Tim Burton, the iconic director behind the Batman films of the late ’80s and early ’90s, has recently criticized the 2023 superhero movie, The Flash, for its portrayal of Nicolas Cage’s Superman. The director expressed his disappointment in a recent interview, stating that the film’s use of his and Cage’s Superman was a “cultural misappropriation.” This comes after The Flash movie received mixed reviews for its use of digital effects to bring Cage’s Superman into its climactic Multiverse scene.
By Aubree Ross
Tim Burton’s Unmade Superman Film
Many fans of DC Comics are aware that Tim Burton was once set to direct a Superman film starring Nicolas Cage. The project, titled “Superman Lives,” was in development for several years before ultimately being canceled. Burton had a unique vision for the Man of Steel, which never saw the light of day.
The Flash’s Controversial Decision
In 2023, The Flash movie decided to incorporate elements from Burton’s canceled Superman project. The film used digital effects to feature Nicolas Cage’s Superman in a climactic Multiverse scene. However, the decision was met with a lukewarm response from both fans and critics alike. Burton himself was not pleased with how his vision was used, calling it a “cultural misappropriation.”
Burton’s Reaction and “Quiet Revolt”
In a recent interview with the British Film Institute, Burton expressed his displeasure with Warner Bros. and DC for using his and Cage’s Superman in The Flash. He stated that he’s in a “quiet revolt” against the studios for what he considers a misuse of his creative work. Burton emphasized that such experiences leave a lasting impact on a creator, especially when they’ve invested a lot of time and passion into a project.
The Flash’s Mixed Reception
The Flash movie has received a mixed response, particularly for its use of CGI to bring back previous incarnations of famous DC heroes. This includes not just Cage’s Superman, but also other iconic characters like Helen Slater’s Supergirl and George Reeves’ Superman from the ’50s. The film has been criticized for its unsettling use of computer-generated imagery to recreate these characters.
Tim Burton’s recent comments add another layer to the ongoing debate about the ethical implications of using a creator’s past work without their consent. As technology advances, the line between homage and appropriation continues to blur, raising questions about the rights of original creators. Burton’s “quiet revolt” serves as a cautionary tale for studios that may be tempted to capitalize on past creative visions without due consideration.