“Forrest Gump” director Robert Zemeckis is the frontrunner to direct the DC Film’s “The Flash,” a person close to the situation told TheWrap.
The film, starring Ezra Miller as the titular speedy superhero, would mark a return to the world of sci-fi-infused fantasy for the “Back to the Future” director, known for blending emotional stories with top-notch visual effects.
Leading man Miller appeared in Warner Bros.’ “Harry Potter” spinoff “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” last year. Fans got their first glimpse of Miller as the Flash in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” He also plays the part in the forthcoming “Justice League” and had a flash of an appearance in the summer hit “Suicide Squad.”
Warner Bros. declined to comment.
“The Flash” was originally set for a March 16, 2018, release, but Warner Bros. wants to get the film right and is not rushing the project, the insider said. Director Rick Famuyiwa left “The Flash” over creative differences last year.
A similar thing happened when Michelle MacLaren left the studio’s “Wonder Woman” over creative differences in 2015. She was eventually replaced by director Patty Jenkins. The film, opening June 2, is one of Warner Bros. biggest bets for the summer.
Joby Harold has been tapped to do rewrite “The Flash” script. Harold’s credits for the studio include “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” “Robin Hood,” as well as a “Twilight Zone” film. Kiersey Clemons is attached to play Iris West, and Billy Crudup will play Miller’s father.
Zemeckis next project before “The Flash” is Steve Carell’s adaptation of Jeff Malmberg’s 2010 documentary “Marwencol,” will be released by Universal on November 21st, 2018.
Following poor critical reception and disappointing box office for “Batman v Superman,” Warner Bros retooled its comic book-based slate coming out of its DC Films unit. The studio putting executive vice presidents Jon Berg and Geoff Johns in charge.
Previously, Andy Signore of Screenjunkies reported that Zemeckis was in talks to direct the project.
Zemeckis is repped by WME.