The Flash movie may be back on. MTV is reporting that David Dobkin has been hired to direct it. We’re talking about a Flash solo project here, not that bound to be awful JLA movie George Miller is working on in between coffee breaks.

However, JLA will be in theaters first and it’ll have the Flash figuring prominently in it. Dobkin says that unlike the already existing Batman and Superman franchises, his Flash movie will exist in the same universe as the JLA characters. So I guess that makes The Flash sort of a spinoff, with JLA as a launching pad for Warners to get something going with their more minor superhero characters. Does that also mean that the guy who gets announced as Flash in JLA will be playing him for Dobkin? It seems likely.

Dobkin confirms that his version of Flash will be Wally West, the Flash version also most likely to be seen in JLA. I’ve always liked Barry Allen better, but as long as the character wears red and runs fast, there’s no reason to be picky.

The somewhat disturbing thing about the direction the Flash movie is headed is that they seem to be pushing for a comedic bent. Before Dobkin, Shawn Levy was attached to direct, and he’s best known for Night at the Museum, The Pink Panther, and Cheaper by the Dozen. Dobkin is another comedy helmer, director of Fred Claus, Wedding Crashers, and Shanghai Knights.

Of course Flash is sometimes a lighthearted prankster, so maybe they’re simply planning on emphasizing that side of his personality. Spider-Man’s wry sense of humor never really made it on screen in Raimi’s version, it might be nice to finally have a superhero able to crack a little wise. Dobkin assures it won’t be some slapstick affair though, describing his vision for the film as “You can’t outrun yourself.”. David Dobkin, comedy director though he may be, is at least an upgrade from Levy. Ok Shanghai Knights was a turd, but at least he doesn’t have a bunch of awful, inferior, comedy remakes on his resume. Wedding Crashers alone justifies his existence.

I’ve always really liked the Flash and while I hold out little hope that they’ll ever get it done right, he’s just about the only superhero character left who really deserves his own movie. Come on, it’s the Flash! Everybody loves the Flash. I just hope Dobkin's on the phone with Ryan Reynolds. He's still the only perfect casting choice.