The Flash Movie's Unique Heroes Could Shape Future DC Games

The DC cinematic universe is in the midst of a major overhaul, necessitated by the underwhelming reception to the Snyderverse and a largely forgettable slate of DC movies. James Gunn and Peter Safran are tasked with rebooting the universe, but before that happens, there are a few remaining films from the old guard that have yet to be released. One such film is The Flash, slated to hit theaters on June 16, 2023. The movie appears to be loosely based on the Flashpoint comic series, wherein the protagonist travels back in time to save his mother's life, inadvertently setting off a chain of events that drastically alters the Justice League's fate. While inspired by Flashpoint, The Flash has its own unique cast of superheroes, which could serve as a valuable lesson for future DC video games.

Future DC Games Should Learn From The Flash's Unique Team-Up

The Flash movie was initially scheduled for release in March 2018, but its development has been turbulent, and its marketing only kicked off in February of this year. Despite the delay, fans have been treated to a few trailers that focus on the movie's unique team of superheroes. The Flash takes center stage, alongside an alternate-universe version of himself who acquires the same powers through a recreation of Barry Allen's origin. The highlight of the movie for many long-time DC fans is undoubtedly Michael Keaton's Batman. Sasha Calle's Supergirl also makes her debut appearance.

In the Flashpoint comic, The Flash teams up with an alternate-universe version of Batman, which will be familiar to some fans. However, in the comic book, this version of Batman is actually Thomas Wayne, Bruce's father. Unlike the original storyline, where Thomas and Martha Wayne are killed in Crime Alley, Bruce is the one who dies. Thomas Wayne uses his grief to become an even more brutal version of the Caped Crusader, while Martha turns into this timeline's Joker. In The Flash, this version of Batman appears to have been taken directly from Tim Burton's universe, complete with the same costumes, gadgets, vehicles, and, of course, actor.

The Flash's team takes a departure from its source material with its two other heroes. Supergirl appears to take on Superman's role from the Flashpoint comic, where the Kryptonian was captured by the military and used as a weapon. Additionally, a second version of Barry Allen becomes another Flash at some point in the movie. While The Flash has interacted with these characters before, this team-up is unique, especially for a big superhero blockbuster.

Future DC video games could learn from this approach of exploring unique team dynamics. Pairing heroes with villains or alternate versions of themselves could make for more engaging gameplay. For example, the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has received criticism for its generic team dynamic and repetitive gameplay mechanics. However, if the game had mixed up its roster more and included a member of the Justice League, the premise could have been more enticing. While audiences will have to wait to see how well The Flash's unique dynamic plays out, it provides a model for future superhero team-ups.