With only a few months until its theatrical release, DC’sThe Flashhas had its official MPAA rating confirmed. The movie is rated PG-13, and not just for the on-screen violence.
The Flashsees Barry Allen use his powers to travel back in time to prevent his mother’s death. His actions have unexpected consequences, and he is thrust into an alternate reality devoid of metahumans.With the help of Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, a younger version of Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen, and Michael Keaton’s Batman, Barry attempts to thwart General Zod and return to his own universe.
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The Flash’s premise has plenty of opportunitiesfor the expected content that would earn the movie a PG-13 rating. After all, it would be nearly impossible to go up against General Zod without a little violence and strong language. Furthermore, Batman isn’t exactly known for his peaceful approach to conflict. However, one unexpected note inThe Flash’s rating has fans speculating about what awaits them in DC’s next installment: “partial nudity."
While PG-13 ratings aren’t uncommon for superhero movies, partial nudity is unusual. The small club of DC movies referencing nudity in their rating notes includesDavid Ayer’sSuicide Squadand 2021’sThe Suicide Squad. Both movies were touted as irreverent, unconventional takes on superhero movies, so nudity was more in line with audiences’ expectations. For a movie about the Flash, a conventional superhero whose suit fully covers his body, partial nudity is enough to raise eyebrows and cause fans to wonder just how far DC will pushThe Flash’s PG-13 rating.
This revelation prompts several questions, the biggest of which is: who will be partially nude? Miller’s depiction of the Flash has always leaned toward awkward and dorky, so it’s reasonable to assume that through some mishap, Barry loses his clothes and is temporarily naked. This theory is supported by a DC cover released in the summer of 2022 featuring a partially nude Barry Allen pulling on his Flash suit. Although it’s unclear if theproduction ofThe Flashwould have lined up with the conception and release of that cover, it’s still possible the movie could include a shot that mirrors the comic cover as an easter egg for Flash fans.
Of course, Barry isn’t the only character that the “partial nudity” note refers to. Supergirl, Batman, and even General Zod are on the table. However, all three characters seem too serious for a fun moment of partial nudity. The note could even refer to nameless extras who find themselves indisposed in front of one of the movie’s main characters. HowThe Flashincorporates this element will likely play into Barry’s awkward nature and garner at least a chuckle from audiences.
The Flashpremieres in theaters on June 16th, 2023.
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