The Flash Director Andy Muschietti Says It Failed Because 'A Lot of People Just Don’t Care About the Flash as a Character'

Director Andy Muschietti attributes the box office failure of his DC Extended Universe film, "The Flash," to a lack of broad appeal. In an interview with Radio Tu, translated by Variety, Muschietti stated the film didn't sufficiently engage "the four quadrants" – a term referring to the key demographic groups (males under 25, males over 25, females under 25, and females over 25) – to justify its $200 million budget. He explained that Warner Bros. aims for widespread appeal, targeting all demographics for a blockbuster's success.

"The Flash failed, among other reasons, because it didn't appeal to all four quadrants," Muschietti said. "When you spend $200 million, they want to bring even your grandmother to the theaters." He further elaborated that many, particularly women, simply lacked interest in the Flash character, creating significant headwinds for the film.

Unfulfilled DCEU Teases

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Muschietti acknowledged other contributing factors to the film's underperformance, including negative critical reception, CGI criticisms (particularly the recreation of deceased actors), and its release within a dissolving film universe.

Despite "The Flash's" commercial struggles, 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.