Ezra Miller Makes Their First Red Carpet Appearance in Nearly 3 Years at the "The Flash" Premiere

After years of ups and down and uncertainty surrounding "The Flash," the film had its premiere on 12 June ahead of its 16 June release, and controversial star Ezra Miller was in attendance. According to The Hollywood Reporter [1], Miller thanked DC Studios leaders Peter Safran and James Gunn for their "grace and discernment and care . . . in bringing this moment actually to fruition" at the event, alluding to the actor's many controversies during the lead-up to the film's release.

In 2022, Miller was arrested multiple times [2] for disorderly conduct and harassment. Their behaviour raised questions about whether they should still portray the scarlet speedster on the big screen or whether they should be replaced with another actor [3], like "The Flash" TV star Grant Gustin or Dylan O'Brien [4]. In August 2022, Miller issued a statement [5] revealing they had begun mental health treatment in order "to get back to a healthy, safe, and productive stage in my life."

Ultimately, Miller was not replaced in "The Flash." In fact, at CinemaCon, Deadline reported [6] that director Andy Muschietti praised the actor (who wasn't present), saying, "One of the best actors I've ever worked with. Every tool in the toolkit . . . [Miller] is an incredible comedian, and [has] all the action required for a big spectacle like this."

The final trailer for "The Flash" was released on 23 May. In it, Miller's Barry Allen travels back in time and tries to save his parents. Ben Affleck [7]'s Batman warns him off it, while Michael Keaton's Batman makes a stunning entrance and Sasha Calle's Supergirl becomes an essential ally. DC previously released a trailer for the movie in April during CinemaCon 2023. The very first trailer was dropped Feb. 12 during the Super Bowl.

Check out everything we know about "The Flash" ahead.

"The Flash" Movie Plot

In "The Flash," Barry will use his speedster powers to travel back in time to try to prevent his mother's murder. The plot will be based on the popular 2011 comic-book storyline "Flashpoint," which was also brought to life on the "Flash" TV series starring Gustin. In the comics, Barry successfully saves his mother, but he soon realizes that his actions come with unintended consequences. What will those be? Well, in the comics, Barry wakes up in a new timeline where the Flash, the Justice League, and Superman don't exist. If the film takes a similar approach, it could change the DC Extended Universe forever.

"The Flash" Movie Villain

Barry will be going up against General Zod in the "The Flash," but some fans also think Dark Flash (the DC cinematic universe's Black Flash equivalent) is also a villain in the film. He is the personification of Death [8] and essentially takes speedsters back to the Speed Force (which is where their powers come from) when their time is up.

"The Flash" Movie Cast

Besides Miller, Affleck also stars in "The Flash" — reprising his role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in the DCEU films like "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016) and "Justice League" (2017) — as well as Michael Keaton. The latter returns as his version of the Dark Knight from the beloved films "Batman" (1989) and "Batman Returns" (1992).

"The Conjuring" actor Ron Livingston plays Barry's father, Henry Allen, while "Snow White" star Maribel Verdu portrays Barry's mother, Nora Allen. "The Book of Boba Fett"'s Temuera Morrison also reprises his role as Aquaman's father and lighthouse keeper Tom Curry from the 2018 "Aquaman [9]" film. Kiersey Clemons, who previously appeared in Zack Snyder's "Justice League," stars as journalist Iris West. Finally, "The Young and the Restless" star Sasha Calle is set to make her debut [10] as Supergirl in the film.

Ezra Miller's Controversies

Miller has been wrapped up in a number of controversies since signing on to "The Flash" franchise. For example, in April 2020, a video surfaced online of the actor reportedly choking a woman in Iceland, per Variety [11]. Then in March 2022, Miller was arrested for disorderly conduct and harassment in Hawaii following an incident at a karaoke bar. The star reportedly "became agitated" when people started singing and even grabbed a microphone from a woman and "lunged" at a man playing darts. Days later, a couple reportedly filed a temporary restraining order in Hawaii against Miller [12] for "bursting into their bedroom and threatening them."

In April of that same year, Miller was in the news again. This time, they were arrested on suspicion of assault for reportedly throwing a chair and hitting a woman in the head.

Months later, in June 2022, Miller was accused of grooming a minor from the age of 12 and giving them alcohol and drugs while underage, as reported by Entertainment Weekly [13]. In a separate incident that same month, a mother and her 12-year-old child were granted a temporary harassment prevention order against Miller [14] due to the actor reportedly threatening their family and acting inappropriately toward the minor.

Miller released a statement about their recent behaviour in August 2022 [15]. "Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment," Miller wrote in the statement. "I want to apologise to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behaviour. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life." According to a Variety [16] report, Warner Bros. studio reportedly supports Miller's decision to seek professional help.

In June 2023, Miller made their first red carpet appearance in nearly three years at "The Flash" premiere. The actor made brief comments at the event, alluding to their past behaviour and controversies while thanking the creators behind the film. "I love you, maestro. I think you are amazing, and I think your work is monumental," Miller said of the film's director Andy Muschietti (via The Hollywood Reporter [17]). He continued, adding thanks to "the dynamic duo — Peter Safran and James Gunn — for your grace and discernment and care in the context of my life and in bringing this moment actually to fruition."