Flashpoint: 5 biggest challenges for the directors
By Matt Moore
Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
3. Interference from Warner Bros.
There have been plenty of stories how DCEU films Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League were altered based on input from Warner Bros. executives. Changes were made in the tone, visuals, and characters of these films prior to release. In each case, fans were disappointed and Warner scrambled to release extended cuts or deleted scenes in hopes of keeping everyone happy. The studio and DC Films have claimed a “director-based” approach to filmmaking. However, outside of Patty Jenkins’ work on Wonder Woman this doesn’t seem to be the case. Look no further than the Zack Snyder/Joss Whedon situation with Justice League.
Daley and Goldstein seem to be perfect examples of filmmakers who can expect heavy studio involvement. The Flash is a huge property for Warner and an important part of the DCEU’s future and success. The two have zero experience working on a project of this magnitude and have been signed only after a handful of other directors were named and then walked away from Flashpoint.
The “director-based” philosophy may be better implemented now that Walter Hamada has been named president of DC Films. He had success producing the horror films Annabelle, The Conjuring, and It. Hamada also has experience working with Aquaman director James Wan and Shazam! director David F. Sandberg. Hamada may be the key to letting Daley and Goldstein make the movie their way.