The Flash, the final installment of the old DCEU, is set to conclude the timeline with a bang by uniting a diverse cast of heroes from different eras and timelines. While the trailers have already introduced the return of Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck as Batman alongside Ezra Miller's Barry Allen, there is much more in store for audiences.
One of the standout moments in The Flash is a remarkable Speed Force scene featuring a parade of cameos from various Batmen and Supermen across the multiverse. The inclusion of deceased actors like Christopher Reeve (Superman) and Adam West (Batman) has sparked intense discussion among fans. However, equally surprising is the innovative approach taken to bring these iconic voices back to the screen. Nancy Nugent, the supervising sound editor, shares her insights on the matter.
Nancy Nugent explained that a significant number of the clips were sourced from YouTube. The team had to carefully select and edit the videos, ensuring that any copyrighted music was removed or cleaned up. The presence of music during those design moments made it easier to conceal any imperfections. However, if the videos were played without any accompanying music, it would require them to search deeper in the archives, assuming that such content even existed. Ultimately, their focus was on determining the legal usage rights for different properties, voices, and other elements, and then locating and enhancing the chosen videos on the internet.
The appearances of deceased Superman actor George Reeves, his eventual successor Christopher Reeve, and iconic Batman Adam West in The Flash have sparked controversy, with critics describing the cameos as "disgusting" and filmmaker Kevin Smith defending them. While the use of a deceased actor's likeness in a new film warrants scrutiny, the brief nature of the cameos in The Flash should be seen as a redeeming factor. Introducing a ghoulishly resurrected George Reeves in an action setpiece would be much more concerning. As they currently stand, these cameos serve as respectful tributes to DC's rich legacy.
These cameos in The Flash also hold significance at a thematic level, particularly for fans of the character. Each cameo represents a specific era from DC comics' rich past, which will soon merge with the DCEU that started with Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. With the arrival of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, the idea that different eras of DC comics coexist within a Multiverse adds a poetic touch to The Flash, potentially serving as a fitting conclusion to the DCEU.
