Warner Bros. has hired Rick Famuyiwa to direct its DC Films film “The Flash,” TheWrap has learned.
Famuyiwa gained notoriety for his 2015 indie darling “Dope,” and the big studio tentpole represents the biggest opportunity of his career thus far.
The film, starring Ezra Miller as the titular speedy superhero, is scheduled to open in theaters March 16, 2018 — after Miller appears the studio’s Harry Potter spinoff “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them.” Miller also had a cameo in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and has a part in “The Justice League Part One.”
Seth Grahame-Smith wrote the script. He was originally set to direct but exited the project due to creative differences.
“Lego Movie” makers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were attached to direct “The Flash” before that and inspired Grahame-Smiths’ interpretation of the DC character.
Following poor critical reception and sagging box office of “Batman v Superman,” Warner Bros is retooling its comic book-based slate coming out of its DC Films unit.
The studio has switched things up recently, putting executive vice presidents Jon Berg and Geoff Johns in charge of its DC Films unit.
The studio is said to trust Famuyiwa’s vision, especially with younger audiences. His hire is interesting alchemy considering Miller’s younger, millennial approach to his roles.
Famuyiwa is represented by WME and Oasis.