It looks like the Scarlet Speedster's solo film will be directed by a man who knows a thing or two about zombies.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. has chosen a first-time director for the highly awaited 'The Flash' standalone movie. 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' author Seth Grahame-Smith is reportedly in final negotiations to direct the film, which will star Ezra Miller as Barry Allen aka The Flash.
Although 'The Flash' standalone movie will be Seth Grahame-Smith's full-length directorial debut, the 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' author already has some experience in producing TV shows and film adaptations of his novels. He was the co-creator of the MTV series 'The Hard Times of RJ Berger' and wrote the screenplay for the live action adaptation of 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.'
In addition to 'The Flash' standalone movie, Seth Grahame-Smith is also set to direct the remake of the 1983 horror film 'Something Wicked This Way Comes.'
The news of Seth Grahame-Smith's involvement with 'The Flash' solo movie has been met with mixed reactions. Twitter users immediately shared their thoughts on Warner Bros' decision.
Surprising choice to direct the Flash movie in @sethgs https://t.co/nT0JIaN8EV
— Matthew Belloni (@THRMattBelloni) October 5, 2015
Seth Grahame-Smith would make his directorial debut with #TheFlash Warners really is going outside the box with these DCEU director choices. — Connor (@ConnorFilm) October 5, 2015
Since he has no directing experience, I have no idea how Seth Grahame-Smith will do with "The Flash." And neither do you.
— Ron Marz (@ronmarz) October 5, 2015
'Selma' director Ava DuVernay immediately tweeted about the announcement.
Dear @VictoriaMahoney @Lexialex #PatriciaRiggen #SoYongKim + all lady helmers, Maybe next time. Or not. xo Hollywood. https://t.co/VIwaWPcrMr — Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) October 5, 2015
Ava DuVernay isn't the only one who reacted that way. Indiewire also wrote about the news, stating that the opportunity to hire a more experienced (female) director has been passed on to a guy with limited directing experience.
"Let's remember 'The Flash' is a big studio superhero flick with a budget rumored to be in the $100 million range. This is a man with ZERO film directing experience and he is being offered the keys to the kingdom," the site wrote.
'The Flash' standalone film was originally being eyed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who have also worked with Seth Grahame-Smith on 'Lego Movie.' Barry Allen's big screen debut is scheduled for release on March 2018.
