Two-Time Cable Show Director and Mash-Up Author Might Write and Direct 'The Flash' for First Feature Film

The Flash is one of DC Comic's most enduring superheroes. The TV adaptation starring Grant Gustin as the scarlet speedster is the CW's highest rated show. The Flash is set to appear in 'Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice' to help set-up the 'Justice League' film down the road. The movie version will feature Ezra Miller as Barry Allen and his solo film is scheduled for release on March 3, 2018. A lot is riding on this DC cinematic universe and Warner Bros. is currently negotiating with the author of 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' to write and direct one of the studios' blockbuster superhero films. The same guy with two directing credits for a half-hour comedy on MTV. Two.

Seth Grahame-Smith is a talented writer/screenwriter responsible for Dark Shadows, Beetlejuice 2 and the upcoming Lego Batman movie. He's also made a cottage industry out of mash-up reads like 'Vampire Hunter' and 'Pride & Prejudice and Zombies.' It just doesn't make any sense to put the fate of the DC cinematic universe in the hands of a novice. Especially, with a property like The Flash, who's found a resurgence of popularity because of the TV show. 

Casting Miller, who looks nothing like Barry Allen, was a surprise in itself but because he's well-regarded as an actor most fans are cautiously optimistic.  When the hot producing team of The Lego Movie, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, were attached to the production fans were ecstatic. Despite writing a treatment the duo will instead lend their talents to Disney's Han Solo Star Wars movie. 

So the studio had to find a director and out of all the directors in the world, a diverse field of possible candidates with their choice of experience and talent they handpicked an author/screenwriter with minimal directing know-how. The fortunes of a franchise rest on the shoulders of the co-creator of a coming-of-age show about a well-endowed kid in high school that lasted two seasons on MTV. Forgive me if I'm not thrilled. 

Have directors from television comedies succeeded with comic book based movies? Yes. The Russo brothers most recently redefined the superhero genre with 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' that played like a political thriller. Anthony and Joe Russo were known more for their work on 'Community' and 'Arrested Development' than action-packed dramas. 

The difference with the Russos and Grahame-Smith is experience. The Russos had written, directed and produced tens of episodes of television and a feature length comedic film. 'The Flash' would be Grahame-Smith's first film of any kind. 

Nothing has been reported as final as negotiations are under way. However, it's possible that Grahame-Smith wowed the suits at WB with one hell of a pitch and producers Charles Raven, Deborah and Zack Snyder are going to surround him with a cocoon of talented filmmakers. Or it could simply fall apart before a deal is finalized. 

Meanwhile, dozens of hungry directors waiting for their shot are being ignored once again.  

Source: THR