Exclusive: The Flash's Iris West Actress Reveals Shocking Truths About Her 10-Year Journey in the DCEU

Actress Kiersey Clemons had an incredibly difficult time playing Iris West in the DCEU and The Flash movie. She has finally opened up about the challenges she faced while working on the project. These challenges included concerns that her character would be minimized or replaced, as well as having to navigate the controversy surrounding co-star Ezra Miller.

Originally, Clemons was slated to make her debut as Iris West in the Justice League film, but her role was ultimately cut from the theatrical version. However, her scenes were reinstated in Zack Snyder's version of the film, giving her a more substantial presence. The Flash movie was intended to further solidify her character's place in the DCEU. Sadly, what was meant to be a dream role turned into a nightmare for the young actress.

Kiersey Clemons' The Flash Experience, Explained

Kiersey Clemons opened up about her challenging experiences in the DCEU. In a recent interview with Nylon, Clemons described the emotional and spiritual toll that working on the Justice League movie had taken on her. While filming for an action-packed film can be stressful on its own, Clemons' experience was further amplified by the high-profile nature of her role in The Flash movie.

"After all these years, I feel like I've been wearing a smile and showing immense grace," Clemons expressed. "It was a way for me to protect my peace of mind. But now, I can finally acknowledge that this whole journey brought more tears than smiles. The only time I genuinely smiled was during the premiere."

The problems arose shortly after Clemons was initially chosen to play Iris West in 2016. Director Rick Famuyiwa, with whom Clemons had previously worked on the film Dope, was still attached to direct The Flash movie. Despite feeling exhausted from superhero films and having auditioned for roles in Thor and Aquaman, Clemons opted to stay with The Flash to collaborate with Famuyiwa once again. However, Famuyiwa's vision for the movie clashed with that of DC Studios, resulting in several years of uncertainty as the script was reworked and alternative directors were considered.

Clemons recalled feeling panicked when rumors started circulating online that she would be recast, which was a deeply humiliating experience. While being cut from the Justice League movie was disappointing, there was at least a logical explanation regarding the time constraints. The idea of being dismissed and replaced felt much more personal and painful.

Ezra Miller's Scandals Overshadowed Clemons' Performance

The criminal allegations against Ezra Miller added additional stress to the situation. Clemons felt obliged to support her co-star to secure her role. However, she declined to speculate on matters beyond her personal experiences with Miller, stating it wouldn't be fair for her to address questions unrelated to her own involvement.

Fortunately, with the release of The Flash movie, Clemons can now focus on her future endeavors. She is set to star in Susie Searches, a dark comedy centered around an awkward college student obsessed with true crime, who embarks on a mission to solve the disappearance of a fellow classmate. Additionally, Clemons will co-star alongside singer Leon Bridges in the upcoming dramedy The Young Wife.