After an eventful journey spanning almost a decade, “The Flash” has concluded its theatrical run and is now gearing up for its debut on the streaming service Max. The movie has also become available for digital purchase merely a month after hitting the cinemas. Serving as DC’s venture into the multiverse, the film follows Barry Allen (played by Ezra Miller) as he travels back in time to prevent his mother’s murder. However, this decision leads to a chaotic disruption of the timeline, resulting in encounters with characters like Michael Keaton’s Batman, Supergirl (Sasha Calle), and a younger version of himself. Concurrently, the menacing General Zod (Michael Shannon) resurfaces with plans to transform Earth into a new Krypton.
Despite initial positive reactions during early showings and endorsements from numerous celebrities, “The Flash” faced a cooler reception from audiences upon its official release. Criticisms were aimed at its inconsistent CGI and intricate storytelling. The film initially hit theaters on June 16, 2023, and its Max streaming service premiere is set for August 25 of the same year.
Following an underwhelming box office performance, the film’s home media release was expedited, aligning with the approach taken by “Black Adam” and “Shazam! Fury Of The Gods.” Originally anticipated to arrive on Max sometime in September or October, the streaming debut was moved up. The movie achieved considerable success when it became available for home purchase on July 18, hinting at a potential continued trend once Max subscribers can access it without extra cost.
While both Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios expressed confidence in “The Flash” through early previews and fan screenings, the box office numbers presented a contrasting narrative. Nevertheless, these entities likely hold high hopes for the film’s performance on Max, given its significance in DC’s multiverse strategy. The film’s exploration of alternate timelines and parallel realities aligns with the studio’s broader objectives.
As the Max streaming release was postponed until fall 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios are optimistic that the home release momentum will translate into a renewed wave of interest. Positive word-of-mouth could serve as a major boost, effectively promoting other upcoming DC projects. In essence, “The Flash” not only marks a pivotal point for DC’s cinematic universe but also holds the potential to reinforce the studio’s ambitions through its post-theatrical impact.