The Lightning, the movie that will attempt to bridge the old DC cinematic universe and the new, finally had a public(ish) premiere. The film was shown during Tuesday’s Warner Bros. Discovery Cinemacon panel, aimed primarily at theater owners and exhibitors (as well as some members of the press), and seems to have met with an overwhelmingly positive response. But the film’s star, Ezra Miller, is still surrounded by controversy and legal troubles.
The debut of the film was fulfilled High praise from a large number of participants, although so far reactions have been limited to social media. These mostly positive takes are hot on the heels of a multitude of people DC Studios boss James Gunn to Warner Bros. Discovery Managing Director David Zazlavwho said the movie was one of the best superhero movies they had ever seen – which some of the reactions seem to agree with.
While these reactions have gone a long way to hype The Lightning They don’t offer much in terms of the film’s plot, although there are rumors that they will give the entire DC Universe a cinematic reset that will unlock James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new slate of DC movies.
Along with all of this praise, the film’s director, Andy Muschietti, and producer, Barbara Muschietti, were also asked a few questions about the film’s star.
In the last couple of years Miller has been arrested multiple times, and still faces charges in multiple states on a variety of charges, including disorderly conduct, harassment, and assault. Miller has also applied for a restraining order against her and has been charged with grooming. Since then, Miller released a statement, and said they were in the midst of an intense mental health crisis and are now recovering and seeking treatment. The pussyetti siblings echoed that sentiment and said far more in their post-screening panel per Weekly entertainment:
“We all hope they’re getting better… They’re taking steps towards recovery,” Andy Muschietti said. “They are struggling with mental health issues, but they are fine. We spoke to them not long ago and they are very committed to getting better.”
The siblings also emphasized Miller’s good behavior on set, adding, “Her dedication to the role was something we’ve never seen.”
As the film’s release approaches, it’s becoming increasingly unclear whether or not Miller will be part of the larger promotional plan for the film. along with miller, The Lightning Also starring Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck – who both play their own versions of Bruce Wayne and Batman – are Michael Shannon, who returns as Zod, and Sashe Calle, who plays Supergirl. The Lightning The theatrical release is scheduled for June 16th.
