Editor’s Note: Spoilers for The Flash movie ahead.
The Flash movie delighted fans with cameo appearances by various DC Comics characters from different multiverse versions. However, the most unexpected cameo was saved for the film’s finale. After Barry Allen (played by Ezra Miller) resets the timeline, he encounters Bruce Wayne, portrayed by George Clooney, who previously donned the cape and cowl in 1997’s Batman & Robin. Interestingly, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the version featuring Clooney as Wayne was the third ending filmed for the movie.
All three endings shared a common location outside the courthouse, where Barry finally proves his father’s innocence in his mother’s murder. The first ending, overseen by former DC Films President Walter Hamada, featured Barry alongside Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl. This ending would have been significant as both Keaton’s Batman and Calle’s Supergirl were casualties in the final battle against General Zod’s (played by Michael Shannon) army in the Flashpoint universe. A set photo from June 2021 showcased Keaton at the courthouse shooting the scene. Additionally, this ending set the stage for Keaton’s Batman, who was originally intended to have a more prominent role in the future of the DCEU. Keaton had filmed appearances for the now-canceled Batgirl movie and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Furthermore, a film based on the animated series Batman Beyond was in development, with Keaton expected to portray Bruce Wayne.
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Following Warner Bros.’ acquisition by Discovery, a second ending for the film was crafted and filmed in September 2022. This alternate ending still featured Keaton and Calle but also introduced Henry Cavill as Superman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman had already made an appearance earlier in the movie alongside Flash and Ben Affleck’s Batman. However, when James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed as the co-CEOs of DC Studios, they decided to change the ending once more. Reportedly, Gunn and Safran wanted the ending to align with their future plans for the DC Universe and didn’t wish to tease Cavill or Gadot’s future appearances. Instead, they opted to introduce another Batman into the film and pursued Clooney for the role. Clooney agreed to appear after watching The Flash, and the current ending was filmed in January.
Image via Warner Bros.
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The Future of the DC Universe
While the era of the DCEU, which began with Man of Steel in 2013, is drawing to a close, a new chapter helmed by Gunn and Safran is set to begin. Gunn himself will write and direct the inaugural film of the new DCU, Superman: Legacy, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. The DCU Batman will be introduced in the upcoming movie The Brave and the Bold, directed by The Flash’s Andy Muschietti. The film will also introduce Damian, Bruce Wayne’s son, who eventually becomes Batman’s sidekick Robin.
The Flash is currently showing in theaters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cameos
What are the alternate endings in “The Flash” movie?
“The Flash” movie features three alternate endings. The first ending showcases Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, while the second ending includes Henry Cavill as Superman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. The final ending features George Clooney as Batman. Each ending was filmed to explore different possibilities for the movie’s conclusion.
Why was George Clooney chosen for the final ending?
After James Gunn and Peter Safran took over as co-CEOs of DC Studios, they wanted to align the movie’s ending with their future plans for the DC Universe. To accomplish this, they decided to introduce another Batman into the film and approached George Clooney. Clooney agreed to appear, and the current ending was filmed in January.
Will Michael Keaton’s Batman have a larger role in the future of the DCEU?
Initially, Michael Keaton’s Batman was intended to play a more significant role in the future of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). He had filmed appearances for the canceled Batgirl movie and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Furthermore, there were plans for a film based on the animated series Batman Beyond, with Keaton expected to portray Bruce Wayne. However, with the change in leadership and creative direction, the extent of Keaton’s involvement in future DCEU projects is currently uncertain.
What is the future of the DC Universe?
With the appointment of James Gunn and Peter Safran as co-CEOs of DC Studios, a new era for the DC Universe is set to begin. Gunn will write and direct the first film in this new phase, titled “Superman: Legacy,” scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. Additionally, “The Brave and the Bold,” directed by “The Flash’s” Andy Muschietti, will introduce the DCU Batman and Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian, who later becomes Batman’s sidekick Robin. This new creative team aims to shape the future of the DC Universe with their upcoming projects.
More about Cameos
- The Flash Movie: Filmed Alternate Endings Featuring Different Cameos
- Michael Keaton Returns as Batman in The Flash Set Photos
- James Gunn and Peter Safran Appointed as Co-CEOs of DC Studios
- Details on the Upcoming DCU Films and Projects
4 comments
i heard bout the alternate endings in the flash movie! keaton’s batman & supergirl would have been epic!! but now we get clooney’s batman!! so pumped!! #DCMovies #TheFlash
Flash movie = mind-blowing! Cameos, time travel, different endings? Sounds like a wild ride! Can’t wait to watch it in theaters. Gotta love the multiverse! #FastestManAlive #TheFlash
wow, the flash movie sounds so cool!! i cant believe they filmed three diff endings, that’s crazy!! and george clooney as batman? sooo awesome!!! can’t wait to see it!!
The DC Universe is changing again with new leadership. Excited to see what James Gunn & Peter Safran have in store for us! Keaton’s batman future is uncertain but super stoked for “Superman: Legacy” & “The Brave and the Bold”! #NewDCU #Excited