‘The Flash’ Film Shoots Multiple Endings with Different Cameo Appearances

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

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