‘The Flash’ loses its director as the DC slate might be in trouble

The DC cinematic universe got some unfortunate news as it was announced Seth Grahame-Smith, who was set to direct the film adaptation of The Flash, has left the project over “creative differences,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Grahame-Smith was set to make his directorial debut and write the project. Warner Brothers is reportedly keeping his script, which was a treatment off of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s original story. Grahame-Smith is best known for writing both the book and movie script for Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter. He’s also set to write The Lego Batman Movie and Beetlejuice 2.

Devin Faraci of Birth.Movies.Death reports there’s more trouble brewing behind the scenes at Warner Brothers with Zach Snyder’s vision of The Justice League. He reports following the poor reception of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, James Wan, who’s set to direct Aquaman, has had “trepidations” about doing the project.

“I’m not sure what the exact nature of the creative differences on The Flash are, but I’m being told that this may not be the only movie impacted by the aftermath of BvS. According to multiple, reliable sources James Wan is feeling a tremendous amount of trepidation about Aquaman. It’s important to remember two things – Fast 7 was a very difficult process for him, even without Paul Walker’s tragic death, and James Wan doesn’t really need Aquaman. With The Conjuring 2 and Lights Out (which he produced), Wan will be owning WB’s summer slate, bringing in a lot of money with movies that cost a fraction of Aquaman. Aquaman needs Wan, and right now Wan is trying to decide if he needs that hassle.” 

While it’s just a report, it’s not surprising the DCU has taken a hit following the underwhelming critical and box office performance of BvS. It didn’t exactly set the stage for future DC blockbusters. Wan is a talented director and if he like Grahame-Smithe leaves, that would be devastating to Warner Brothers and the future of the DCU.

In regards to The Flash, it’s already swimming against the currents, as the appetite for the film isn’t huge considering the characters already been done well recently on TV — even though Ezra Miller’s short cameo was promising in BvS. 

The Flash is set to hit theaters March 16, 2018. They better make like the titular character and tap into the Speed Force to find a new director quick, otherwise, the project might be in further trouble.

[Hollywood Reporter/Image via ComicBookMovie.com]