A ‘Flashpoint’ Film Was Once DC’s Strategy to Reboot Its Franchise

Sure! Here’s the paraphrased text:

OVERALL PERSPECTIVE

DC’s Extended Universe initially had a blueprint to undergo a complete overhaul with a Flashpoint movie following the conclusion of Zack Snyder’s Justice League narrative. Originally, the Flash movie aimed to present Professor Zoom as the principal antagonist, laying the foundation for an expansive DC Universe storyline. Although The Flash did not end up rebooting the universe, the dawn of a new era for DC on the big screen is scheduled to commence with James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy.

This summer witnessed the long-awaited release of The Flash, a film that DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn hinted would act as a “reset” for the DC Universe. The cinematic endeavor drew from the 2011 Flashpoint comic series, in which Barry Allen alters reality by traveling back in time to save his mother. Despite the vast evolution of the DC Extended Universe since its 2013 inception with Man of Steel, the franchise’s initial direction was to orchestrate a reboot through a Flashpoint film. In a conversation with Inverse, Jay Oliva, a storyboard artist, elaborated on the early intentions for a Flashpoint adaptation.

Having contributed storyboards to several DCEU projects and directed multiple animated DC movies, including the 2013 Flashpoint adaptation Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, Oliva provided insights on the original plan. Following Zack Snyder’s completion of his intended Justice League saga, the idea was to transition into a Flashpoint movie. Oliva explained, “After Zack’s Darkseid series ended, we’d present a Justice League Unlimited version of the Snyder-verse. Then you’d switch it, creating a Flashpoint Paradox. Friends would become foes, creating a world no one would desire. This would allow for a universe reboot and a fresh cast introduction, considering the actors would need new roles after a decade.” The Flashpoint narrative in the comics led to The New 52 reboot, while Oliva’s animated version gave birth to the DC Animated Movie Universe, commencing with 2014’s Justice League: War, which he directed as well.

Furthermore, Oliva revealed plans in prior versions of The Flash movie to showcase one of DCEU’s significant villains. Before Andy Muschietti’s takeover, Rick Famuyiwa was enlisted as a director, and his non-Flashpoint version was set to introduce Barry Allen’s nemesis, Professor Zoom, or Reverse-Flash.

According to Oliva, “Rick’s version aimed to establish Zoom as the supreme villain in the DC Universe. Professor Zoom, arriving from the future, would manipulate Barry in the Flash movies and exert influence on the Justice League in other films.” Although this character didn’t make the final cut, the Reverse-Flash played a parallel role in The CW’s The Flash series, portrayed by Tom Cavanagh and Matt Letscher.

DC Universe’s Forthcoming Big Screen Endeavors

While The Flash movie stopped short of rebooting the universe, the next chapter for DC on the silver screen is on the horizon. James Gunn’s 2025 Superman: Legacy will introduce David Corenswet as the new Superman/Clark Kent. A fresh Batman will also make an appearance in the upcoming The Brave and the Bold, directed by Muschietti. Additional anticipated releases include The Authority, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and Swamp Thing.

Oliva’s animated adaptation of Flashpoint, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, is currently available on Max, with the trailer accessible for viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flashpoint