[Update: Robert Zemeckis’ next project gets a 2018 release date at Universal, indicating he won’t direct The Flash.]

After losing two previous directors, Warner Bros. and DC’s The Flash may end up the better for it as a new rumor reports Back to the Future’s Robert Zemeckis is in talks to helm the film. Back when DC and WB first announced their plans for a shared universe, this year’s Justice League was meant to be followed by films focusing on the Flash and Cyborg. Unfortunately, things behind the scenes at DC have been rocky. The Batman has had a number of creative shakeups, Shazam’s Dwayne Johnson will now star in a separate Black Adam movie, and Cyborg has had very little movement.

The Flash, meanwhile, recently lost director Rick Famuyiwa (Dope) after original director Seth Grahame-Smith exited the project. The films has also hired a new writer to rework the script that’s passed through a number of hands. All told, it’s hard to tell when the movie might actually arrive. The high-profile problems may prove to be a blessing, however, as one of Hollywood’s most respected directors may be keen on tackling the film.

Screen Junkies are reporting a rumor they’ve heard that Robert Zemeckis is in talks to takeover as the director on The Flash. While exciting, it’s far from a done deal. As soon, as the story broke, entertainment reporter Umberto Gonzalez countered stating that while Zemeckis has indeed spoken with WB about the film, he’s far from a sure thing.

Not true. NOT in talks. He took a meeting and that is it. They’re still meeting with other directors. https://t.co/I6jcXsmcVa— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) April 27, 2017

While rising stars like Grahame-Smith and Famuyiwa would have been interesting helmers for the more youth-focused The Flash, it’s hard to not be excited about the possibility of veteran director Zemeckis tackling a superhero film. While the DCEU has reguarly been criticized for its poe-faced tone, future installments are said to bring more heart and humor to the franchise. The Flash certainly has decades of history in that department, and Zemeckis’ work on Back to the Future and Forrest Gump proves he’s up to the task of translating those themes onto the screen.

As far as action films go, the closest Zemeckis has come was the 2007 CGI-heavy Beowulf, which failed to impress. He was also attached to WB’s Wizard of Oz remake for a time back in 2010, but it never materialized. Considering the rising pedigree of superhero films, it makes sense that someone like Zemeckis would at least be intrigued by the possibility. And while the deal is far from done, Zemeckis could be just the director to revive the floundering production of The Flash and renew audience anticipation. Will bring you any updates on this story as they arrive, so stay tuned.

Sources: Screen Junkies and Umberto Gonzalez

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