The Flash 2's script has already been written - possibly giving the DCU exactly what it needs to fix the franchise. The DCU has been rife with controversy for years now, whether that be due to mixed critical reception, poor box office returns, or the actions of cast and crew both on and off set. Some recent DCU changes have suggested that the franchise may finally be getting back on track soon, and splitting The Flash's universal reset across two films could be the perfect option.
It has been speculated for a while that The Flash would tackle the popular Flashpoint story from the comics, potentially causing major DCU retcons and even reboots of some characters. One big expected change was that Flashpoint would lead into the role of The Flash being recast, as the legal troubles of Ezra Miller have made the actor a potential burden for the DCU. However, the development of The Flash 2 suggests that this may not happen, causing the franchise-resetting story to take place across two films, giving the DCU enough time to figure out and implement its new direction going forward.
Why A Flashpoint Ending Delay Would Be Perfect For The DCU
There are several major changes that The Flash was initially expected to implement that are seemingly no longer moving forward. Initially, Michael Keaton's Batman was set to return in The Flash, with rumors circling that Keaton's iteration would replace Ben Affleck as the main Batman of the DCU. However, now that Affleck is returning in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Keaton's role will most likely be reduced. Similarly, Henry Cavill has reed the DCU as Superman since the initial story for The Flash was developed. Delaying the Flashpoint reset until The Flash 2 will give the DCU more time to chart out how they want to handle these recent returns.
It was recently announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran will be the new heads of DC Studios, signaling another major shift in the franchise. With this revelation being so recent, Gunn and Safran haven't had enough time to implement their vision into the DCU. If The Flash reset the DCU in 2023 as was seemingly planned, it could change the franchise in a direction that isn't aligned with Gunn and Safran's vision. However, delaying the Flashpoint DCU reset gives Gunn and Safran time to experiment, using the films between The Flash and The Flash 2 to figure out how they want to handle the series going forward.
Delaying Flashpoint Until The Flash 2 Opens Up The DCU Multiverse
DC has all kinds of disconnected franchises currently running right now, such as the DCU, the Arrowverse, the DCAU, and The Batman series. Because of this, delaying Flashpoint until The Flash 2 gives the DCU an interesting opportunity. Flashpoint could open the multiverse, allowing the DCU to pick and choose what iterations of characters it wants in the main films, while also allowing the multiverse to act as a testing ground for new characters and stories. The Flash's Flashpoint story will have a big impact on the DCU and delaying it until The Flash 2 is the best path for the DCU to take.
