For a film about speed, Ezra Miller's The Flash has experienced nothing but delays.
Originally slated for a 2018 release, the film struggled to get moving due to changes in cast, multiple directors leaving the project, and more. Still, The Flash has kept fans intrigued with its tie-in to past DC projects including Michael Keaton's return as the Caped Crusader.
However, the anticipated film finally seems to be moving forward due to a confirmed production start date and one compelling Instagram post.
MICHAEL KEATON'S BATMOBILE CONFIRMED?
Picture Vehicles Ltd., a UK-based, custom-building vehicle effects team that works on Hollywood productions, posted a somewhat cryptic Instagram photo.
In the comments section of the post, the company confirms to a fan that it is indeed a closeup image of part of the iconic Batmobile from 1989's Batman starring Michael Keaton.
Pictures Vehicles LTD. has worked with Warner Bros. at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, where The Flash is set to begin filming at the end of this month. The photo is also tagged to have been taken in Burbank, California, suggesting that the team visited the actual Batmobile at Warner Bros. to replicate the car.
As such, this photo is an indication that audiences could see Keaton's Batmobile return to the big screen on November 4, 2022 in The Flash.
FLASH BACKWARDS?
Despite the positive reception for Zack Snyder's Justice League and the newly founded #ReleaseTheSnyderVerse movement, Warner Bros. has remained steadfast in its decision to move forward in a new direction.
But, to move forward, Warner Bros. apparently believes you must first go backward.
For instance, The Flash stars Ezra Miller, a member of Zack Snyder's Justice League, and Michael Keaton, who played Batman years prior.
James Gunn's The Suicide Squad releasing on August 6, 2021 follows suit in that it retains the same premise and select performers from the 2016 film, and Matt Reeves' The Batman relies on fans to invest in yet another version of the ever-popular Gotham City savior.
Even Black Adam starring Dwanye "The Rock" Johnson is, itself, a delayed project from 2007.
At this point, it's hard to believe the studio has a new direction when its upcoming slate relies so heavily on characters and premises from its past, delayed projects, and tried-and-true successes like James Gunn or Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Perhaps if the intent is to fix errors of the past while honoring fan nostalgia, that could go along with fans and help bring them back into the fold in the wake of Snyder's final chapter with the DCU. And, honestly, a homage to Keaton's Batmobile isn't a bad place to start.
The Flash speeds into theaters on November 4, 2022.
