'The Flash' news, release date: Director Rick Famuyiwa drops out of film; production delay likely

The upcoming "The Flash" film has once again lost its director.

Entertainment Weekly reports that director Rick Famuyiwa, who signed on to the DC film several months ago, has dropped out due to creative differences with Warner Bros. EW says a source claims that Famuyiwa was planning on an edgier approach to the film, but that Warner Bros. and DC did not warm to the idea, especially after the negative reviews "Suicide Squad" received in August.

In a statement he gave The Hollywood Reporter about his exit from "The Flash," the "Dope" director said that when he was approached by Warner Bros. and DC to helm the film, he was excited about the chance to enter the world of characters he loved growing up. He also said that he was excited to work with Ezra Miller, who he called a "phenomenal young actor."

"I pitched a version of the film in line with my voice, humor and heart," he said. "While it's disappointing that we couldn't come together creatively on the project, I remain grateful for the opportunity. I will continue to look for opportunities to tell stories that speak to a fresh generational, topical and multicultural point of view," he continued.

"I wish Warner Bros., DC, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns and Ezra Miller all the best as they continue their journey into the speed force," he added.

Miller is still expected to star as Barry Allen/The Flash in the upcoming film. The actor made his big-screen debut as the Scarlet Speedster in this year's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." His next appearance as Flash is in the upcoming "Justice League."

Famuyiwa is the second director to leave the project. "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter" director Seth Grahame-Smith was originally attached to the film before Famuyiwa signed on in June.

While Grahame-Smith's departure occurred before pre-production on "The Flash" began, Famuyiwa's exit occurs at an unfortunate time, with the project already deep into development. As such, this latest bump is expected to cause a delay in the film's production and maybe even its release date.

Warner Bros. has not commented on this development.

"The Flash" is scheduled to hit theaters on March 18, 2018.