Development on WB’s long-gestating standalone superhero film The Flash seemed to be going nowhere fast. Especially after John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein exited the project.

But hopefully things can pick up speed with It director Andy Muschietti helming the project and Bumblebee scribe Christina Hodson penning the script. More on the report below.

The news come from The Hollywood Reporter, who says that Ezra Miller will stay on as the Scarlet Speedster. This comes just a few short months after reports got out that Miller had clashed with Daley and Goldstein over the tone of the film. Daley and Goldstein had submitted something that was “lighthearted” while Miller and Morrison’s script took a darker approach. Additionally, Miller’s contract to play The Flash was about the expire in May. Miller may look like he came out a winner, but in a shocking twist, his script will not be used for the film.

Instead, Hodson will write a new version of the script. Hodson’s credits include Bumblebee and the upcoming Birds of Prey. But it is unclear if that script will be up to Miller’s standards. He clearly wants the film to have a darker tone. Hopefully, Muschietti’s involvement can bring that dark tone to the film that Miller is hoping for. But who knows if he will even take that approach. So let’s not presume that just because Muschietti directed films like Mama, It, and the upcoming It: Chapter 2, that he only knows about horror. He can prove us all wrong and give us something fun.

Muschietti’s sister Barbara Muschietti will produce alongside Michael Disco.

Recently, horror filmmakers have shown that they can work outside their comfort zone and turn in something great. Shazam! proved that David F. Sandberg was much more than a horror director. Additionally, It had a lot of warmth and charm, and was more about the bonds of friendship than it was the inherent darkness and evil that clouded over Derry, Maine. And let’s not forget what James Wan did with Aquaman. Wan also comes from a filmmaking background in horror, but was able to switch over to a thrilling action piece with Aquaman.

So we will just have to wait and see. THR adds that deals aren’t finalized as of yet, but offers are expected to go out shortly.

WB is hoping to get everything prepped by January 2020.

[Source: THR]