Ezra Miller – The Flash?

 In a previous blog, I mentioned the actor Ezra Miller and compared him to the NFL’s Deshaun Watson. Currently, both are frequently on the news and rarely for good reason. I view them both in a similar light.

Just as Watson has besmirched the image of his entire organization and specifically his new team, Miller has done the same for his organization. Warner Bros/ Discovery is certainly not happy with the star of their unreleased Flash movie, and anyone connected with the studio’s DCEU branch is surely embarrassed by his conduct. Both young men are creating problems for their employers, and in my opinion, both need to be gone from the spotlight as quickly as possible.

(I know, I’m usually against “cancel” culture, but in this case, I’m perfectly okay with firing, dismissal, suspension, whatever!)

Since winning the coveted role of the Flash, Miller has been in almost constant trouble. After generally favorable reviews for his work in the Justice League films, Miller is set to star in the standalone Flash movie that has been delayed for quite some time. Many believe the delays are largely due to the troubled young actor himself. The studio is seriously considering replacing the actor, or possibly cancelling the entire movie! I doubt they will do this, but reshoots and edits are ongoing with future DC projects at stake depending on the ending. Miller could find himself replaced by the end of the movie that was supposed to make him a star!

In the last year alone, Miller has faced serious charges, and a variety of allegations involving strange and unusual behaviors. A Timeline of Ezra Miller's Controversies (people.com)

Watson meanwhile is now facing an 11 game suspension and a five million dollar fine. It could have (and should have) been worse until the NFL reached a settlement that will allow him on the field this season. And his first game back? In Houston. Where he committed his sexual assaults on 24+ women! As I have said before, the NFL doesn’t care about women. Their actions are obviously drowning out their words.

Let’s consider the similarities. Both are young. Miller is 29, Watson 26. Both are talented in their fields. Both are charming and charismatic. Both are extremely wealthy. Both are at the forefront of their respective organizations/teams. And sadly, both appear to be in severe need of psychological help! (IMHO)

To be fair, both have apologized. Sort of. If you count press conferences with carefully scripted, cautiously worded, unremorseful comments designed to check the right boxes and satisfy the masses.

As a Christian, I believe in forgiveness. Both of these young men are as deserving of forgiveness as anyone of us. BUT… There should still be consequences for actions. People who are guilty of such poor conduct as these men should not be rewarded. Should Miller get to star as the superhero on screen and make millions for doing so? NO! Should Watson get the highest guaranteed contract in the history of the NFL and play on TV week after week? NO!

So, what should we do? My opinion? Forgive them for their sins, but hold them accountable as well. Take away the spotlight and the glory and let them earn back our respect. Again, just my opinion.

Maybe it’s too late. Maybe our civilization and society have already fallen too far to be redeemed. Maybe there are too many fans who just don’t care anymore. So what if he’s mentally disturbed, if he can still act or throw a football well enough, we’ll come out and support him with our time, attention, and our money. Sad, but true, I’m afraid.

(For the sake of accuracy, Ezra Miller prefers the pronouns they/them, but I don’t play those stupid games, so I used the pronouns that actually apply. You know, in the real world where there are only two genders, and the English language has pronouns for masculine, feminine, or neuter nouns.)