The decision to exclude Reverse-Flash from the upcoming movie “The Flash,” despite its Flashpoint influences, is a bold but smart move. In the Flashpoint storyline, Reverse-Flash plays a central role as the villain who kills Barry Allen’s mother and sets off a chain of events leading to time travel. However, omitting him in the film actually benefits both the character and future live-action Flash appearances.
“The Flash” movie has a lot on its plate, introducing the live-action version of the Flash and delving into the DC multiverse. It also brings back Michael Keaton’s Batman and potentially offers a farewell to Ben Affleck’s Batman. It leaves room for future reboots of the DC Universe. Including Reverse-Flash as the murderer of Barry’s mother would have overcrowded the film and required extensive explanation of the character’s motivations, taking away from Barry Allen’s own story.
Without Reverse-Flash, the conflict in “The Flash” becomes more personal. Barry Allen is solely responsible for the chaos he creates across the DC multiverse, and even the central antagonist, Dark Flash, is a direct consequence of Barry’s attempts to change history. The absence of a traditional villain allows Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen to confront his past and grow on a more intimate level.
Moreover, this decision benefits Reverse-Flash as well. It prevents his first live-action appearance from being rushed and ensures that future Flash movies can develop him as a compelling villain. Building the rivalry between Barry Allen and Eobard Thawne gradually and exploring the nuances of Reverse-Flash’s cruelty before a grand showdown between the speedsters would make for a more satisfying story.
Additionally, the absence of Reverse-Flash in “The Flash” movie creates a distinction from the television show, where the character has been a prominent villain for nine years. By focusing on Barry Allen’s relationship with the Speed Force, the film can stand apart from the TV series and offer a fresh take on the Flash’s story. This break also allows room for the rivalry between Barry and Reverse-Flash to flourish in future live-action adaptations.
In conclusion, excluding Reverse-Flash from “The Flash” movie may seem like a disservice initially, but it proves to be a wise decision. It allows the film to prioritize Barry Allen’s character development and story, while also providing an opportunity to develop Reverse-Flash more effectively in future movies. Ultimately, it offers a unique and intimate perspective on the Flash’s journey and sets the stage for an exciting rivalry between the two speedsters in the future.