Condemn Miller but release ‘The Flash’

Commentary

By Cesar Soto Staff Writer

No actor has drawn as much controversy as Ezra Miller has over the last few years, with separate incidents and accusations of grooming, harassment, assault and burglary.

As the lead star of Warner Bros’ highly anticipated DC blockbuster, “The Flash,” Miller is also in trouble with the studio’s leadership. Despite calls to release the film on streaming platforms or to cancel it altogether, the right move for Warner Bros. is to move ahead with its theatrical release despite the actor’s problematic behavior.

Unfortunately, it is not a simple solution for Warner Bros. to abandon the film and move on with another iteration of the Flash character. Prior to Miller’s allegations going public, the film had already been shot and completed. Reshoots would be costly for the $200 mil- lion film, as Miller is present in nearly every scene. Furthermore, canceling its theatrical run would result in the studio losing a substantial investment in the project.

Some have compared the idea of canceling the movie to Warner Bros.’ cancelation of “Batgirl” last year, but they are under entirely different circumstances. “Batgirl” was originally intended solely for an HBO Max release, and while it had already finished production, it had also already exceeded its small budget by $20 million. It was now unfeasible for streaming and still lacked the production value that would make it suitable for a theatrical release.

“The Flash” is also important for DC’s cinematic universe, especially with new leadership from “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran. Gunn himself has shown confidence in the film, citing, “it’s one of the best superhero movies I’ve ever seen.” With the franchise not having had a concrete plan for years, the multiversal storyline of “The Flash” is pivotal in setting up a complete reset of the DC Universe. There were many artists that worked on the film besides Ezra Miller, and they should all be recognized and celebrated for their work. Hired earlier in 2019, “It” director Andy Muschietti took the reins to get the movie made and deserves to see his vision come to life. Along with Muschietti, the other actors, writers, editors, visual effects artists and everyone else involved behind the scenes tirelessly put this movie together for audiences worldwide to experience. The actions of one should not ruin the hard work of all.

According to the Texas Legislative website, these bills relate to the “burden of proof in a suit or administrative proceeding to establish that an area is subject to the public beach easement.” While bill sponsor, Senator Mayes Middleton of Galveston (R), states, “Senate Bill 434 does not in any way take away our open beaches or limit them,” many argue that at its core, this bill will affect our rights as Texans to enjoy the coast. The Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit grassroots organization, is working with former Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson (R) to put an end to the bills. In a guest commentary for the Galveston Daily News, Patterson, along with other former Texas Land Commissioners David Dewhurst and Garry Mauro, openly opposed these bills and coined them as the “End of Texas’ open beaches.” The three go on to state that with these bills, property owners could deny access to public beach easement between the vegetation line and the mean high tide mark. In other words, beachgoers would only have access to the “wet” area in between that is washed away during high tide.

With TXOBA in effect for over 60 years, beachgoers and property owners alike seem to be opposing the bills. Ronald Smeberg, a commenter on LegiScan’s page for SB 434, states, “What makes Texas beaches unique is the free access to its beaches. I have two properties in Port Aransas, one in North Padre and am planning to do more development in North Padre on two more acres on North Padre that I currently own. In my time preparing to develop on the coast I have come across people who have taken the elitist position that they should own the beach and want to exclude others. We need to protect the right to free access to the beach for all people, rich and poor.”

Other commenters expressed concerns about the bill’s effect on tourism. With Corpus Christi alone welcoming over 10.61 million visitors annually to experience the Texas coast, this concern seems more than necessary.

As a Texan that grew up a short drive from the coastline, the freedom to access our diverse beaches should be protected and cherished. Contact your local State Senators and Representatives at https://capitol.texas.gov/ to oppose SB 434 and HB 3114. Now and always, we must fight for our right to enjoy the Texas coast.