The highly anticipated movie, "The Flash," from Warner Bros., marked the end of the DCEU and initiated the rebirth of the universe into the DCU. The film follows Barry Allen as he time travels to prevent his mother's tragic murder, unintentionally disrupting the timeline in the process. In an attempt to please DC fans, "The Flash" features appearances and cameos from past Superman and Batman actors, some dating back to the 1950s.
Unfortunately, all the cameos in "The Flash" were CGI models, resulting in negative feedback on social media due to their poor quality. The film received a mixed response from fans, with many disappointed by the plot and feeling let down after initial reviews claimed it to be one of the best comic book movies ever. However, the movie's shortcomings go beyond its weak and uninteresting storyline and cringe-worthy dialogue. Many fans were outraged by the Superman cameo, viewing it as disrespectful to the late actor.
Every Superman Cameo In The Flash
In the early part of the movie, Superman, played by Henry Cavill, is seen helping to redirect molten lava from a volcano in Guatemala. However, his face is not shown as he no longer portrays Superman. The main focus of The Flash's storyline revolves around Supergirl, played by Sasha Calle, and in the alternate timeline, Superman, played by Clark Kent, does not exist. However, as Flash travels through time, various actors are seen portraying different versions of Superman.
The first appearance of Superman in the multiverse is once again Henry Cavill's version, represented as a CGI model based on his appearance in the 2017 film Justice League. In this scene, he is shown throwing a punch after being brought back to life. Although this CGI representation is not the definitive depiction of the character, it signifies the conclusion of his appearances in the DC movies since his introduction ten years ago in Man of Steel.
The late Christopher Reeve, widely considered the best actor to have portrayed Superman in live-action films, is showcased in the movie. He holds the distinction of being the only actor who has played Superman in four separate solo movies. Alongside him is Hellen Slater, who played Supergirl and is also featured in the scene.
Another notable appearance in the film is Nicholas Cage as Superman, albeit briefly, battling a monstrous spider. While Cage never officially portrayed Superman in a released movie, he was originally cast in the role. Unfortunately, the production encountered multiple obstacles, preventing the film from being completed. Nonetheless, Cage's CGI appearance in this movie technically fulfills his desire to be cast as Superman.
Who Was George Reeves And Why Was His Cameo So Controversial?
George Reeves' cameo in The Flash is the last and most controversial one. Although newer audiences might not recognize him, George Reeves portrayed Superman in the early 1950s TV show, Adventures of Superman. The show spanned 6 seasons, with the first 2 shot in black and white due to technological limitations at that time. In order to pay tribute to the late actor, the movie included a black-and-white cameo sequence resembling the TV show. However, this homage ended up sparking controversy, as some fans perceived it as disrespectful towards George Reeves, and it remains uncertain whether the actor himself would have approved of it.
George Reeves, the actor who portrayed Superman in the live-action cinema during the Golden Age, is widely celebrated as the greatest performer to have embodied the iconic character. While Kirk Alyn had previously depicted the superhero on the big screens in the late 1940s, it was Reeves who truly propelled Superman's popularity to new heights. Not only did he lay the groundwork for future actors in the role but he also became a prominent figure in pop culture during his time. Reeves's commitment to the character was evident in his willingness to quit smoking.
During the 1950s, superhero movies and TV shows were not as profitable as they are today. It is believed that George Reeves earned a modest salary for his portrayal in the show "Adventures of Superman", which led to financial strain. Unfortunately, after six seasons, the show had to come to an end as a mutual decision between Reeves and the show's writers. This decision resulted in difficulties for Reeves in finding other acting opportunities as he was typecast solely as Superman, which negatively impacted his career.
Subsequently, Reeves faced financial hardships and struggled to secure new roles due to his strong association with the character of Superman. Tragically, George Reeves passed away at the age of 45 on June 16, 1959. The exact cause of his death remains unknown, but it is speculated that he may have taken his own life due to feeling trapped by the Superman persona, the inability to find other roles, and a decline in his mental health during that period.
Warner Bros. made a poor choice by digitally recreating the late actor George Reeves in order to resurrect his character, Superman, as he had always tried to distance himself from that role during his lifetime. It is uncertain whether the late actor himself would have approved of this decision. Adding to the controversy, The Flash was released on the same day as George Reeves' death, which angered many fans. Warner Bros. did not consult any of the late actor's descendants before including his cameo in the film. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, Warner Bros. chose to bring back George Reeves as a tribute to the character, but this decision lacks moral judgement.
In addition to George Reeves, the late actor Adam West's Batman also made a CGI appearance, which also generated controversy. Critics argued that instead of using deepfakes to resurrect deceased actors, Warner Bros. could have opted to include other actors, such as Brandon Routh who portrayed Superman in Superman Returns, for the cameo. This choice would have allowed the studio more freedom in selecting suitable actors for the film.
Teddy Sears, known for his role in CW's Flash, has claimed that he has no recollection of filming for the DC movie. This suggests that Warner Bros. included his character's CGI cameo without seeking his consent beforehand. Numerous fans have expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that The Flash is merely using fan service as a ploy to attract viewers, rather than offering substantial content. Ultimately, it appears that Warner Bros. is more focused on profiting from the film than delivering a meaningful experience to its audience.
Now, The Flash is accessible for streaming digitally.
