Director Andy Muschietti attributes the box office failure of his DC Extended Universe film, "The Flash," to a lack of broad appeal. In an interview with Radio Tu, reported by Variety, Muschietti stated the film didn't connect with "the four quadrants" – a term referring to the key demographic groups (males under 25, males over 25, females under 25, and females over 25) – sufficiently to justify its $200 million budget. He specifically noted a lack of interest in the Flash character, particularly among female audiences.
"The Flash failed, among other reasons, because it didn't appeal to all four quadrants," Muschietti explained. "When you spend $200 million, Warner Bros. wants to reach everyone, even your grandmother." He further elaborated that conversations revealed a significant portion of the audience, especially women, simply didn't connect with the Flash character.
Unfulfilled DCEU Teases
13 Images
Muschietti acknowledged other contributing factors to the film's underperformance, including negative critical reviews, CGI criticisms (particularly the recreation of deceased actors), and its release within a dissolving film universe.
Despite this setback, Muschietti remains involved with DC, slated to direct "The Brave and the Bold," the inaugural Batman film in James Gunn and Peter Safran's revamped DC Universe.
