Developments in the ongoing Ray Fisher vs. Warner Bros. saga today, as WarnerMedia chair and CEO releases a statement backing current head of DC Films, Walter Hamada.
What began with relatively straightforward claims of misconduct on the set of 2017’s Justice League continues to spiral into a bitter spat between Cyborg actor Ray Fisher and the entire studio.
This latest chapter has been building for a while. First Fisher accused DC Films head Walter Hamada of tampering with the ongoing investigation into Joss Whedon’s misconduct and studio execs Jon Berg and Geoff Johns enabling the abusive working enviroment. Fisher also refused to reprise his role in any movie led by Hamada, to which WarnerMedia responded by renewing Hamada’s contract and writing Cyborg out of the upcoming Flash movie.
WarnerMedia have now released a statement that reinforces their backing of Hamada.
“As has been previously stated, an extensive investigation was conducted by an outside law firm, led by a former federal judge who has assured WarnerMedia that there were no impediments to the investigation. Last summer, Mr. Fisher was offered the opportunity to reprise his role as Cyborg in ‘The Flash.’ Given his statement that he will not participate in any film associated with Mr. Hamada, our production is now moving on. Warner Bros. remains in business with Geoff Johns who continues to produce Stargirl, Batwoman, Doom Patrol, Superman & Lois, and Titans for the studio, among other projects.”
Separately, WarnerMedia’s CEO Ann Sarnoff released a statement which more explicitly voiced the company’s stance on the allegations:
“I believe in Walter Hamada and that he did not impede or interfere in the investigation. Furthermore, I have full confidence in the investigation’s process and findings. Walter is a well-respected leader, known by his colleagues, peers, and me as a man of great character and integrity. As I said in Walter’s recent deal extension announcement, I’m excited about where he’s taking DC Films and look forward to working with him and the rest of the team to build out the DC Multiverse.”
Meanwhile, Fisher has confirmed that his character has been removed from the upcoming DCEU movie The Flash. Waves of support have been pouring in for Fisher in his fight to be heard, and #IStandWithRayFisher is now trending online.
While the situation is undoubtedly complex, WarnerMedia seem to have moved on entirely from Fisher’s claims, despite many involved feeling as though the allegations haven’t been adequately handled, and it seems clear that this unfortunate situation is far from over.