Director Andy Muschietti attributes the box office failure of his DC Extended Universe film, The Flash, to a lack of broad audience appeal. Speaking to Radio Tu (as translated by Variety), Muschietti stated the film didn't connect with all four quadrants – a term referring to the key demographic groups (males under 25, males over 25, females under 25, and females over 25) – necessary to justify its $200 million budget. He specifically noted a lack of interest in the Flash character, particularly among female audiences.
"The Flash failed, among other reasons, because it didn't appeal to all four quadrants," Muschietti explained. "When you spend $200 million, Warner Bros. wants to fill theaters with everyone, including your grandmother." He added that private conversations revealed a significant lack of interest in the Flash character itself.
Unfulfilled DCEU Teases
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Muschietti acknowledged other contributing factors to the film's underperformance, including negative critical reception, CGI criticisms (particularly regarding the recreation of deceased actors), and its release within a dissolving film universe.
Despite The Flash's commercial failure, Muschietti remains a part of DC's plans, slated to direct The Brave and the Bold, the inaugural Batman film in James Gunn and Peter Safran's revamped DC Universe.
