(L to R) Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell star in Apple TV+’s ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.’
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kurt and Wyatt Russell about their work on ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ having the opportunity to work together playing the same role, Kurt’s memories of working with his own father, and what it’s like to be on a TV series set in the cinematic MonsterVerse.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Kurt and Wyatt, director Matt Shakman, VFX Supervisor Sean Konrad, and actors Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Kiersey Clemons, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski.
Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
Moviefone: To begin with, Kurt, can you talk about having the opportunity to work with Wyatt on this series, not on screen, but behind the scenes, to create one seamless performance as the same character? What was that experience like for you?
Kurt Russell: It was a bit daunting. We investigated it and realized that two known actors had done a lot of stuff, but the father-son had never been done, and we were excited about it. We were never really, I don’t think, intimidated by it. It was just like we were wanting to get out there and get after it. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of collaboration to figure out who Lee Shaw is going to be and what he’s going to do to help pull these two time periods together. That’s where I had the most fun with Wyatt, and ever since doing some of these interviews and stuff, we were just saying the other day, we haven’t spent this much time since he was playing hockey in Vancouver. It’s been great.
Wyatt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
MF: Wyatt what has this experience like for you working with your dad to create the same character?
Wyatt Russell: Same kind of thing. I wouldn’t say it was daunting or I was intimidated, but there was some nervousness on my part because I’d never worked with my dad. There are all the comparisons, they can be kryptonite, they could also be great. So, it was like, “Well, if we’re going to do this, then it’s got to be really good.” The bar in my head, you set even higher than you normally do, and that’s probably a double-edged sword, a good thing and a bad thing. But I was excited by the opportunity to do something big and nervous. I remember my mom (Goldie Hawn) coming into my room one day and talking about something else, but she was like, and my grandfather on my mom’s side said this, “If you’re in the water and your toes just can’t touch the ground, that’s probably right where you’re supposed to be,” and that’s how I felt. It was a good thing, but that’s how I felt.
Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
MF: Kurt, you worked with your father Bing Russell on a few projects, did working with Wyatt on this show bring back any of those memories?
KR: My dad and I worked together five or six times. We were father and son in ‘Elvis.’ He played Vernon Presley. But this is just completely different on its own, being the same person. We have slightly different energies or rhythms, but we have a lot of idiosyncratic similarities. So, we wanted to find the character, find the one that worked, that would be entertaining for the audience, tell the story, complete the mystery, and pull the two time periods together. At the same time, we created that blending thing to have the audience stop thinking about that and just at the end of it say, “We’re so happy they got those two guys to do it. That was actually a good idea.” It wasn’t a stupid trick. It was a good idea.
Wyatt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
MF: Finally, Wyatt, the show is huge in scale and scope, and is very cinematic. Did it feel at times like you were making a movie rather than a TV show?
WR: Yes. That was what was really the backstop for any of my anxieties, quite honestly, was then you’d look at where you were. You’d look at the scope of what it was. You’d look at what, in the first two episodes, Matt Shakman was trying to capture with the camera. You’d look at the costumes and what they were putting into it, and it was like, “Okay, well if I suck, this is all going to look awesome.” So, it did feel good and hopefully I didn’t suck. It was awesome. It was on a huge scale.
Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
What is the plot of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
Following the epic battle between Godzilla and the MUTOs that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, two siblings (Anna Sawai and Ren Watabe), following in their father’s footsteps, uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch. Clues introduce them to the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (Wyatt Russell and Kurt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows. The dramatic saga, spanning three generations, reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.
Who is in the cast of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
And while those were produced as a collaboration between Warner Bros. and Legendary, the latter has now partnered with Apple’s streaming service to deliver more stories set in the same universe (albeit without most of the characters).
You might wonder how a TV series can pull off the sort of giant (pun intended) action as the movies, and while the show naturally has to be on a smaller scale, it still has the hefty budget of Apple to create some effective scenes of giant beasts.
What works about ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
With much more connective tissue to the cinematic “Monsterverse” than you might expect (it kicks off, for example, with a cameo from ‘Kong: Skull Island’s Bill Randa, played by the movie’s John Goodman), ‘Monarch’ treads a careful path between trying to replicate what worked in the movies –– because let’s be honest, they have been very changeable in quality –– and forging its own identity.
Focusing on a handful of characters whose lives have all been impacted by the Titans in different ways was a smart move, because it allows for a lot of drama between some compelling human beings trying to figure out a way forward. One storyline follows Anna Sawai’s Cate Randa, who discovers that her recently-deceased father had a whole other life and family in Tokyo, including half-brother Kentaro (Ren Watabe). That sets them on a collision course with Monarch in the modern day (or at least 2015).
The real highlight, however (as you might be able to guess) is the canny casting of Kurt and Wyatt Russell playing different ages of the same character, in this case Lee Shaw. We first meet the man back in the 1950s, where he’s involved in the effective birth of Monarch as an organization alongside a younger Randa (here played by Anders Holm) who is working with (and eventually married to) fellow scientist Keiko (Mari Yamamoto).
(L to R) Wyatt Russell, Mari Yamamoto and Anders Holm in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
The two actors do a fantastic job of making you believe this is the same man (not too tough given the familiar resemblance), sharing tics and actions and giving Shaw some real depth.
Kurt Russell brings a convincing world-weariness and spark to the role of the older version, who is essentially imprisoned in a retirement home run by Monarch. It’s not long before he’s out and helping the likes of Cate on their investigation, though.
And when called upon to deliver on the monster spectacle, the show doesn’t hold back, flashing back to the Godzilla clash in San Francisco in ‘Godzilla’ and further back to humanity’s first encounter with the giant reptile.
But it’s not just the OG Titan who has their moment here; ‘Monarch’ is loaded down with plenty of different, new creatures, including one in the snowy wastes of the Arctic.
Related Article: Director and Producer Matt Shakman Talks ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’: Script and Direction
The ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ production team. Photo: Apple TV+.
Created by TV veteran Chris Black (‘Severance’, ‘Mad Men’) and comic book writer Matt Fraction (Marvel comics’ ‘Hawkeye’), ‘Monarch’ has both highs and lows when it comes to its creation.
Some sequences, such as an impressive moment where Shaw, Randa and Keiko investigate a disused nuclear facility swarming with creatures, or Cate’s experiences in the subway monster incursion shelter in Tokyo.
There’s a real feeling of comprehensive world building here, expanding on what has been created for the movies in interesting fashion.
Not every character works as well as Shaw or the others –– filling out the supporting cast are a mixture of tropey types, some of whom do receive a little more exploration and the main story of Cate and Kentaro sometimes trips over the line into melodrama early on. And there are times (albeit few of them) when the effects or production design ambition outstrips the show’s capabilities.
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’: Final Thoughts
Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
There was a big risk involved in trying to extend the “MonsterVerse” on TV screens, but with Apple’s considerable budgetary backing and some great casting choices, ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ works more than it doesn’t.
Though the selling point might be the combined power of the Russell father and son and some of the monster moments, ‘Monarch’ also does the work to fill in the gaps between, meaning that it’s worth watching even when a giant creature isn’t on screen or we’re not watching a Russell do their thing.
And the mystery element (fueled by what we already know from the movies) also works, even if the odd clue here and there feels like ideas that have been brought to screens before.
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.
Anna Sawai in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
What’s the story of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.
Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played by Kurt Russell and son Wyatt Russell across two different time periods), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows.
The dramatic saga — spanning three generations — reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with executive producer and director Matt Shakman about his work on ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ diving into Monarch’s backstory, connecting it to the movies, balancing different timelines, casting Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell as the same character, and show’s new creatures.
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ director and executive producer Matt Shakman. Photo: Apple TV+.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Shakman, VFX Supervisor Sean Konrad, and actors Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Kiersey Clemons, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski.
Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about having the opportunity to dive into the backstory of Monarch and, with this series, connect it to the MonsterVerse movies?
Matt Shakman: What I love so much about what Chris Black and Matt Fraction, who created the show, have done here is they’ve created this beautiful human-centric way into the MonsterVerse. I think if you’re a fan of the MonsterVerse movies and of Godzilla, there is so much here that you will love. It’s full of Easter eggs, and it’s a puzzle that works within existing mythology. But if you are not familiar with that mythology, there’s a way in as well through the eyes of these wonderful characters who also don’t know anything about this MonsterVerse and are learning as they go. So, it’s an emotional story that works within a complicated couple of timelines. I think what is most impressive is that it’s a multi-generational family drama, that it also is combined with epic storytelling and colossal action.
(L to R) Anders Holm and Mari Yamamoto in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
MF: As you mentioned, the show does unfold in two separate timelines. Can you talk about the challenges of navigating those different storylines across different timelines?
MS: It’s very clever what Matt and Chris created because we have a trio in the past and a trio in the present, and there are direct connections that we learn about as the series goes on, how they’re related. Their stories get more and more intertwined as the show goes on. There are thematic resonances, too, that are happening. They’ve created a story that truly is about legacy. It’s in the title of the show, and it makes a whole lot of sense. It’s about, obviously, this organization Monarch, but it’s about the Randa family in the present day. It’s Cate (Anna Sawai) and Kentaro (Ren Watabe) who learn about each other, realize they have a sibling they did not know about, and that there’s a lot they did not know about their father. Then, we’re learning about their grandparents in a way who are the founders of Monarch, and about Hiroshi’s parents. So, there’s a whole lot of stories about trauma, discovery, love and loss that trickles down from the 1950s all the way to 2014 and 2015.
Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
MF: Whose brilliant idea was it to cast both Wyatt Russell and Kurt Russell as Lee Shaw, and what was it like for you working with both actors?
MS: That was an idea that just presented itself by fate, I think, really. It was incredible to work with them. They’re both brilliant actors. I’m a huge fan of Kurt Russell going way back, just like I am of Godzilla, and I’m a huge fan of Wyatt’s, too. It was amazing to be able to work with them to create one character. I think they had been offered father/son things before, understandably, because they bear such a striking resemblance to each other, but then nothing had clicked, or they hadn’t found the right project, but they really wanted to work together. Then here we go. We have this idea that they could play the same character. What’s fun about it is they’re very different actors. They’re different in their vibes. They’re different in the way they approach things. I think they really loved the idea of, “Oh, well, I’ll take a little bit from Wyatt, and I’ll take a little bit from Kurt, and we’ll put it together, and we’ll create our own version of a character that we might not otherwise have created in that way.” It became a family project.
Wyatt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
MF: Finally, can you tease fans about the new creatures they will see in this series and how you wanted those monsters to look?
MS: We have obviously legendary characters that you see, like Godzilla from the Toho films and from the legendary MonsterVerse. We’ve got characters from there. But we did get to invent a whole bunch of new characters, and that is just super exciting for a MonsterVerse fan to be able to add things. What’s great about the monsters we were creating is we wanted them to fit into their environment, whether it was on the ice in a world of snow or whether it was part of Skull Island. When we were creating the opening for John Goodman, we had all sorts of different ideas about how that would’ve worked and what creatures would be involved. But when I found this location in Hawaii that was this volcanic rock jetty that went out into the water, it felt exactly like Skull Island. I was like, “Oh, we’ve got to shoot here.” I went climbing down to the end of it, and suddenly, all these crabs that I didn’t see that were camouflaged against the rock ran away. I thought, “Oh, my gosh. Well, that’s what we must do. We have to do a camouflaged crab monster that fits this environment.” So, the environment inspired us. Then we looked at all sorts of different crabs and other creatures we could smoosh together, and then that just made it big and threw it at one of these characters that we love. That’s the joy of it.
Mantleclaw in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
What is the plot of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
Following the epic battle between Godzilla and the MUTOs that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, two siblings (Anna Sawai and Ren Watabe), following in their father’s footsteps, uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch. Clues introduce them to the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (Wyatt Russell and Kurt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows. The dramatic saga, spanning three generations, reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.
Who is in the cast of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
The new trailer for Apple TV+ series ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ explores more of the story.
The show is set in the same universe as 2014’s ‘Godzilla’ and other monster movies.
Kurt Russell and son Wyatt Russell play the same character in different time periods.
New York Comic-Con is happening now, and Apple TV+ is using the event to debut new information and trailers about its various upcoming genre shows. Chief among them was two of the biggest: the return of alt-history sci-fi drama ‘For All Mankind’, and for those who like their TV series full of giant creatures, ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’.
Yet don’t expect any big characters (excepting the giant lizard himself) to show up in the show (initially). It’s more focused on a new batch of storylines.
What’s the story of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
Wyatt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, the series tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.
Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played both by Kurt Russell and real-life son Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows.
The dramatic saga –– spanning three generations –– reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our live. And yes, by earth-shattering events that means huge monsters stomping about.
Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
Who else is in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
(L to R) Anders Holm and Mari Yamamoto in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Sawai stars as Cate, a former schoolteacher and a G-Day survivor who travels to Japan to settle family affairs but instead uncovers a family secret. Tired of running from her problems, she is determined to find answers. Watabe plays Kentaro, an intelligent, creative, and curious young man who has yet to find his own path. He will embark on a quest to learn more about his revered yet mysterious father and discover his own talents in the process.
Clemons has the role of May, an American ex-pat with a roguish exterior that she uses to protect herself as well as others. Whether it be deciphering a code or finding the loophole, she is always three steps ahead of everyone around her.
Tippett is Tim, an office drone who dreams of secret agent adventure. His overconfidence gets him in trouble in the field, but he is determined not to fail his organization. Finally, Lasowski will portray Duvall, an expert operative with unwavering confidence in herself and her skills and a wry sense of humor.
Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
Well, now you can, because the first trailer from the series is online. And while we were perhaps concerned that this might be the ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ to the likes of ‘Godzilla’ and ‘Kong: Skull Island’ (the Marvel series suffered in comparison to its big screen brethren due to a lack of effects budget and scope), Apple has certainly shelled out enough cash to bring monstrous beasties to life.
The teaser, as they are wont to do, only hints at that, but we do get a good close-up of Godzilla roaring away, as he is… wont to do?
What’s the story of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
Wyatt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, the series tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.
Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played both by Kurt Russell and real-life son Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows.
The dramatic saga –– spanning three generations –– reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.
Anna Sawai stars as Cate, a former schoolteacher and a G-Day survivor who travels to Japan to settle family affairs but instead uncovers a family secret. Tired of running from her problems, she is determined to find answers. Watabe plays Kentaro, an intelligent, creative, and curious young man who has yet to find his own path. He will embark on a quest to learn more about his revered yet mysterious father and discover his own talents in the process.
Clemons has the role of May, an American ex-pat with a roguish exterior that she uses to protect herself as well as others. Whether it be deciphering a code or finding the loophole, she is always three steps ahead of everyone around her.
(L to R) Elisa Lasowski and Joe Tippett in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Tippett is Tim, an office drone who dreams of secret agent adventure. His overconfidence gets him in trouble in the field, but he is determined not to fail his organization. Finally, Lasowski will portray Duvall, an expert operative with unwavering confidence in herself and her skills and a wry sense of humor.
And, as revealed in this new look, John Goodman makes a cameo via video as his ‘Skull Island’ character William Randa, apologizing that he can’t fix his mistakes, but he can leave a legacy.
Developed by writers Chris Black (a veteran of shows such as ‘Severance’, and ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’) and ‘Hawkeye’ comicbook writer Matt Fraction, the show’s first two episodes have been directed by ‘WandaVision’s Matt Shakman.
When does ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ premiere?
(L to R) Ren Watabe and Kiersey Clemons in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ premiering November 17, 2023 on Apple TV+.
Thanks to this new promo, we now know that ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ will launch its first two episodes on Apple TV+ on November 17th.
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
Anna Sawai in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
We’ve had monster footprint teaser images, but Apple and Legendary today confirmed the title of the companies’ new series set in the “Monsterverse” of kaiju like Godzilla and revealed the first proper look at some of the cast (including the giant creature having a roaring time).
The series, which will follow the mysterious company established in Legendary and Warner Bros’ Monsterverse movies (2014’s ‘Godzilla’, ‘Kong: Skull Island,’ from 2017, 2019’s ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ and 2021’s ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ (with the latest, ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ targeting a March 15th release next year), has clearly enjoyed the sort of lavish attention that Apple has applied to the likes of ‘Foundation’ and ‘Invasion’.
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What’s the story of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’?
Kurt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, the series tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.
Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played both by Kurt Russell and real-life son Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows.
The dramatic saga –– spanning three generations –– reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.
Anna Sawai stars as Cate, a former schoolteacher and a G-Day survivor who travels to Japan to settle family affairs but instead uncovers a family secret. Tired of running from her problems, she is determined to find answers. Watabe plays Kentaro, an intelligent, creative, and curious young man who has yet to find his own path. He will embark on a quest to learn more about his revered yet mysterious father and discover his own talents in the process.
Clemons has the role of May, an American ex-pat with a roguish exterior that she uses to protect herself as well as others. Whether it be deciphering a code or finding the loophole, she is always three steps ahead of everyone around her.
Tippett is Tim, an office drone who dreams of secret agent adventure. His overconfidence gets him in trouble in the field, but he is determined not to fail his organization. Finally, Lasowski will portray Duvall, an expert operative with unwavering confidence in herself and her skills and a wry sense of humor.
Developed by writers Chris Black (a veteran of shows such as ‘Severance’, and ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’) and ‘Hawkeye’ comicbook writer Matt Fraction, the show’s first two episodes have been directed by ‘WandaVision’s Matt Shakman.
Apple TV+ has yet to announce when the show might premiere, but our guess would be next year, given the crowded launch schedule for the company’s new and returning offerings and with the hopes that the strikes will have been resolved and the stars/creators can properly promote it.
Wyatt Russell in ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,’ coming soon to Apple TV+.
Speeding straight into your TVs, DC’s latest Superhero movie ‘The Flash’ is expected to be available on PVOD on July 18th.
The film is set after the events ‘Justice League,’ where Barry Allen decides to travel back in time to save his mother – a storyline adapted from the ‘Flashpoint’ comic. Filled with action, cameos, easter eggs, and more.
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The official synopsis for ‘The Flash’ is below:
“Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?”
‘The Flash’ opened in theaters on June 16, 2023. Initially, the movie was slated to release in July of 2022, but due to the shifting of schedules at Warner Bros., the movie was moved to its 2023 release date. ‘The Flash’ opened to $55 million domestically and so far has grossed $102.9 since its release. Worldwide, the movie has earned $249.1 million.
Longtime comic book fans knew we would be getting the Flashpoint story in ‘The Flash’, which director Andy Muschietti does a great job of adapting. When it comes to the speedster, time travel and meeting one’s younger self is imminent. Ezra Miller plays two Barry Allens in the movie, one that we have met already through previous DC films like ‘Batman v. Superman’ and ‘Justice League.’ The other Barry is younger and has not become The Flash in their timeline, which makes a lot of the scenes and conversation interesting and funny.
The juxtaposition of the two Barrys really makes their interaction fun to watch, especially in scenes with Micheal Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl. On top of the humorous scenes, the movie serves up many emotional moments as well when it comes to Barry and their mom.
DC has always dealt with the multiverse in shows like CW’s ‘The Flash’ and ‘Crisis on Infinite Earth,’ but in Muschietti’s film, we’re seeing the multiverse on a grander scale. We won’t spoil too much just in case you haven’t had the chance to see the movie, but multiverse and dimensional travel means jaw-dropping cameos aplenty.
For example, seeing Michael Keaton putting the cape on once again as Batman, with iconic one-liners like, “I’m Batman,” and “You wanna get nuts? Let’s get nuts.” makes an extremely satisfying moment for the fans. Ben Affleck also appears as his version of the Batman.
Michael Keaton attends a double bill screening of Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’ followed by ‘The Flash,’ in London, England. Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images for Warner Bros Discovery.
While the film was initially screened at CinemaCon, it was an unfinished version and ‘The Flash’ officially premiered on June 12th, 2023, at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Since the movie has only been out for 4 weeks, it is still playing in theaters, so be sure to check with Moviefone below for showtimes in your area. ‘The Flash’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Watch the official trailers for ‘The Flash’ below:
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Can’t make it out to the theater? You will soon have the option to rent or purchase the movie on VOD. Services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play will have the movie available digitally for $24.99 on July 18th, 2023. There has been no official word yet on when ‘The Flash’ will stream on Max.
For those who prefer physical copies, ‘The Flash’ should become available on DVD/Blu-Ray by September in formats such as 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, and DVD. Collectors can look forward to an exclusive steelbook edition from Best Buy and an Icon Edition digi-pack set from Walmart. Both are available for pre-order now.
In ‘The Flash,’ Barry Allen/The Flash (Ezra Miller) travels back in time to prevent his mother’s death, which traps him in an alternate reality without metahumans. Barry enlists the help of his younger self (also Miller), an older Batman (Michael Keaton) and the Kryptonian castaway Supergirl (Sasha Calle) in order to save this world from the restored General Zod (Michael Shannon) and return to his universe.
Believe the hype! ‘The Flash’ is one of the best comic book adapted films ever made. Director Andy Muschietti reinvents the DC universe by brilliantly adapting the ‘Flashpoint‘ storyline from the comics, and fusing it with Michael Keaton’s ‘Batman’ and other nods to DC’s cinematic past. The movie is an exciting, action-packed, and humorous celebration of the DC Comics characters, with a brilliant dual performance from Ezra Miller, and of course, Keaton’s triumphant return.
‘The Flash’ director Andy Muschietti at a Canada-Fan Screening event. Photos by Sam Santos.
Story and Direction
For those not familiar, ‘Flashpoint’ was a 2011 DC Comics storyline that involved the Flash going back in time to save his mother’s life. When he returns, his world is not the same, he no longer has his powers, Thomas Wayne is Batman instead of Bruce, a weakened Superman is secretly being kept prisoner by the government, and Atlantis and Themyscira are at war. ‘The Flash’ follows a similar storyline with Barry losing his powers and needing to regain them, but instead of Thomas Wayne being Batman, its Michael Keaton from Tim Burton’s ‘Batman.’ It’s also a weakened Supergirl they break-out of captivity instead of Superman, and Earth is in danger from an attack by General Zod and the Kryptonians not a war between Atlantis and the Amazons.
None of these changes affect the power of the story, and the lesson Barry learns about excepting your past and living in the present. But they do allow general audiences to understand the story a little easier, as they are likely more familiar with Michael Keaton’s Batman than the sudden appearance of Thomas Wayne. In the comics, the ‘Flashpoint’ storyline was used to usher in a new continuity, and in that sense, ‘The Flash’ comes at the perfect time for DC Studios, as the film officially marks the end of the DCEU and the beginning of the new DCU. The movie honors the DCEU, as well as other cinematic DC projects from the past, while setting up an exciting future for these characters.
Director Andy Muschietti clearly loves these characters and retells the ‘Flashpoint’ story well, streamlining it into a tight, fast-paced, and dramatic movie. He also injects the film with a good amount of humor, but it never feels cheesy or forced and aligns with the characters. The filmmaker also handles the time-traveling aspects of the movie very well and in a coherent way, something Marvel struggled to do in ‘Avengers: Endgame.’ Muschietti does a great job with the effects, especially Barry’s powers and the Speed Force. Super-speed has never looked like this before, and Muschietti and his VFX team take a completely new approach to it, which is much different than the slow-motion effects Zack Snyder used.
A lot has been written about Ezra Miller over the last few years concerning their brushes with the law and whether this movie should be released at all given their illegal activities. I’m not going to get into any of that, and just judge them on their performance in this film, which was nothing short of extraordinary. Miller plays two roles, the Barry Allen we all know and have seen mature through appearances in ‘Batman v. Superman’ and ‘Justice League.’ But Miller also plays a younger Barry Allen, who has not yet become the Flash and lives in this new alternate reality. Most of Miller’s scenes are with themself, and you truly believe they are two different people.
Our Barry is a bit older and wiser, and not as impulsive as when we first met them, but the new Barry is young and immature, and it’s fun watching the two of them interact. As both characters, Miller has great chemistry with Keaton and Sasha Calle, as well as a few strong scenes with Kiersey Clemons’ Iris West. In some ways, Miller plays a third role in the movie as well, but to say too much would be a spoiler, so I’ll just say that they are equally impressive and believable in that role too. Whether Miller will ever return to play Barry Allen again is yet to be seen, but if they do not return, it certainly won’t be because their performance in this film was lacking.
I was just a kid when ‘Batman’ was released, so for me … Michael Keaton will always be Batman, and his return in this movie is a very welcomed one. While I really liked Ben Affleck’s Batman, and the actor does a great job in this movie in his limited role, the film really kicks into high gear when Keaton is on screen. He reprises his particular version of Bruce Wayne and Batman effortlessly, and while he has some funny moments, brings a lot of emotion and heart to the role. Keaton is also great in the action scenes, including an early fight scene between him and Miller. Muschietti perfectly matches Wayne Maynor, the Batmobile, the Batwing, and the costumes to the look and aesthetic Tim Burton originally created.
Sasha Calle breathes fresh air into the role of Supergirl, which is a much different and darker depiction than we’ve seen before. The actress is strong and believable in the part, and also plays the role in a mysterious way as to never really know her true intentions and keep the audience guessing. Calle has a few fun scenes opposite Miller and Keaton, but most of her work is in the action sequences and that’s where she really excels in the role. It’s also fun to see Michael Shannon return as General Zod, and he’s just as menacing now as he was in ‘Man of Steel,’ but other than the big fight sequence, he doesn’t have a whole lot to do. The Kryptonians are a real threat to our heroes, and that certainly adds to the drama and suspense.
DC fans have seen the multiverse approached on both the Arrowverse’s ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ crossover event, and more recently on ‘Titans,’ but visually, Muschietti depicts it in a way that is much more cinematic than we’ve seen on TV. The multiverse also makes sense in this movie and you can actually follow along with what’s happening, which wasn’t always the case with Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ Because of the multiverse angle, Muschietti was able to sprinkle in a lot of cameos, most of which I won’t discuss here. I’ll just say that archival DC footage was used well, and those cameos are nice nods to what has come before.
There are a few cameos that I will mention since it is already public knowledge they are in the film. As previously mentioned, Ben Affleck returns as Batman, and as seen in the recent trailer, Jeremy Irons is also back as Alfred. Affleck recently let it slip on a podcast that a certain cast member from ‘Justice League’ would be returning for the film as well. I won’t say who incase you don’t know yet, but it is awesome seeing them interact with Affleck and Miller as members of the Justice League early in the film.
The other cameo I will mention, and only because director Andy Muschietti spoiled it a few weeks ago, is that an actor long rumored to play Superman finally gets the opportunity with a cameo in ‘The Flash’ as an alternate universe version of the Man of Steel. Beyond it being something fans have literally wanted to see for decades, the actor in question is magnificent in his brief role, and fans familiar with the canceled Superman project, will truly get a laugh from watching the scene.
There is actually one other major cameo that I will absolutely not spoil, but I will just say that it is a true shocker of an ending, and something people will be talking about all summer long. It also sets the stage for the new DCU, and completely changes the status quo. Whether that actor or actress will continue to play that specific DC character moving forward, is still anybody’s guess. While the film has a very satisfying conclusion, much like the ‘Flashpoint’ comic, it definitely cleans the slate and sets the stage perfectly for James Gunn’s new DCU, whether that was Muschietti original intent or not.
Are There Any End-Credit Scenes in ‘The Flash’?
Yes. There is a mid-credit scene, which takes a look at an earlier scene in the movie from a different point of view, and is mostly played for laughs. But there is also an end-credit scene and I will just say that it helps to explain how the upcoming ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ takes place in the new DCU.
The really pulled it off! ‘The Flash’ is the most entertaining and satisfying DC movie in decades. Andy Muschietti masterfully adapts the source material and fills it with as many Easter eggs, callbacks and cameos as any fan could desire. While still delivering a coherent, fun, action-packed and emotional movie, that features a mesmerizing dual performance from Miller, and the return of the one and only Michael Keaton as Batman. This is one movie DC Comics fans will not want to miss!
Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Double Dream/a Disco Factory production of an Andy Muschietti film, ‘The Flash.’ It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters in North America on June 16, 2023 and internationally beginning 14 June 2023.
The film stars Brie as Ally, a workaholic who returns home to visit her mother (‘Airplane!’s Julie Hagerty) the same weekend that her ex, Sean (‘Top Gun: Maverick’s Jay Ellis) is getting married to his young fiancé Cassidy (‘The Flash’s Kiersey Clemons). Ally is quickly thrown into the wedding festivities as the videographer, but really plans to ruin the wedding so she can get Sean back.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with director Dave Franco about his work on ‘Somebody I Used to Know,’ developing the idea for the screenplay, directing his wife Alison Brie, and putting together his crew and the rest of the cast.
Dave Franco co-writes and directs Prime Video’s ‘Somebody I Used to Know.’
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Franco, Alison Brie, Jay Ellis, and Kiersey Clemons.
Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about creating the story for the film and writing the screenplay with Alison, and did you to continue to write with her and change dialogue while you were shooting?
Dave Franco: The story came about while we were walking through my hometown of Palo Alto. I think being in that setting, these ideas of going home, and reconnecting with your roots, and thinking about who you used to be compared to who you are now, all of that just became what the script ended up being. Then, in terms of how much the dialogue changed over time, it’s always changing.
One thing I like to do is before we start filming, I meet up with all the actors, and we basically go through each scene, and I ask them, “Are there any lines of dialogue or even any single words that don’t feel natural to you? Let’s change that now, let’s put it in your voice so that by the time we’re on set, we’re hitting the ground running, we’re not figuring all that stuff out.”
It ends up being this thing where, I think on both movies I’ve directed, I go over the script a million times, and then every day before whatever scene is coming, I look at that scene again. You just see it in a new light, and more often than not, I’m like, this is overwritten. We don’t need to say all this. Let’s chop it back. So it’s more about pairing everything back.
(L to R) Alison Brie and director Dave Franco at the premiere of Prime Video’s ‘Somebody I Used to Know.’
MF: Can you talk about the crew you put together for this project, and what was it like for you to work with your cinematographer to compose shots on set and work with your editor in the cutting room to assemble the film?
DF: The best. I surrounded myself with people who I’m a fan of, and just having that collaboration with those people was incredible. My DP, Brian Lannin, shoots that show ‘Dave.’ I don’t know if you’ve seen that, but it’s one of my favorites because they do really hard comedy, but it’s also beautiful. The visuals are stunning, and I thought he’d be the perfect guy for this.
With this one, it was kind of inherent to some romantic comedies. There’s a lot of scenes where it’s just two people talking, and the challenge was how do we make that exciting? How do we make that engaging visually? He’s just got such a beautiful eye, and the setting itself did a lot of the heavy lifting too. We shot in the Pacific Northwest, and any direction you point the camera, it’s stunning.
Then, in the edit, my editor Ernie Gilbert, I love him to death. What can I say? It’s just a healthy back and forth where obviously I have very specific ideas of how I want things to play out, but I trust him so much, and he would come in with ideas, and new things that I would never think of. Anyway, this is a long way of saying I’m so collaborative. It’s my favorite thing to do, especially when I’m surrounded by people who are just so talented.
(L to R) Alison Brie and Danny Pudi in Prime Video’s ‘Somebody I Used to Know,’ which was directed by Dave Franco.
MF: Finally, there are a lot of actors in the movie that you and Alison have worked with in the past, and a few that you have not. Can you talk about putting together the cast and having an opportunity to work with your friends?
DF: It’s the best for many reasons. When you’re surrounded by people that you feel comfortable with, you feel more willing to take risks knowing that no one’s going to judge you. When I am putting together the team, of course, I want people who are talented, but it’s just as important to me that everyone is really nice and hardworking. When you’re surrounded by that type of person, it just makes it easy, man. It’s like, I don’t need to micromanage anyone.
Everyone’s there to work, everyone’s excited, and it’s this nice family environment. As an actor, I’ve been on a couple sets that are not that way. It’s a weird vibe. I made a vow to myself that when I have control on any set that I’m on, I’m going to make sure that obviously, let’s do good work, but let’s also have a good time. We’re away from our friends and family for months at a time, it should be worth it. Let’s look back, and remember the experience itself too.
Alison Brie in Prime Video’s ‘Somebody I Used to Know,’ which was directed by Dave Franco.
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Fox’s upcoming live staging of the Tony-winning musical “Rent” will feature an all-star ensemble, with the network unveiling the full cast on Monday.
The eclectic group includes a mix of pop stars, Broadway vets, and television favorites, and features several faces already familiar to fans of the recent live musical TV trend. Here’s a breakdown of who’s who in the cast, per The Hollywood Reporter:
Vanessa Hudgens will play Maureen Johnson, the outgoing performance artist who’s not afraid to take on the establishment.
Kiersey Clemons (“Dope”) will play Joanne Jefferson, Maureen’s girlfriend and an Ivy League-educated lawyer.
Brandon Victor Dixon (“Hamilton”) is set as Tom Collins, the computer scientist who returns to New York after being expelled from MIT.
Valentina (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) will play Angel Dumont Schunard, a young drag queen and street percussionist who embraces life and lives it to its fullest.
Jordan Fisher (“Hamilton”) is the central character of Mark Cohen, an aspiring filmmaker, who serves as the show’s narrator, while filming the lives of his friends.
Brennin Hunt (“Nashville”) plays Roger Davis, a struggling musician and Mark’s roommate and best friend.
Singer Tinashe will portray Mimi Marquez, the dancer who struggles with addiction.
R&B star Mario will take on the role of Benjamin Coffin III, Mark and Roger’s former roommate-turned-landlord, who is after their rent.
Keala Settle (breakout star of “The Greatest Showman“) will be part of the ensemble, and perform the solo to the show’s most famous tune, “Seasons of Love.”
We’re happy Hudgens will be returning to the Fox live musical fold, after her excellent performance in “Grease: Live.” And we’re especially excited that Fisher, another “Grease: Live” alum, will be getting such a major role this time, after his scene- (and heart-) stealing turn in that show.
Thankfully, we won’t have to wait 525,600 minutes for “Rent: Live” — it’s set to debut on Fox on January 27.
