In the ever-evolving landscape of superhero cinema, the role of The Flash has been a lightning rod for discussion, with two actors—Grant Gustin and Ezra Miller—defining the character in distinct ways. Gustin, who portrayed Barry Allen in the CW’s The Flash for nine seasons, became a fan favorite for his heartfelt and grounded take on the Scarlet Speedster. Miller, on the other hand, brought a quirkier, more frenetic energy to the role in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Despite their shared connection to the character, recent developments have highlighted a rift between the two, with Gustin reportedly offering sincere advice to Miller, only to be left disappointed by the latter’s actions.

Gustin’s tenure as The Flash began in 2014, when The Flash debuted as part of the CW’s Arrowverse. His portrayal resonated with audiences, blending emotional depth with the charm of a young hero finding his place in the world. Over nearly a decade, Gustin’s Barry Allen became synonymous with the character for many fans, earning praise for its authenticity and relatability. When Ezra Miller was cast as the DCEU’s Flash in 2014, beating out Gustin for the big-screen role, it sparked comparisons that persisted for years. While Gustin remained gracious, even making a cameo alongside Miller in the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event, the dynamic between the two actors has recently come under scrutiny.

Sources indicate that Gustin, aware of the challenges of portraying such an iconic character, reached out to Miller with advice on navigating the pressures of fame and the responsibility of embodying The Flash. Gustin reportedly emphasized the importance of staying connected to fans and maintaining a positive public image, drawing from his own experience of building a loyal following through the Arrowverse. His advice was rooted in sincerity, reflecting his understanding of the character’s significance to DC fans. Gustin, who has spoken openly about his gratitude for the role, hoped to foster a sense of camaraderie with Miller, despite their different mediums.

However, Miller’s actions in recent years have reportedly left Gustin disheartened. Between 2020 and 2022, Miller faced a series of legal troubles and controversies, including arrests in Hawaii for disorderly conduct and assault, as well as allegations of inappropriate behavior in multiple incidents. These events cast a shadow over Miller’s tenure as The Flash, culminating in the 2023 release of The Flash, a film that, despite high expectations, underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews. Fans and critics alike noted that Miller’s portrayal, while energetic, lacked the emotional resonance that Gustin brought to the role. The controversies surrounding Miller further alienated some fans, who began calling for Gustin to take over as the DC Universe’s (DCU) Flash under James Gunn’s new regime.

Gustin has remained diplomatic in public, but reports suggest he felt let down by Miller’s inability to heed his advice. At Comic Con Liverpool in early 2025, Gustin was asked about the future of The Flash in the DCU. His response was lighthearted yet pointed, hinting at his frustration with the missed opportunity to elevate the character on the big screen. “I think Barry deserves someone who gets him,” Gustin said, per Yahoo, subtly referencing the challenges Miller faced. Gustin has also expressed openness to returning as The Flash in the DCU, telling Men’s Health that he would consider a miniseries or film role if the creative direction aligned with his vision for the character.

Meanwhile, Miller has recently reemerged, attending the Cannes Film Festival and the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival in June 2025, where they expressed remorse for past actions and hinted at a Hollywood comeback with a potential project alongside director Lynne Ramsay. However, their return has been met with skepticism, with outlets like Vulture and People detailing the controversies that derailed their career. Miller’s attempt to move forward contrasts sharply with Gustin’s steady, fan-focused approach, highlighting the divergent paths of the two Flashes.

As James Gunn’s DCU takes shape, with Superman set to premiere on July 8, 2025, the future of The Flash remains uncertain. Fans continue to champion Gustin, citing his proven track record and deep connection to the character. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with many arguing that Gustin’s Barry Allen could redeem the character after the DCEU’s missteps. For now, Gustin’s advice to Miller appears to have fallen on deaf ears, leaving fans to hope that the DCU will give their beloved Flash the spotlight he deserves.