The inclusion of George Reeves’ Superman in The Flash has sparked a heated debate among fans due to the tragic events surrounding the actor’s life. In the movie, Barry Allen’s time-traveling adventures have far-reaching consequences for the entire DC multiverse, incorporating various realities such as the DCEU, Tim Burton’s Batman universe, and others. This allows for the introduction of both new and well-known versions of DC characters on the big screen, including some iconic actors reprising their roles.
While the idea of different DC universes colliding and actors from various eras sharing the screen may seem exciting, certain decisions made in The Flash have been criticized as insensitive. One particular issue revolves around the use of CGI models depicting previous DC actors without clear consent, which has further fueled the controversy. Additionally, the circumstances surrounding George Reeves’ untimely death only intensify the scrutiny surrounding his appearance in The Flash.
Including George Reeves’ Superman in The Flash Was A Bad Idea
The portrayal of George Reeves as Superman in The Flash has sparked a somber sentiment among fans, given the actor’s struggle to separate his personal life from the iconic character prior to his untimely death. The recent tributes to his performance now carry a bitter undertone, as any association between Reeves and Superman only serves to highlight the source of his frustration with the role. Consequently, the decision to recreate his likeness in The Flash for a brief appearance seems insensitive to his memory.
It is important to consider that George Reeves himself would likely have hesitated to accept a new Superman appearance in a film released over six decades after his passing, considering the sufferings he faced during his lifetime.
But it’s horrifying to feature them in AI when they aren’t even alive to be able to consent to it.
If they wanted to pay respect to someone, using AI is not the way to do it. It’s like paying respects to someone and not putting any effort into it. It’s lazy and insulting.
— Spitfire (@SpitfireSin) June 16, 2023
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Moreover, the fact that The Flash was released on the 64th anniversary of Reeves’ death adds another layer of discomfort to this unauthorized portrayal. Without living family members or any authorized personnel to oversee the use of his image, the decision to resurrect his character becomes even more questionable.
If there were individuals responsible for preserving George Reeves’ legacy, it is unlikely that they would have consented to celebrate his memory on this specific day by resurrecting the role that had such a profound impact on him before his tragic demise. The timing and lack of authorization only contribute to the unease surrounding his posthumous appearance in The Flash.
Who Was George Reeves?
George Reeves, the second actor to portray Superman in live-action, brought the iconic Man of Steel to life in 1951. Before him, Kirk Alyn had tested the waters with the role in 1948 and 1950. Despite aspiring to secure more prominent roles in his Hollywood career, Reeves took on the role of Superman for the 1951 film Superman and the Mole Men, which eventually led to the popular 1952 TV series, Adventures of Superman.
To his surprise, Superman catapulted Reeves to stardom, but it also came with unforeseen consequences. The overwhelming success of the character made it challenging for him to pursue other ventures or break free from the Superman image.
As time passed without any other substantial project, Reeves grew weary of the character that defined his career. On June 16, 1959, he was tragically found dead from a gunshot wound to the head. While his death was officially declared a suicide stemming from his frustration with being typecast as Superman, alternative theories have contested this narrative from the beginning. Reeves’ inner circle understood his desire to move on from the character, but they also believed that other factors were involved.
One intriguing aspect of Reeves’ life was his romantic involvement with Toni Mannix, the wife of Eddie Mannix, a prominent MGM manager who allegedly had connections to organized crime. The circumstances surrounding Reeves’ death were ambiguous, giving rise to speculation and debate. Theories diverged, and strong arguments could be made for both suicide and other explanations.
Even to this day, George Reeves’ death remains a subject of discussion, with no definitive resolution. The tragic events surrounding his life and the enigmatic nature of his passing have perpetuated the debate, leaving the true cause of his death shrouded in uncertainty.
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Source: The Direct
