Director Andy Muschietti attributes the box office failure of his DC Extended Universe film, "The Flash," to a lack of broad appeal. In an interview with Radio Tu, as reported by Variety, Muschietti stated the film didn't connect with "the four quadrants" – a key industry metric encompassing all demographic groups. He explained that a $200 million budget necessitates a wide audience, including demographics typically less engaged with superhero films.
"The Flash failed, among other reasons, because it didn't appeal to all four quadrants," Muschietti said. "When you spend $200 million, Warner Bros. wants to bring even your grandmother to the theaters." He further elaborated, revealing that private conversations indicated a significant lack of interest in the Flash character, particularly among female audiences. This, he noted, created significant headwinds for the film.
Unfulfilled DCEU Teases
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Muschietti acknowledged other contributing factors to the film's underperformance, including negative critical reviews, concerns about its CGI, the use of CGI to recreate deceased actors without family consent, and its release within a dissolving film universe.
Despite "The Flash's" struggles, Muschietti remains a key figure in DC's plans. He's reportedly slated to direct "The Brave and the Bold," the inaugural Batman film in James Gunn and Peter Safran's revamped DC Universe.
