Ezra Miller, the actor known for portraying Barry Allen in the DC Extended Universe’s The Flash, has once again stirred the pot, this time with a bold push to introduce an LGBTQ+ superhero to the DC Universe. Miller’s comments, made during a rare public appearance at the Filming Italy event on June 22, 2025, have ignited a firestorm among fans, with social media buzzing with reactions ranging from outrage to cautious support. The actor’s vision for a more inclusive DCU, coupled with their unconventional style and controversial past, has only amplified the debate, leaving many to question whether Miller’s influence is a step forward or a lightning rod for division.

Miller’s appearance at the event was a spectacle in itself, as they donned a floor-length, blue-and-white striped dress paired with combat boots and a crocheted watermelon slice hat—an ensemble that seemed to defy both fashion norms and gravity. This bold aesthetic, described by some on X as “a symptom of a sick society,” reflects Miller’s unapologetic approach to self-expression, which has become as much a hallmark of their persona as their acting career. Their comments about wanting to see an LGBTQ+ superhero in the DCU, however, have overshadowed their sartorial choices, striking a nerve with a fanbase already polarized by Miller’s tumultuous history.

The idea of an LGBTQ+ superhero isn’t new to comics—characters like Batwoman and Midnighter have long represented diverse identities—but Miller’s call for such a character to take center stage in the DCU has sparked accusations of “wokeness” from some corners of the fandom. Posts on X reveal a split sentiment: some fans argue that Miller is pushing a political agenda, with one user lamenting that “DC is ruining The Flash with this woke nonsense,” while others praise the actor for advocating inclusivity in a franchise that has historically leaned traditional. The backlash, however, seems less about the concept itself and more about Miller’s delivery and their polarizing presence in the franchise.

Miller’s tenure as The Flash has been anything but smooth. The 2023 solo film, which cost Warner Bros. an estimated $200 million, was a box-office disaster, overshadowed by Miller’s off-screen controversies, including arrests for assault and burglary. These incidents, coupled with erratic public behavior, led to a period of relative silence from the actor until their recent reemergence. At Filming Italy, Miller expressed “remorse” for past actions and hinted at a new project with director Lynne Ramsay, suggesting a desire to move forward. Yet, their comments about reshaping the DCU have reignited debates about whether they remain a suitable ambassador for the franchise.

The DC Universe, now under the stewardship of James Gunn, is undergoing a reboot, with reports indicating a full recast of the Justice League. The Flash’s failure has made Miller’s return as Barry Allen unlikely, and the studio’s silence on a sequel speaks volumes. Fans on X have speculated that Miller’s push for an LGBTQ+ superhero may be an attempt to cement their legacy within the DCU before their exit, with one user noting, “They’re trying to stay relevant while DC moves on.” Others, however, see Miller’s advocacy as a genuine call for representation, pointing to their nonbinary identity and history of challenging norms as evidence of sincerity.

Miller’s vision aligns with broader trends in media, where diversity and inclusion have become focal points. DC Comics has introduced queer characters in recent years, and films like Wonder Woman have touched on inclusive themes. Yet, the vocal resistance from some fans highlights the challenges of implementing such changes in a franchise with a deeply invested audience. Miller’s polarizing persona—marked by their avant-garde fashion and unfiltered commentary—only complicates the narrative, making them both a champion for some and a lightning rod for others.

As the DCU evolves, Miller’s role in its future remains uncertain. Their appearance at Filming Italy, complete with a watermelon hat and bold statements, ensures they remain a topic of conversation, even as their time as The Flash appears to be nearing its end. Whether their push for an LGBTQ+ superhero will influence DC’s direction is unclear, but it has undeniably sparked a dialogue about representation, fandom, and the fine line between innovation and alienation. For now, Miller continues to run at their own pace, leaving fans, critics, and the DCU to keep up—or move on without them.