Flip and Flop

Life comes at you fast…

Last month I wrote about Florida’s law that was dubbed “Don’t Say Gay”. I had many feelings about it, but I specifically called out Disney’s tepid response and how their employees were frustrated. Since then, not only have they changed course, stating they’d be “pausing donations to GOP political campaigns”, they even reinserted a queer romance from Lightyear that was cut. Ergo, Disney initially taking no position indirectly led to them being coerced into taking one!

Disney’s stance made headlines, so Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that, with the approval of Florida’s Senate, stripped Disney of its special status. (Basically, petty is as petty does.) This not only forces Disney to pay to remain in Florida, it harms the livelihoods of their tens of thousands of employees. If this feels like a tit-for-tat war, it is. And it’s sad.

But then it was revealed by Disney’s PR that revoking their special status meant that they’d no longer forgive any debts since the 1960’s. In other words, if Florida wanted Disney to pay to continue existing there, then they’d first have to pay back money from 6 decades. And on top of that, it’d be footed by taxpayers. Isn’t Capitalism wonderful?

I hate being that person who sits back and watches entertainment drama unfold, complete with excessive popcorn and 3D glasses, but this is an unusual occasion. Disney’s no saint, and they’ve had plenty of scandals, but this is the one time I’m rooting for The House of Mouse. I feel bad, since the average person will suffer, but it’s schadenfreude in action. Especially since Governor DeSantis is eying the 2024 Presidency.

It's hilarious how this whole ordeal backfired for DeSantis. This is like picking a fight with the toughest guy in school, expecting an easy win, and then realizing too late that he was tough for a reason. Oh, and said guy was kind enough to warn you that you’ll lose in advance. Even if both parties involved “suck”, that this was on the table at all is a “derp” moment.

I don’t know how this’ll play out long-term. But while Disney should really be paying their fair share of taxes, at the same time this won’t end well for Florida. Contrary to what DeSantis believes, Florida needs Disney. They not only employ so many of its citizens, they’re also its biggest source of income and tourism. Disney, however, doesn’t need Florida, not when they also have property in California. It’s a one-way dependency, and if DeSantis expects to win the fight, then he’s mistaken.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Warner Bros. is in poor shape currently. Whether it’s The DCEU not yielding the results they wanted, being sold to Discovery after their merger with AT&T failed, or the Fantastic Beasts series being canned after 3 entries, they’re financially desperate. There’s also the inevitable Flashpoint film being retooled and reworked constantly. And then, of course, there’s its star, Ezra Miller, and their own baggage.

I’m no expert on Miller’s situation, since it keeps changing, but the actor’s been in hot water for breaking into people’s homes and starting fights. It seems like every week something new happens, whether it’s choking a fan, or being caught lashing out in Hawaii. It’s something WB doesn’t need right now, especially given their situation with Joss Whedon. Not to mention, it’s making Miller into a punchline. And given how Miller clearly needs help, that’s not good.

Let me reiterate: Ezra Miller’s not well. I know we like stigmatizing celebrities, especially when they’re famous, but something’s clearly amiss here. As someone with mental health issues myself…well, the signs that Miller has mental health problems too are there. And it’s telling that they’re not being addressed.

It's a shame because I like Ezra Miller as an actor. I think they’re really talented, having seen them in The Perks of Being a Wallflower and considering their role in the first Fantastic Beasts film one of the highlights. But while I like Miller as a performer, I can’t turn a blind eye to the scandals that are currently surfacing. It’s too much to handle. It’s also giving me anxiety.

Besides, like I said, Miller needs help. I don’t know if it’s therapy, intervention or medication, but they need it badly. It’s never fun or sexy to acknowledge the flaws and shortcomings of celebrities, but they’re people. And like regular people, they’re prone to weakness. Acknowledging that’s healthier than acting like it’s non-existent. I should know, I’ve been turned off of Mel Gibson for nearly 20 years!

As for WB and Flashpoint? I don’t know. It’s easy to wait this one out, but considering how long it’s been in production, as well as the numerous delays, I think they should cut their losses. Is it disappointing and annoying? Yes, especially for the people involved. But if their constant delays, as well as Ezra Miller’s controversies, are indication, then maybe it's time to focus on other projects. Miller could use a break from the spotlight...