The Flash Is Coming To Streaming Sooner Than Expected 

By Sckylar Gibby-Brown | Published

the flash

Warner Bros. Pictures and DC’s The Flash, which was released earlier this summer, is already set to make its streaming debut on Max this Friday, August 25, before the summer has ended. The superhero flick, headlined by Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, had initially hit theaters in June but is now ready to captivate a broader audience — and hopefully generate a bit more cash — through its digital release, according to Deadline.

The Flash, directed by Andy Muschietti and written by Christina Hodson, marks Ezra Miller’s return as the speedy superhero in his first stand-alone adventure. Despite the film being championed by incoming DC executives James Gunn and Peter Safran, its theatrical launch met with mixed results.

DC’s high profile flop, The Flash, is scheduled to begin streaming on Max this Friday, August 25.

The movie’s opening weekend saw a domestic revenue of $55.1 million over its initial three days, with a total of $64 million during the Juneteenth holiday frame. 

Unfortunately, these numbers fell short of expectations for a high-profile DC production, especially considering its $200 million budget. Overall, The Flash made $268.5 million worldwide at the box office this summer — paling in comparison to other summer box office blockbusters like Barbie, which has accumulated $1.279 billion, and Oppenheimer, which generated $717.8 million.

Miller’s Barry Allen uses his superhuman abilities to journey back in time with the intention of reshaping past events. Unfortunately his attempt to save his family inadvertently triggers a chain of events that reshape the future. 

Even DC’s other superhero feature, Blue Beetle, aims to overtake The Flash as it was just released last week and has already garnered $43.4 million.

The Flash’s lackluster performance at the box office extended to international markets, as it failed to draw in fans all over the globe. However, hopes remain high for the film’s digital release on Max, which aims to capture a wider audience’s attention and potentially gain a stronger fan following.

The Flash follows a high-octane storyline that intertwines time travel, altered realities, and iconic DC characters. Miller’s Barry Allen uses his superhuman abilities to journey back in time with the intention of reshaping past events. Unfortunately his attempt to save his family inadvertently triggers a chain of events that reshape the future. 

the flash
Ezra Miller and Sasha Calle in The Flash (2023)

In a story filled with unintentional butterfly effects, The Flash creates a new reality where the formidable General Zod has resurfaced, posing a grave threat to the world. In this dire scenario, traditional superheroes are absent, leaving Barry with the daunting task of reactivating a retired Batman and rescuing a captive Kryptonian — even if it’s not the one he initially sought.

The ensemble cast of The Flash showcases a talented lineup, with Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, and Michael Keaton contributing to the film’s dynamic performances.

DC Vs. Marvel

DC has spent the better part of the last decade following in Marvel’s shadow when it comes to well-performing blockbuster performance. It’s something that DC fans are hoping to see change with the introduction of Gunn and Sanfran to the studio. While that might not have happened with The Flash, the first official new chapter for DC will come with Superman: Legacy in 2025.

Meanwhile, fans and enthusiasts of the DC universe are undoubtedly eager to catch The Flash on Max. As digital streaming platforms continue to reshape how audiences consume content, perhaps The Flash will find better luck with viewers at home.