After years in development limbo, The Flash is finally approaching its release date in mid-2023, finding itself saddled with the unforeseen responsibility of connecting the DCEU and its remaining films to James Gunn's new DCU. The film, the first live-action feature-length film to center around DC's iconic Scarlet Speedster, is expected to explore the Multiverse in a Flashpoint-level event, mirroring the infamous comic's storyline of the same name. Although the film entered development long before Gunn took over as DC head with ideas for a new shared universe, The Flash may still be the best chance to connect the two eras of DC's franchise.
After becoming DC Studios' new co-chairman earlier this year, James Gunn has made several major changes to the DCEU. While Gunn's own plans for the newly branded DCU remain unannounced at the moment, it is abundantly clear that the franchise will not be allowed to carry on as usual, especially given the recent cancelation of Wonder Woman 3 and ousting of Henry Cavill as Superman. Given that Gunn's plans for the DCU won't go into effect within the films themselves until 2024, it's easy to assume that 2023's DC films will not tie into the new franchise in any meaningful way, but The Flash can prove otherwise.
The Flash's Plot is Already Perfect For Connecting The DCEU And DCU
What has been revealed about The Flash's plot so far is actually perfect for connecting the two diverging branches of DC shared universes. The film is expected to loosely adapt the 2011 Flashpoint event from the comics, a storyline that was used to reboot the entire DC comics universe into what has become known as "The New 52." While The Flash may not be a direct Flashpoint translation, the parallels between its comic book source material and the current state of DC films are evident. It is through this storyline that all of 2023's DCEU films may prove to be more important to the emerging DCU than anyone realizes.
A Flashpoint-centered story allows for The Flash to begin in the DCEU's current continuity and end in a new timeline altogether. The messy time travel explored in the storyline leaves room for the entire cinematic universe to be intrinsically altered by the film's end, keeping elements of the DCEU that worked and replacing everything that failed in a pseudo-reboot of the franchise. This could lead to further recasting of the DCEU's Justice League at James Gunn's whim while other actors continue in their roles without bringing up too many puzzling plot holes and inconsistencies. That, after all, is the beauty of Flashpoint, it doesn't need to be consistent.
The Flash's Ending Can Become The Prologue Of The DCU
If The Flash truly acts as a bridge between the DCEU and its successor, the film's ending could therefore act as the prologue to the new DCU. As Barry returns to a forever-changed universe, the closing minutes of The Flash would be best served by giving audiences a taste of what Gunn's new franchise has in store. For the first time in a long while, DC could alter one of its biggest mistakes and begin making promises on which future films will deliver. Such an ending would also keep audiences excited for future films with this cliffhanger ending, leaving many questions unanswered about the trajectory of this new universe.
As it stands now, The Flash is far from the most exciting DC venture in 2023, mostly due to its long and infamously troubled production process and recent controversy regarding its lead, Ezra Miller. However, the film still has a major ace up its sleeve as the very best opportunity to display the potential of the DCU while bidding goodbye to the troubled yet loved DCEU. As James Gunn becomes DC's Kevin Feige figure, The Flash can mark the final chapter in the DCEU and bridge the gap to the DCU in as seamless a fashion as possible, paving the way for a very bright future ahead for DC.
