[Opinion] Ezra Miller does not deserve to be ‘The Flash’ due to excessive criminal behavior

From+left%2C+Ray+Fisher%2C+Ezra+Miller%2C+Ben+Affleck%2C+Henry+Cavill%2C+Gal+Gadot+and+Jason+Momoa+in+Zack+Snyders+Justice+League.+Photo+permission+from+HBO+MAX%2FTNS.

Tribune News Service

From left, Ray Fisher, Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot and Jason Momoa in Zack Snyder’s “Justice League.” Photo permission from HBO MAX/TNS.

Lilly Citrin, Writer

Ezra Miller, a 30 year old actor, was first cast as “The Flash” in 2015 for the Warner Bros upcoming movie “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” which aired in 2016. At the previous Super Bowl, Warner Brothers announced that Miller would be taking on the role once again in the newest movie “The Flash,” that will be released June 23, 2023. The young actor had starred in many films before taking on the role of Barry Allen, the true identity of the Flash.

Miller has acted in numerous well known movies such as “Afterschool,” “We Need to Talk About Kevin” and “Perks of Being a Wallflower.” Despite starring in these films and playing the infamous superhero Flash, acting isn’t what Miller is known for. After many criminal endeavors Miller’s reputation has gone downhill.

The upcoming movie will not only star Miller as The Flash’ but will also star Micheal Keaton who will be reprising his role as batman. The movie will also feature Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, Sasha Calle as Supergirl, Ben Aflack who will also be reprising his role as batman. Though most of the movie’s plot is unknown, we do know that “The Flash” will travel back in time to change events from the past.

On March 27, 2022, Miller was arrested and charged for disorderly conduct and harassment after an incident in a bar in Hawaii. Miller, supposedly agitated by karaoke singers, began to shout obscenities at customers, bar staff and Hawaiian police. A police report explains that at one point Miller grabbed the microphone from the singer’s hand and continued to use foul language.

Only weeks later in August, into Miller’s Hawaiian vacation, they were arrested again. Miller allegedly lost his temper after being asked to leave a get-together at a private residence and threw a chair resulting in the injury of a 26 year old woman. The woman received a cut on her head due to Miller’s actions. Hours later Miller pleaded without contest and accepted his charges.

Later that same year, Miller was charged with the alleged burglary of a home in Stamford, Vermont. State police responded to a burglary complaint called to the residence where it appeared several bottles of alcohol had been taken. After further investigation, the police arrested Miller after they appeared in surveillance videos. A few months later, Miller pleaded guilty to trespassing on the Vermont residence. They also agreed to be subjected to random drug tests and continued seeking treatment for mental health issues.

With the busy year Miller has had, filled with aggressive behavior and crime, he doesn’t deserve to play a beloved superhero like the flash. The character The Flash has been fighting crime for over 80 years and is a classic within the DC universe.

Not only is The Flash a classic, but it’s children’s favorite. Kids everywhere watch the DC movies. They dress up as The Flash or wear him in their pajamas. He is  an idol and role model for children all over the world.

The example Warner’s Brothers is setting by continuing Miller with the roll in the upcoming movie shows kids that criminals can be heroes. That someone as aggressive and obscene as Ezra Miller is fit to be their role model.

Warner Brothers made a mistake continuing Miller’s contract. Many other actors could take over the role. Such as Dylan O’brien, Logan Lerman and Grant Gustin who has already played the character in the CW show “The Flash.” All of which haven’t faced criminal charges multiple times over the last year and could be a good role model for children.

Though many fans have been eagerly waiting for this movie’s premiere, the fandom is in a divide. Fans are questioning whether or not they want to support the movie by buying a ticket knowing Miller’s previous criminal charges.

Even adult fans understand the poor decision in continuing Miller as “The Flash.’’ Miller’s reputation as an aggressive and angry person who has faced several run-ins with police is not one that should be behind the face of our beloved superhero ‘The Flash.’

There has been speculation about Warner Brothers replacing Ezra Miller with Grant Gustin, an actor familiar with the role after playing ‘The Flash’ for nearly ten years on the CW show. Many fans are excited at the idea of Gustin taking over the role, however no official announcement has been made.