The summer of 2023 saw a flurry of activity around DC superhero films, most notably with the release of The Flash. But before Andy Muschietti directed the Ezra Miller-led film, another creative team – Phil Lord and Chris Miller – spent considerable time developing their own seize on the Scarlet Speedster. Now, the duo, currently promoting their sci-fi thriller Project Hail Mary, are revealing just enough about their abandoned vision to pique curiosity, while deliberately holding back the core details. The question of why Lord and Miller won’t reveal their ‘different’ idea for a DC movie speaks to the complexities of creative control and the evolving landscape of franchise filmmaking.
Lord and Miller, known for their work on The Lego Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, brought a unique animated sensibility to those projects, and their involvement with The Flash in 2015 initially signaled a potentially unconventional approach to the DC universe. However, their tenure ended before production began, with the pair moving on to Solo: A Star Wars Story, a project that ultimately ended with them being removed from the director’s chair in 2017. This history of shifting creative direction underscores the often-turbulent path of big-budget superhero films. The departure from The Flash, and the subsequent events with Solo, have clearly informed their current guardedness.
During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, the directors confirmed they had developed a substantial vision for the film. “We have a very elaborate treatment,” Miller stated. Lord added that their version was “pretty different” than the movie audiences ultimately saw, starring Miller as Barry Allen, Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman, and introducing Sasha Calle as Supergirl. The film, directed by Muschietti, attempted to navigate the complexities of the multiverse, a storyline that has develop into increasingly prominent in both DC and Marvel films.
However, when pressed for specifics, Lord and Miller remained tight-lipped. Lord explained their reluctance with a strategic caution: “It’s a decent idea that I’m afraid to not be able to use someday. That’s all I’ll say.” This suggests the core concept, or elements within it, are something they hope to revisit in the future, potentially outside the constraints of the DC universe. The statement hints at a level of creative ownership and a desire to protect intellectual property, a common practice in the entertainment industry.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers working within established franchises. While studios often seek out creative talent to inject fresh ideas into existing properties, the final product is frequently shaped by a multitude of factors, including studio mandates, marketing considerations, and evolving corporate strategies. The recent restructuring of DC Studios under James Gunn and Peter Safran further complicates the landscape, signaling a complete reboot of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
Despite their past experiences, Lord and Miller didn’t entirely dismiss the possibility of returning to DC under the new leadership. Miller offered a characteristically noncommittal response, stating, “We receive intrigued by things that are intriguing.” Lord echoed this sentiment, adding that they “loved” Muschietti’s finished film. This suggests a professional respect for the final product, even if it differed significantly from their original vision. It as well leaves the door open for potential future collaborations, should a project align with their creative interests.
The directors’ current focus is on Project Hail Mary, a critically acclaimed science fiction film based on the novel by Andy Weir. The film, starring Ryan Gosling, has been praised for its inventive storytelling and compelling characters.
The story of Lord and Miller’s abandoned Flash film serves as a reminder that the creative process in Hollywood is often a collaborative, and sometimes fraught, endeavor. Their reluctance to reveal the specifics of their vision underscores the value of intellectual property and the desire to retain control over potentially valuable ideas. As James Gunn charts a new course for DC Studios, the fate of previously developed projects, and the potential for revisiting abandoned concepts, remains an open question. The future of the DC Universe is, once again, in flux, and the industry will be watching closely to see what emerges.
DC Studios has not yet announced any further projects that might align with the creative sensibilities of Lord and Miller. Updates on the studio’s plans can be found on the official DC website.
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