‘The Flash’ Movie Loses Director Over Creative Differences
Seth Grahame-Smith is leaving as director of “The Flash” due to “creative differences” with Warner Bros.
“The Flash” would have been the feature directorial debut for Grahame-Smith, who authored and wrote the screenplays for “Pride & Prejudice & Zombies” and “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.”
Grahame-Smith wrote the script for “The Flash,” based on a treatment from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Ezra Miller is starring as the speedy superhero — also known as Barry Allen — and was introduced in Warner’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” which disappointed at the box office.
Warner Bros. has set “The Flash” for release on March 3, 2018, so it may not have to shift that date should it be able to get another director on board soon.
Miller is also appearing as The Flash in “Justice League Part 1,” which began shooting this month with Zack Snyder directing.
The Flash character originated during the 1950s when police scientist Barry Allen gained super-speed when bathed by chemicals that had been struck by lightning.
Grahame-Smith is a writer on the studio’s “Lego Batman Movie” and is working on its “Beetlejuice” sequel.
Warner Bros. faced a similar situation with a director departing a key DC property over “creative differences” a year ago when Michelle MacLaren left “Wonder Woman” and was replaced two days later by Patty Jenkins. “Wonder Woman” is due to open on June 2, 2017.
The departure of Grahame-Smith also comes in the wake of a box office performance for “Batman v Superman” that was impressive in its opening days, but then saw sharp slides in attendance. Current worldwide total for the tentpole is $855 million — enough to be moderately profitable but well short of $1 billion milestone that’s the current yardstick for success.
The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
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