In a recent article published by The Hollywood Reporter, it was revealed that there were three different endings planned for the Flash movie.
In this story, we’ll be discussing that one necessary inclusion that should’ve been in the film’s ending but wasn’t.
Spoiler alert
One of them featured Keaton’s Batman, as shown in leaked behind-the-scenes footage, alongside Calle’s Supergirl at the courthouse. One official footage from the trailer also features Sasha Calle’s Supergirl outside the courthouse talking to Barry asking him if he’s ready. But the very scene unfortunately did not make it to the final cut.
Another ending included Calle’s Supergirl, Henry Cavill’s Superman, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, and Michael Keaton’s Batman at the courthouse. This ending was intended to set up a solo film for Cavill’s Superman after his appearance in the post-credits scene of Black Adam. At that time, there were indications that Cavill would return as Superman, as he announced on his Instagram.
However, there was a change in leadership at DC with James Gunn and Peter Saffran taking charge, resulting in Cavill’s departure. Additionally, the previous regime had different plans for Supergirl and didn’t want her final moments to be overshadowed by dying multiple times at the hands of General Zod. This would have established that she was alive and present while Wonder Woman moved forward with her third installment, initially to be directed by Patty Jenkins.
Keaton was supposed to become the main Batman for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and have significant roles in the now-cancelled “Batgirl” film, as well as the upcoming Blue Beetle and Aquaman films.
The third ending currently in theaters involves Clooney’s Bruce Wayne meeting Barry outside the courthouse, and the DCEU concludes with a “that’s all folks” type of scenario.
While all three endings include exciting fan-favorite cameos to wrap up the DCEU, they all lack a crucial element that should have been present at the film’s end. This omission significantly detracts from the movie. That element is Henry Allen, Barry Allen’s father.
The primary purpose of the film is to seek justice for him, driving Barry to save his mother and subsequently focusing on obtaining justice for his father. The climax of the film features a timeline alteration where Barry places the tomato ketchup on the top shelf, revealing Henry’s face and proving his innocence. However, this moment lacks the emotional weight it should have carried. Henry has been in prison for nearly 18 years, and it has become Barry’s life mission to bring him justice. Unfortunately, there is no exchange of words between father and son, nor do we witness their long-awaited embrace after eighteen years. This omission greatly undermines the entire film and makes it feel rushed. While it’s fine to include various heroes, if the film’s core purpose becomes centered around cameos, it indicates a misguided direction.
Henry Allen should have been present with Barry outside the courthouse, either making a statement or engaging in a conversation with his son, before the heroes intervene. The absence of Henry is an insult to the film’s emotional core.
For multiple reasons, this film feels like a letter of disdain towards DC, and it is disheartening to see a once-great universe end so poorly.
