Preface: Ezra Miller, as a genderqueer individual, uses they/them pronouns. So, in respecting their identity, those pronouns will be used throughout the article.
Growing up, I’ve always been a superhero fan. Characters like Batman, Spiderman, the Avengers, and the Justice League were heroes I grew up with. They have played a central role in my life, so much so that I still feel like a kid as I see them on screen. So, naturally, I was thrilled to see DCs favorite speedster, Flash, hit the big screen in recent years. I was a huge fan of the earlier seasons of the CW's “The Flash.” I loved how hopeful the character was and the light that seemed to follow him as he ran throughout the city. Because of these things, the Flash sped into my heart and is now my favorite superhero. So even though I was partial to Grant Gustin’s version of the character, I was excited to see Ezra Miller's take on the role in Warner Brothers’ live action “The Justice League.” I was nervous about the mantle being passed on, especially to an actor I wasn’t familiar with, but thankfully Miller brought a refreshingly quirky feel to the character, while still maintaining the familiar geekiness I’ve often seen with The Flash. The Flash was full of wit and hope, and that was still evident in Miller’s portrayal. They were still the hero I loved. So the kid in me smiled and I was hyped for the upcoming film “The Flash” to hit big screens in 2023.
I was hyped. As of recently I am more concerned about the character’s future and who the mantle has been passed on to. In recent years and even months, a string of incidents and allegations have surrounded Miller–from allegations of grooming, to assault, to even running from the police. The actor seemingly started spiraling down a dark path from their acclaimed career as the pandemic came onto the scene. I remember feeling conflicted and concerned when hearing this–concerned about what their actions entailed, but also what it meant for my favorite speedster. The actor’s mental health and ongoing incidents have become noticeably dangerous–so much so that Stephen Chbosy, writer and director of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (a movie Miller had been in 2012) sent a letter to them during the allegations. He said, “I hope Ezra finds the light that they shined so brightly back when we shot the movie, because the kid I met was a remarkably magical person. And I always like to believe that that person is always there, and I hope that they can find the help that they need.” As a movie nerd, I can’t help but hope they find their light and help too.
Ezra recently provided a statement to Variety on the events, saying, “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment.” They continue, “I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.” They are now also seeking professional help since the incidents. Ezra, up to this point, has had several notable roles in movies and TV shows. They have been heralded as a LGBTQ+ icon for their openness on their sexuality and identity. For me, they were a new take on a character I’ve loved, and now I'm not so sure. It can be nerve wracking when a problematic person represents a beloved character, or even more broadly, represents identities, such as being LGBTQ+ or a minority in a high position in media—especially since representation is so important. Growing up and seeing that representation in good or bad light can mean everything. It meant everything for me as a kid, and even now it means something for me as a Flash fan.
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