The Flash Super Bowl Trailer Brings A Familiar Batman, Supergirl, And General Zod To The DC Universe

The Superbowl trailer for The Flash has arrived, delivering the best look yet at Michael Keaton's returning dark knight, Kara Zor-El, and the surprising return of Man of Steel's General Zod. Caught between broken timelines is not one but two Barry Allens, as the original scarlet speedster's time travel shenanigans has managed to create a world without metahumans around to protect the Earth from Kryptonian invaders.

"Worlds collide in 'The Flash' when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past," the official synopsis reads. "But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no superheroes to turn to. That is unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian... albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?"

One of the big elements that The Flash borrows from the Flashpoint mini-series is the idea that Superman did make it to Earth, but was quickly scooped up by the US government and imprisoned inside of a cell that was designed to dampen his powers entirely. Instead of Superman though--or Henry Cavill--it's Supergirl AKA Kara Zor-El who has been imprisoned inside of a sunless cell. Michael Keaton's Batman is also sporting a newer--and nicer-- outfit in this film alongside a more acrobatic fighting ability, but he's still cursed with a costume that has his neck locked firmly in place.

The Flash has had a bumpy production on the way to its June 16 release date this year. Between the changing landscape of the DC cinematic universe, director Andy Muschietti facing several filming challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, and the film's star Ezra Miller facing a number of allegations ranging from assault to grooming minors, the film has had a rocky ride since shooting began in 2021.

As for Miller's future in the role, DC Universe co-CEO James Gunn isn't closing the door entirely on their return, but the focus now is on Miller completing their mental health recovery and dealing with legal challenges.