One of the most notable DC Universe villains was rumored to be introduced in one of DC’s biggest flops before being removed from the film’s story, and that might actually be a good thing. With the DCU set to launch with Superman, the new universe will come to fruition fully-formed. However, there is some baggage left behind from the previous franchise. Because they were done so recently, it seems unlikely that iconic villains like Zod and a rumored Josh Brolin Darkseid will be able to be a major part of the new franchise any time soon.
Some characters can stand up well to multiple iterations while others struggle. Having multiple Batman iterations appear in The Flash did not seem to help the film’s box office, which seems to have given the architects of the DCU pause. This is likely the reason Batman: The Brave and the Bold seems to be still several years away, with only The Batman Part II scheduled for release in the coming years. However, one iconic DC villain has so far been left alone, making his entry to the DCU a perfect opportunity in the near future.
The Flash Not Including Reverse-Flash Was One Of The DCEU Movie’s Weirdest Decisions
Eobard Thawne Is Responsible For Nora Allen’s Death
Reverse Flash was not the villain of The Flash, and I find this to be a bafflingly strange decision. In the film, Barry’s mother is killed, and the hero travels back in time to attempt to undo this. While Barry’s plan to save his mother works, it inadvertently changes the shape of his universe. Everything comes together by the end of the film, but strangely, the movie never reveals how Barry’s mother was actually killed. Following this, it is worth looking at the comics to understand this story.
Following this story and the events that surrounded Nora Allen’s death, Reverse-Flash being central to the conflict of the film could have contributed to an especially satisfying conclusion to its conflict.
In Flashpoint, Eobard Thawne, the Reverse-Flash, kills Barry’s mother. Among the theories concerning Barry’s mother’s death, this story detail would fit in perfectly with the events of the film. Reverse-Flash hates Barry so much and wishes to destroy every aspect of his life. Following this story and the events that surrounded Nora Allen’s death, Reverse-Flash being central to the conflict of the film could have contributed to an especially satisfying conclusion to its conflict.
Why Reverse Flash Wasn’t Part Of The Flash
The Villain Was Planned For A Flash Sequel
Speaking with Andy Muschietti, it seems that the filmmaker acknowledged the answer to The Flash‘s mystery and confirmed that Eobard Thawne was the figure behind Nora Allen’s death. However, this story was not central to the idea of what the filmmaker and creatives wished to do with the film, and was instead left for a potential sequel. Had The Flash been a box office success, it is likely that the film’s sequel would have seen Reverse-Flash as the main antagonist.
No sequel to The Flash with Ezra Miller is going to be made, but it is satisfying to know that this part of the character’s story was a part of the consideration of the film’s plot. While Reverse-Flash may not appear in the film, it is interesting to consider that his specter was still an important part of the story. It would be rewarding to see Reverse-Flash on the big screen, although it appears that audiences will have to await a new iteration of the character for that. This could occur in the DCU easily.
The DCEU Never Adapting Reverse Flash Makes The DCU Introducing The Character Easier
Eobard Thawne Could Be A Main DCU Villain
I believe it is important that the DCEU differentiate itself from the universe that came before it. This has meant that the studio has had to be careful with the projects that they select and move forward with, making as few connections to the previous universe as possible. While Superman is set to begin the franchise, like with the DCEU, it otherwise introduces a world full of unusual and underused characters like Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl. Batman and Wonder Woman will surely be a part of the franchise soon, but they are not the first priority.
With this in mind, I think adapting Reverse-Flash is a perfect opportunity. While The Flash failed at the box office, there is certainly interest in the character after his enormously successful CW show. Perhaps having a different Flash highlighted in the series will be a priority but, either way, bringing in Reverse-Flash as an iconic villain would be an excellent choice. The villain could fit into all kinds of stories, with or without Barry Allen, and could be a memorable foe to members of the new DCU.
The future of the DCU remains to be seen, with only Superman and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow having filmed. However, there is a whole world of characters, good and evil alike, that will surely be a part of that universe soon. Not using Reverse-Flash in The Flash was a strange decision, but it will likely allow the new DC Universe to feature the character prominently much sooner than they would have otherwise. I can’t wait to see how that happens.
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
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Superman
- Release Date
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July 11, 2025
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Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Release Date
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June 26, 2026
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The Batman Part II
- Release Date
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October 1, 2027
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