UPDATE: Sam Raimi and Marc Webb Pass on ‘The Flash’ as Billy Crudup Drops Out

Following yesterday’s reports that Robert Zemeckis and Kingsman’s Matthew Vaughn are at the top of WB’s list of possible directors for the Scarlet Speedster’s solo movie comes another big newsflash for fans of The Flash (sorry): While Zemeckis is still heavily rumored to be the frontrunner, a new report reveals that two notable directors have already passed, and Billy Crudup is no longer attached to play the role of Barry Allen’s father.

Update: THR reports that Billy Crudup has not dropped out of The Flash, contrary to EW’s claim. Original story continues below…

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According to Entertainment Weekly, Warner Bros. previously approached Sam Raimi and Marc Webb to direct The Flash, but both Spider-Man directors passed on the project — giving them at least one more thing to talk about if they ever get stuck in an elevator together. Matthew Vaughn and Robert Zemeckis are still said to be at the top of WB’s shortlist, though EW backs up yesterday’s reports that Zemeckis is the current frontrunner.

The report also notes that WB is in no rush to get The Flash into production, and they’re willing to accommodate Zemeckis’ schedule. The Back to the Future director is currently prepping his next project, a narrative feature based on the acclaimed documentary Marwencol with Steve Carell in the lead role.

Perhaps that lack of urgency has something to do with the other revelation from EW’s story: After losing two directors, The Flash has now lost one of its stars. Billy Crudup, who was set to play the father of Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen, has dropped out of the project. Crudup had reportedly already filmed scenes with Miller for Justice League; it’s unclear if the part will be recast in time for reshoots, or if those scenes will be excised from the film altogether.

Seth Grahame-Smith was originally attached to helm The Flash, but rumors suggested WB was hesitant about a first-time director, so the job went to Rick Famuyiwa, the up-and-coming director of the hit indie film Dope. It wasn’t long before Famuyiwa himself exited the project, which has yet to find a replacement. In the meantime, WB tapped King Arthur: Legend of the Sword scribe Joby Harold to rewrite The Flash, which does not yet have a release date.