Ray Fisher has announced via Twitter that he won't be returning as Cyborg in Warner Bros.'s upcoming The Flash movie. WarnerMedia later released a statement confirming the production would be moving on without him. This news comes as the culmination of a feud between Fisher and key DC Films creatives over allegations of misconduct.
Fisher's only major role in the DCEU was 2017's Justice League. He has since been vocal about his claims of “gross [and] abusive” on-set behavior on the part of the film's director, Joss Whedon. He also accused producers Geoff Johns and Jon Berg of "enabling" Whedon's actions.
WarnerMedia opened an investigation into these allegations in August 2020. The studio quietly wrapped it up in December with a vague statement that they had taken "remedial action." Fisher now accuses DC Films president Walter Hamada of interfering in the investigation to protect Whedon and others.
WarnerMedia continues to stand by the accused. Their most recent statement regarding the controversy included a line that they "remain in business with Geoff Johns." Chairman Ann Sarnoff has said she believes "[Hamada] did not impede or interfere in the investigation" and that she was "excited about where he's taking DC Films." The studio also argues Fisher wasn't fired from The Flash; he effectively quit by refusing to work with Hamada.
Fisher, meanwhile, has refused to back down as well. He's said losing his role as Cyborg was a price he was willing to pay for bringing light to Hamada's actions. He continues to be open with fans on social media; on Twitter, he offered to take a polygraph test to prove the veracity of his claims.
The end result is pretty much what fans on both sides expected. Fisher had already begun hinting at it when he started discussing his beef with Warner Bros. more openly. DC Films would have to make big changes if he was to stay on the cast of The Flash. Clearly, the studio just wasn't comfortable with that. Of course, if what Fisher's been saying is true, then they have a lot more to worry about than just getting rid of Hamada or Whedon.
According to Ray Fisher, Cyborg's part in The Flash would be "much larger than a cameo". This has many DC fans pondering what could have been. Thankfully, the upcoming "Synder Cut" of Justice League will still include Fisher; it may even expand his role. However, aside from that, his time with DC Films seems to be over.
Warner Bros. will release The Flash in theaters on November 4, 2022.
Source: Variety