay Garrick, the original Flash? If I had control of casting, it’d be Jon Hamm in the role.

The basic plot is simple enough, as AIPT’s Isabel detailed in her Everything You Need to Know about The Flash article:

In the Flashpoint storyline, Barry’s attempt to save his parents changes the past and the future. According to the CinemaCon trailer, General Zod is about to take over Earth in this new timeline, there are no meta-humans, and Superman is nowhere in sight.

The Flash has a lot going for it. Literally an entire universe of films, starting with Man of Steel; many have anticipated every character in the Justice League getting a movie after Superman and Wonder Woman blew us all away. The Zack Snyder universe may be winding down with James Gunn taking over DC Studios, but with a superhero who has been proven by a lengthy CW TV show and hundreds of comics, including Flash #800 out June 6, there’s a silver bullet as to why the character is timeless: Speed.

A page from The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive.
Credit: DC Comics

His superpower allows him to tap into the Speed Force and run fast. Any kid–or adult like myself–can imagine themselves with this power. The fact that he doesn’t need tons of money (Batman), be an alien (Superman), or be a god (Wonder Woman) to use his powers makes him tantalizing to everyone. Imagining yourself running at the speed of light is an exciting idea that one can’t help fantasizing about. Imagine traveling anywhere, saving people in a single second, or exiting danger without even flinching! Given the powers setup in The Flash: Fastest Man Alive, we’re in for some incredible powers outside of running too.

That comic revealed the in-canon Flash could change into his super suit with a special ring designed by Batman, can move his arms so quickly in circles that he can create tornados phase through things by vibrating, and in the last issue, we learned he can create after images of himself. Basically, copies of himself by moving very quickly. Likely we’ll see some of, if not all of these powers in the new film.

Given the early buzz for the film, expect the film to dazzle with blockbuster-sized moments but also entertain on its own terms. It’s being dubbed the best DC movie in years, with advanced screenings getting hugely successful responses, which typically means we’re not getting an ordinary film.

The buzz is also coming from James Gunn himself, who may not have been directly involved with making the film, but has seen it. When asked if Stephen King’s recent glowing response to the film was legit, Gunn replied:

Hell yes it is.

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) May 17, 2023

Given the film’s delay and the legal allegations and trouble Ezra Miller has been in off-screen, expectations were low for an extended period surrounding The Flash. Given the evidence above, however, we’re in for a real treat come June 16th.