It seems like the Ezra Miller news cycle may finally have come screeching to a halt. Of course, The Flash star (for the time being) received some coaxing. The bat-ess unhinged behavior of the past months has been a little too much.
That sound you hear is Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) exhaling as Miller speeds to counseling for “complex mental health issues,” per Variety’s official and exclusive statement.
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.”
Ezra Miller, August 2022
Don’t you love the agents or lawyer or PR wordsmithing there? “I now understand that I am suffering.” It’s incredible how fast clouds can part with enough thunder. When you discover millions of dollars won’t make it to your bank account, things change, huh?
What the flash?!
It’s been a week since Miller was arrested in Vermont for breaking into a home to steal a family’s hooch from the wet bar. Although that aforementioned behavior has been on full display for everyone to question, WBD was taking a blind eye and two tone-deaf ears.
However, the Vermont incident resulted in a felony burglary charge, which forced WBD’s hand. Even the multimedia behemoth’s grand poobah, David Zaslav, admitted the studio is reconsidering The Flash, its star, and putting the film on the shelf altogether.
And that forced Ezra’s hand. Miller, 29, offered a “personal statement” for the studio, fans, and “those [Miller] had alarmed and upset.”
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.”
Ezra Miller, August 2022
In the biz, we call that “a dramatic understatement.” Seriously? Ezra Miller is a grown person who had an unhealthy relationship with a 12-year-old, forcing the parents to file a temporary restraining order.
Well, uh, yeah! Excellent detective work there.
Ezra Miller’s race against time
It seemed less like Miller sought the help they needed, and more, was placed in the hot seat of an intervention. For counseling, of course. Yeah, that’s what was meant there.
The abrupt move on Monday followed at least two months of efforts to help. Miller’s long-time CAA agent, Warner Bros, friends, and family encouraged Miller to pursue help, as reported by Deadline.
Whether WBD’s interest in this manner was for Miller’s well-being or their cash cow film is up for debate. The truth is that it was probably both.
The Flash is DC’s and Warner Bros.’ attempt to rejuvenate the DCEU, which is why there has been so much hesitation in going full Batgirl on the film. However, in the story involving Miller’s “about damn time statement,” we’re told WBD has been more “proactive” about a mental health strategy.
This isn’t about business, it’s about a human being who is clearly in pain.“
Some nameless WBD talking head, August 2022
If only we believed that sentiment, WBD could regain public trust and supportive empathy. Yes, Ezra Miller is crying out for help. Yes, the actor has been in a downward spiral for the past few months. But, there is a more substantial possibility Olaf from Frozen wouldn’t melt in hell than the belief that “this isn’t about business.”
Seriously, WBD?!
“This isn’t about business.” If that makes you feel better, then go you. The business wasn’t at the heart of getting Miller to seek counseling as much as a firm booty call isn’t at the heart of a Kardashian in an NBA locker room.
That’s one quote we’re not buying. Assume fans will still see this film, but please don’t think we are naive. Miller is at the heart of not one but two prime Warner Bros. franchises — DC Comics and Harry Potter.
“Not about business.” Please. Back to the Frozen reference, just “let it go!”
