Director Andy Muschietti attributes the box office failure of his DC Extended Universe film, The Flash, to a lack of widespread audience appeal. Speaking to Radio Tu (as translated by Variety), Muschietti stated the film didn't sufficiently engage "the four quadrants" – a term referring to the key demographic groups (males under 25, males over 25, females under 25, and females over 25) – to justify its $200 million budget.

He explained, "The Flash failed, among other reasons, because it wasn't a movie that appealed to all four quadrants. When you spend $200 million, [Warner Bros.] wants to bring even your grandmother to the theaters." Muschietti further elaborated, revealing insights from private conversations suggesting a significant portion of the audience, particularly women, lacked interest in the Flash character. This, he noted, created considerable headwinds for the film.

Unfulfilled DCEU Teases

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Muschietti's acknowledgment of "other reasons" for the film's underperformance likely includes its mixed critical reception, CGI criticisms (particularly the recreation of deceased actors), and its release within a dissolving film universe.

Despite The Flash's box office struggles, DC Studios has retained Muschietti to direct The Brave and the Bold, the inaugural Batman film in James Gunn and Peter Safran's revamped DC Universe.