One step forward, two steps back. Yesterday, a shortlist of directors were revealed to be taking over the directing duties on DC’s The Flash after two previous directors dropped out. In Entertainment Weekly’s story they also, unfortunately, went on to reveal that Billy Crudup (Watchmen) had dropped out of the project as Henry Allen. While normally this wouldn’t be a massive problem, (they could just recast) however, the actor had shot scenes for Justice League already. And many wonder if he signed a multi-picture contract along with Justice League; which makes it odd he would drop out now.
“The Flash job has not been an easy one to fill. A source tells EW that two Spider-Man directors Sam Raimi and Marc Webb passed on the position. The film also lost its father figure with Billy Crudup, who was set to play the Ezra Miller’s character’s dad, dropping off. Warner Bros. declined to comment.”
EW contacted Crudup’s camp for a comment but they declined. So it is still up in the air at this point in time. Currently, now only Ezra Miller and Kiersey Clemons are signed onto the film as Barry Allen and Iris West.
:: UPDATE :: – BadTaste.it spoke with Billy Crudup during the press tours for Alien: Covenant where the actor simply says he doesn’t know when filming begins. But doesn’t indicate he has dropped out of the project at all:
UPDATE #2 – Elmayimbe of The Wrap has taken to Twitter to clear up the confusion:
?? DCEU UPDATE ??
Not so fast. Reports of Billy Crudup leaving THE FLASH are NOT TRUE! Crudup is still attached to play Henry Allen. PLS RT
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) May 17, 2017