The Flash Movie’s Iris West: Rick Famuyiwa Exit is ‘Very Upsetting’



Such upcoming DC Extended Universe films as Justice League and Aquaman have enjoyed smooth-sailing on their way to the big screen so far, but the DCEU’s The Flash solo movie has experienced more difficulty in getting off the ground, by comparison. Though many fans were excited when, way back in 2014, it was revealed that Ezra Miller would take on the role of Barry Allen in the DCEU, a solo vehicle for Miller’s superhero counterpart has encountered a couple of big bumps along the way since then.

Amidst a flurry of casting news and rumors, we knew a few things for certain — Miller would play protagonist Barry Allen, Kiersey Clemons would play Iris West, and Rick Famuyiwa would replace Seth Grahame-Smith as director on The Flash. Many were excited about the Famuyiwa news, as he was primarily responsible for bringing Clemons (who he worked with in Dope) onboard. Now, in the wake of Famuyiwa’s recent departure over “creative differences,” it looks like Clemons may also be unsure about her role with the film moving forward.

In a recent interview with THR, Clemons was unafraid to voice her strong emotions over this latest production shake-up:

“Rick was one of the main reasons I wanted to do the movie. So him not being a part of it is obviously very upsetting to me…All I can do is give it up to the gods. Let’s see what happens. Let’s see who’s going to jump in.”

Though the actor sounds cautious about any potential new directors, she did specify that she would stay attached to the project and do her best as Iris. Clemons stated:

“Ezra and I are going to do what we promised to do from the beginning. No matter who the director is, I am going to do what I think Iris should be.”



Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons and Shameik Moore in Dope (2015)


While Clemons is understandably displeased about this latest development on The Flash, it’s nice to know that she’s committed to staying onboard to play Iris West. Whether Clemons would remain attached to the film was up in the air after Famuyiwa’s exit, since the director presumably used their previous work connection to get her involved with The Flash to begin with. Billy Crudup, who is lined up to play Henry Allen in the film, was also linked to Famuyiwa, though we have no word on whether or not his plans to star in the movie have changed.

This is likely the best recourse for Clemons moving forward, as The Flash could provide her with worldwide exposure that will help to make her more of a mainstream name – not to mention, this means that Justice League cameo that she’s reportedly filmed won’t have to be scrapped. We are all the more glad she’s decided to stick with the project based on Miller’s crowing reviews of her and what she brings to the role of Iris.

Though the wild world of Hollywood can be a fickle one, especially in a franchise as huge as the DCEU, it’s comforting to know that some things are remaining constant. So we can report — at least for now — that no matter its new director, you can still expect to see Kiersey Clemons and Ezra Miller in The Flash. (Now we just have to figure out what’s going on with Deadpool 2…)

KEY RELEASE DATES
Wonder Woman release date: Jun 2, 2017
Justice League release date: Nov 17, 2017
Aquaman release date: Jul 27, 2018
The Flash Movie release date: Mar 16, 2018
Green Lantern Corps. release date: Jul 24, 2020
Cyborg release date: Apr 3, 2020