‘The Flash’ Stumbles in Global Box Office Debut
When studios hold early screenings to generate hype for a movie, it usually indicates a stellar product. However, Warner Bros’ ‘The Flash’ received an unexpected response from audiences worldwide – a collective indifference. This high-budget superhero spectacle fell significantly short of expectations at the domestic box office, earning a mere $55 million over three days. Its global performance was not much better.
Across 79 international markets, the film amassed $75 million, resulting in a global debut of $139 million. The studio includes domestic estimates for the extended four-day weekend, currently projected at $64 million. In comparison, ‘Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice’ grossed $422 million in its worldwide debut, while last year’s ‘Black Adam’ generated $140 million. However, as we witnessed, ‘Black Adam’ quickly lost momentum, ending its theatrical run with less than $400 million worldwide. ‘The Flash’ was produced at a reported cost of $200 million (excluding the rumored $100 million marketing budget), meaning it needs to earn around $600 million globally to break even.
What adds to the disappointment is Warner Bros.’ unwavering support for this film amidst significant behind-the-scenes turmoil, including leadership changes, multiple script rewrites, and a revolving door of directors. Not to mention the negative publicity surrounding star Ezra Miller’s personal issues. Miller was absent from media interactions leading up to the release, although they did attend the red carpet premiere. These factors may have contributed to the movie’s lackluster debut.
Image via Warner Bros
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However, this speculation is not surprising given the recent struggles of the DC Extended Universe. The franchise has faced difficulties, with its last two releases performing poorly. Yet, there was hope that ‘The Flash’ would turn the tide, marking a fresh start under the guidance of new CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Gunn has been vocal about ‘The Flash’ being one of the greatest superhero movies ever, and the studio garnered support from renowned figures like Stephen King and Tom Cruise. The initial buzz was genuinely positive, and it seemed like audiences were eager for the movie to succeed.
‘The Flash’ Falls Short of the Promised Superhero Movie Spectacle
Unfortunately, public opinion has not been as kind. Opening day audiences awarded ‘The Flash’ a disappointing B CinemaScore, while its rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes currently stands at 67%. In his review, Ross Bonaime of FilmSweep criticized the film for failing to deliver a cohesive narrative.
Similar to recent hits like ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home,’ ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ ‘The Flash’ is a multiverse-hopping adventure. In an attempt to save his mother’s life, Barry Allen travels back in time and encounters an alternate version of himself, leading to dire consequences. The movie also reunites Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck as Batman, which seemed like a winning formula on paper. However, even this star power was insufficient to draw fans to theaters. Directed by Andy Muschietti, ‘The Flash’ features Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Kiersey Clemons, and others. Watch our interview with Calle here, and stay tuned to FilmSweep for further updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about box office performance
What were the box office results for ‘The Flash’?
‘The Flash’ had a disappointing box office debut, earning $55 million domestically and $75 million from international markets, resulting in a global debut of $139 million.
How much did ‘The Flash’ cost to produce?
‘The Flash’ had a reported production cost of $200 million, excluding the rumored $100 million marketing budget.
What is the break-even point for ‘The Flash’?
To break even, ‘The Flash’ needs to make around $600 million worldwide, considering its reported production and marketing costs.
Why did ‘The Flash’ underperform at the box office?
There are several factors that may have contributed to ‘The Flash’ underperforming, including behind-the-scenes drama, multiple script rewrites, changes in leadership, and negative publicity surrounding star Ezra Miller’s personal issues.
What were the critical and audience reactions to ‘The Flash’?
Opening day audiences gave ‘The Flash’ a disappointing B CinemaScore, and the film currently holds a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some critics have noted issues with the narrative and story cohesion.
Is ‘The Flash’ part of the DC Extended Universe?
Yes, ‘The Flash’ is part of the DC Extended Universe, which has been facing difficulties with its recent releases.
Who directed ‘The Flash’?
‘The Flash’ was directed by Andy Muschietti, known for his work on films like ‘It’ and ‘It Chapter Two.’
Which actors are featured in ‘The Flash’?
‘The Flash’ stars Ezra Miller in the titular role, along with Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck reprising their versions of Batman. It also features Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Kiersey Clemons, and others.
More about box office performance
- Collider: ‘The Flash’ Fumbles Out of the Gate in Global Box Office Debut
- Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Box Office Numbers: Box Office Mojo
- Black Adam Box Office Numbers: Box Office Mojo
- Rotten Tomatoes: The Flash
- FilmSweep: Review of ‘The Flash’
- IMDb: The Flash (2023)
- Andy Muschietti: IMDb
