Arrowverse and DCU: Why The Flash is Safe and Deathstroke is Not
With the crossover events and interconnectivity of the Arrowverse, one might wonder if all of these characters and series are equally protected under the same contract. Specifically, the question arises: if Arrowverse can't use Deathstroke due to his presence in the DCEU, will The Flash face a similar fate and be canceled? This post explores the differences, contracts, and creative decisions behind these two iconic characters and their respective fates.
The Flash's Protection in Contracts
Despite the interconnected nature of the Arrowverse and the shared universe that comes with it, The Flash enjoys a unique position. The Flash does have a special letter of protection from Warner Bros. that allows his inclusion in various productions outside his main series. This protection ensures that The Flash can be brought into Arrowverse crossover events and even into the overall DCEU, provided it adheres to certain conditions.
This protection is crucial because it allows for the character's rich history and vast potential to be fully realized. It's not uncommon for solo movie properties to have a standard length of about seven years, considering financial and creative factors. For The Flash, his long-standing presence and fanbase on the small screen have been protected, indicating a level of commitment and potential that extends beyond that typical seven-year term.
Geoff Johns: The Champion of The Flash
One of the key figures responsible for the current success and protection of The Flash is Geoff Johns, the Chief Creative Officer at DC. Geoff Johns has been instrumental in shaping and expanding the character of Barry Allen, the fastest man alive. His involvement in creating the show, co-writing the pilot episode, and his overall dedication to the character have secured a significant amount of clout and protection for The Flash.
Geoff Johns is a powerhouse in the DC Comics universe, known for his successful Rebirth event that revitalized the DC Comics continuity. This event, spearheaded by Johns, paved the way for a vibrant and coherent narrative within the DC universe. His influence and decision-making power are substantial, which further protects The Flash from cancellation due to DCEU involvements. Even if someone in a higher position attempted to remove The Flash, they would have to contend with Johns and the wave of support and success he has brought to the character.
Deathstroke: No Such Protection
Contrary to The Flash, Deathstroke does not enjoy such special treatment. While Arrow and the other Arrowverse series may crossover with Deathstroke, his inclusion is not protected by any special agreement. The production elements for these guest appearances and crossovers are part of the broader DCEU landscape, focusing on team-ups and larger event storylines.
Since Arrow and DC's television and film depictions are separate entities, there is no legal or contractual obligation to keep Deathstroke in the Arrowverse or any cross-over event. Deathstroke is often brought in as a guest villain or a recurring character, and his removal from a series would not have the same precedents or consequences as those of The Flash. The nature of guest appearances allows for greater flexibility and less protection than the main series characters or solo properties.
Conclusion
The Flash enjoys a special letter of protection from Warner Bros., ensuring his long-term presence in the Arrowverse and beyond. Meanwhile, Deathstroke doesn't have the same level of protection or contractual agreement. However, the Arrowverse and its interconnected stories still benefit from the inclusion of guest characters like Deathstroke, adding depth and excitement to the overall narrative. As long as Geoff Johns and the ongoing commitment to The Flash continue, his future on television looks promising despite the challenges of the DCEU.
Understanding the different contracts and creative decisions behind the inclusion of characters like The Flash and Deathstroke helps fans appreciate the unique positions and protections each character has within the DCEU and Arrowverse.
Additional Resources
Explore more about The Flash's protection contracts
Learn more about Geoff Johns and the Rebirth event