Ray Fisher And ‘The Flash’ Part Ways; WarnerMedia Stands With DC Films’ Walter Hamada
by Erik Amaya
Confirming recent rumors, Ray Fisher revealed Wednesday that his Justice League character Cyborg has been written out of the upcoming Flash feature film. In a two-page post on Twitter, the actor said he “strongly disagreed” with the studio’s decision to remove him and the character, but said their choice was “unsurprising.” The move is the latest in a battle between studio and actor over his allegation of abuse on the set of the Justice League reshoots in 2017.
Last summer, Fisher made headlines accusing reshoot director Joss Whedon of unspecified abuses. He subsequently called out then-DC Films bosses Geoff Johns and Jon Berg for enabling Whedon’s behavior and refusing to escalate his complaints to higher executives in the Warner corporate structure. He also accused Johns of threatening his career if he continued to make waves about Whedon.
Since his initial accusations, much of Fisher’s ire has moved to current DC Films chief Walter Hamada, whom he accuses of trying to protect Johns and Berg by just about any means; including aiding an entertainment website in writing several hit-pieces on the actor.
Curiously, he notes in his latest post that Hamada’s interference with the investigation — which was conducted at the WarnerMedia level above Hamada and the principle executives at Warner Bros. Pictures — is separate from his issues with Hamada. The results of the investigation may have led to Whedon’s recent departure from HBO Max’s upcoming series The Nevers and Fisher suggests Johns, currently the executive producer of The CW’s Stargirl, may also be “quietly” phased out before too long. He goes on to say the investigation led to WarnerMedia learning of Johns’ “racist, coercive, discriminatory, and retaliatory behavior.”
WarnerMedia has made no statements regard Johns or Whedon. Their only comments on the investigation thus far have been to confirm misconduct did occur and “remedial” steps are being taken. Meanwhile, WarnerMedia chairperson and CEO Ann Sarnoff released a statement on Thursday in which she reiterated her belief that Hamada did not interfere with the investigation. “Walter is a well-respected leader, known by his colleagues, peers, and me as a man of great character and integrity,” she wrote. “As I said in Walter’s recent deal extension announcement, I’m excited about where he’s taking DC Films and look forward to working with him and the rest of the team to build out the DC Multiverse.”
She also said she has full confidence in the findings of the investigation.
What this means for Johns and Stargirl is anyone’s guess. The program is slated to return later this year with a new focus on the villainous Eclipso. And though he has been the creative face of the series — indeed, he created the Courtney Whitmore character following the tragic death of his sister in 1996 — it is possible for others to step forward and continue the program should he be phased out as Fisher predicts.
The actor, meanwhile, will likely never play Cyborg again. As he has said on no uncertain terms, he will not work with Hamada. And as he wrote in his most recent comments, if giving up the role is the price he must pay to bring more accountability to abusive behavior, he will “gladly pay it.” Although, he is expected to reprise his role in some additional scenes for the Zack Snyder version of Justice League due to debut on HBO Max later this year. It will likely be the last Warner-affiliated project he will appear in for some time. As we’ve said before, his conviction in this matter is incredibly brave and laudable. All the more so as it now comes with an easily perceptible cost.
