While Warner Bros. continues to aggressively market The Flash as one of the best superhero movies ever from the CBM genre – its soft $70 million box office projection for the opening weekend have DCU fans concerned. Nonetheless, the recent fan screening reactions have hailed the feature and the speedster movie had packed theaters.
Neither the acclaimed early reviews for The Flash nor the commending responses from Hollywood’s finest like Edgar Wright, Stephen King, and Tom Cruise may be enough to amplify the Andy Muschietti-helmed DCU film’s domestic earnings. According to THR, the first three days’ earnings are tracking at around $70M.
2017’s Wonder Woman is the last DCEU title to open with $100M+ earnings in the US. Since then, Warner Bros. Pictures have released eight features under the old DC Extended Universe banner, none were able to cross the threshold.
Some fans wonder if its titular star Ezra Miller could be the problem due to his controversial grooming allegation and other series of questionable incidents like his arrest in Hawaii. Even so, it’s early to jump to conclusions since DCEU’s $1 billion earner, 2018’s Aquaman opened even lower at $67M.
The Flash’s $70M tracking is barely higher than Black Adam
It should be noted The Flash movie barely tops the last DC Film, Black Adam which clocked at $67M. The speedster movie was reportedly made with a production budget of $220 million, which puts it just $10M ahead in expenditure compared to Dwayne Johnson‘s feature.
#TheFlash is projected to open with a disappointing $70 million next month despite an aggressive marketing campaign that's seen studio bosses and celebrities alike dub it the "best superhero movie ever."
Is the DC brand damaged beyond repair or is Ezra Miller the problem?
— Josh Wilding (@Josh_Wilding) May 26, 2023
The Flash tracking at $75 M feels really low… Thoughts?
— The Den of Nerds (@TheDenofNerds) May 25, 2023
Definitely way too low . And I don’t see this happening at all
It’s gotta be at least $100M opening weekend
I mean they spend so much money on this budget for them not to make at least that much https://t.co/7ZA3TNApTG— Joe excited for #TheFlash (@Joefanatic23) May 26, 2023
BREAKING — Oh no…according to current box office tracking, THE FLASH is heading for a VERY soft $70 million opening weekend. Unless it holds well and develops strong legs, this movie is in huge trouble. pic.twitter.com/wqc5NU3OuX
— Jason Laboy Photography (@JasonLaboyPhoto) May 26, 2023
So The Flash is currently tracking at $70-75m at the box office right now. So much for the DCEU’s first $100m opening weekend since Wonder Woman pic.twitter.com/Z8hIKaQSa4
— Jak | The Pink Panther movie is happening (@Jak854321) May 26, 2023
I do not believe The Flash will only open to 70 million dollars. With all the hype and tickets selling at test screenings building around it how the hell is that going to happen. Only a Znyder cultist would believe that. And that my friend you are not.
— Billy Moore (@MooreWm251019) May 26, 2023
What happened to it outgrossing GOTG3??😭😭 https://t.co/viiK5y1OX9
— Shin (@WholeLottaShin) May 26, 2023
Considering a Henry Cavill Superman, Gal Gadot Wonder Woman and another scene with Batfleck was cut from the film.. I think it would be a wise move to add them back in now as that news disappointed a lot of people @JamesGunn https://t.co/u8DxCYWRNt
— The Ayer Cut (@CutAyer) May 26, 2023
All this started because they were upset bvs made around $900M instead of 1B. Lol https://t.co/mZmQ0pshqH
— SUPƎRIOR SHAGARI (@Mshagy_) May 26, 2023
Domestically. https://t.co/PWD61sHW5m
— Our Movie News🍿 (@OurMovieNews) May 26, 2023
Could you imagine how WB would feel if both #Barbie & #BlueBeetle have a higher debut than #TheFlash https://t.co/zPkWqF93nR
— Josh❤️The Little Mermaid 🧜🏾♀️ #BlackLivesMatter (@supermangeek101) May 26, 2023
Tom cruise/Stephen king praised this movie, got good reviews, considered to be the Best "CBM" After TDK still the domestic numbers dropped from 115-140 to 70m
Mark my words the second week drop of this movie will be phenomenal
My prediction?
It will gross around 500m at best https://t.co/oBQEppbCO7— Rorschasan (@GhostAssassin02) May 26, 2023
how much does this movie need to break even again?? With reshoots and numerous delays, I'm expecting north of 700M? https://t.co/fNntMi1vky
— Arafat (@arafat_atreides) May 26, 2023
I feel bad for Andy Muschietti. I believe he put his heart into #TheFlash , and i'll be there for it. But the fact is, WBD screwed him, like they've screwed so many DC directors before him, and David Zaslav and James Gunn should pay for that. https://t.co/OeAwsNRpDG
— JustBen (@TheBatmanArtist) May 26, 2023
If it does that low there’s several reasons
– general audiences don’t care;
– Ezra’s issues;
– WBD have turned away most of the hardcores;
– The film feels unimportant knowing a reboot is comingThey need to just reboot, clean slate if this flops. Don’t keep anything! https://t.co/jM0RMRvLmQ
— Man of Steven (@stebob1984) May 26, 2023
Since Black Adam required an estimated $600M to break even – it’s likely The Flash will also require a similar range of box office returns before expecting profits. Though Ezra starter feature has chances of piquing in international territories so it’s too soon to tell. Meanwhile, WBD has begun releasing clips with the latest promo footage showing the two Barry Allens dropping by the Batcave.
The main timeline’s Barry Allen appears to have already made contact with Batman (Michael Keaton) early on before meeting his counterpart from the alternate universe. The scene then shows the Dark Knight agreeing to help find Superman. Moreover, the scene also shows the iconic Batmobile from Batman 89.
The Flash will arrive in theaters on June 16.
