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Ezra Miller

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Ezra Matthew Miller (born September 30, 1992) is an American actor. Their[a] feature film debut was in Afterschool (2008), which they followed by starring in the dramas We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012).

Key Information

After a supporting role in the comedy Trainwreck (2015), Miller played Credence Barebone in the Fantastic Beasts fantasy films Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022). In 2020, they had a recurring role on the miniseries The Stand. From 2016 to 2023, Miller played the Flash in the DC Extended Universe, primarily in the films Justice League (2017) and The Flash (2023).

Miller's off-screen life has been marred with multiple controversies and legal issues. Since 2022, they have been accused of committing assault, burglary, disorderly conduct, harassment, and grooming of minors, resulting in multiple widely publicized arrests, citations, and restraining orders.[1][2][3][4]

Early life

[edit]

Ezra Matthew Miller[5][6] was born in Wyckoff, New Jersey,[7][8] on September 30, 1992.[9][10] They have two older sisters named Saiya and Caitlin.[11] Their mother, Marta Miller (née Koch), is a modern dancer.[8] Their father, Robert S. Miller, was senior vice president and managing director of Hyperion Books, and later became a publisher at Workman Publishing.[11][12] Miller's father is Jewish; their mother is of Dutch and German descent.[13] Miller identifies as Jewish and "spiritual".[14][15][16] At the age of six, they started to train as an opera singer to overcome their stuttering.[17] They have sung with the Metropolitan Opera,[18] and performed in the American premiere of Philip Glass's opera White Raven.[8] Miller attended Rockland Country Day School and The Hudson School, dropping out at age 16 after the release of the film Afterschool. Miller attended Bard College for six months before dropping out to pursue an acting career full time.[12][19][20][21][22]

Career

[edit]
Miller at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival

Miller's career in film began in 2008 with Antonio Campos' Afterschool, in the role of a teenager at a boarding school who accidentally films the drug-related deaths of two classmates, and is then asked to put together a memorial video.[8] The following year, they appeared in City Island with Andy García, Julianna Margulies, and Steven Strait. In 2010, Miller portrayed the lead of Beware the Gonzo and had a supporting role in Every Day, both of which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. They next appeared in the BBC Films drama We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011), alongside Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly, which was adapted and directed by Lynne Ramsay from American author Lionel Shriver's 2003 novel of the same name.[23] In television, Miller played Damien on the Showtime hit comedy series Californication.[24] They then appeared on Royal Pains as Tucker Bryant for two seasons. In the 2012 film adaptation of the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Miller played Patrick, alongside Logan Lerman and Emma Watson.[25]

Miller has been credited with singing, drumming and percussion on musical recordings by the band Sons of an Illustrious Father as early as 2011.[26] The band is a trio that features Lilah Larson (vocals, guitar, bass and drums), Josh Aubin (bass, keyboards, guitar, vocals), and Miller.[27][28] In 2019, the band released a cover of "Don't Cha" by the Pussycat Dolls and Miller appeared in its music video.[29]

Miller played Credence Barebone in the 2016 film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, a spin-off of the Harry Potter film series. They reprised the role in the film's sequel, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, which was released in November 2018, and in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, released in April 2022.[30]

Miller portrays Barry Allen as the Flash in Warner Bros.' DC adaptations, first appearing in cameos in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, and continuing the role as one of the leads in Justice League. They played the character in the standalone film The Flash, which was released in 2023;[31][32] this made them the first openly nonbinary person to play the lead role in a major superhero franchise film.[33]

Miller attended Middle East Film and Comic Con in 2018, representing their character in the DC Comics franchise film Justice League.[34] In 2020, they reprised the role of the Flash for a cameo appearance in the Arrowverse crossover event, Crisis on Infinite Earths.

In December 2020, Miller portrayed Trashcan Man in the Paramount+ television miniseries The Stand, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name.[35][36][37]

In May 2025, it was reported that Miller would be the main character in a vampire movie that is in development and will be directed by Lynne Ramsay.[38]

Personal life

[edit]

In 2010, Miller dated Zoë Kravitz, both of whom starred in Beware the Gonzo.[39] Miller later became engaged to Erin, a woman they began dating in 2016, but called it off after a spiritual advisor told Miller that Erin was a "parasite".[21]

Miller at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Miller came out as queer in 2012,[40] but later said they avoided the use of the label "queer".[35] They also said in 2018, "Queer just means no, I don't do that. I don't identify as a man. I don't identify as a woman. I barely identify as a human."[41] Miller uses they/them pronouns, which GQ wrote in 2020 was "a pointed refusal to be gendered".[35] They previously used all pronouns interchangeably;[42][43] as of 2022, Miller uses they/them, it, and zir pronouns.[44][45] Having expressed an interest in "kissing boys" at a young age,[46] Miller said, "The way I would choose to identify myself wouldn't be gay. I've been attracted mostly to 'shes' but I've been with many people and I'm open to love whatever it can be."[20] Miller also commented on having "a lot of really wonderful friends who are of very different sexes and genders. I am very much in love with no one in particular."[17][47]

In 2018, Miller showed support for the #MeToo movement and revealed a personal experience concerning a Hollywood producer and a director, both of whom were left unnamed: "They gave me wine and I was underaged. They were like, 'Hey, want to be in our movie about gay revolution?' And I was like, 'No, you guys are monsters.'"[41]

In November 2018, Miller announced that they were in a polyamorous relationship with multiple people, including their bandmates in the rock band Sons of an Illustrious Father.[48]

Following their parents' divorce in 2019, the status of Miller's mental health began to deteriorate, although their spokesperson denied that it was caused by the divorce.[21] According to Insider, Miller began to travel while wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying at least one firearm in early 2022, following fears that they were being followed by members of the Ku Klux Klan and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Tokata Iron Eyes, an associate of Miller, later referred to their bulletproof vest as "a fashionable safety measure in response to actual attacks and received death threats".[4]

On January 27, 2022, Miller posted a video on Instagram that seemed to threaten members of the Ku Klux Klan operating in Beulaville, North Carolina.[49] In response, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported no knowledge of recent Klan activity in Beulaville.[50]

On August 15, 2022, a representative of Miller released a statement to Variety in which Miller apologized for their past behavior, stating that they had recently "gone through a time of intense crisis" and had begun treatment for "complex mental health issues".[51] A September 2022 article in Vanity Fair quoted others as saying Miller has claimed to be Jesus, the devil, and the next Messiah.[21] It also reported that they believed their relationship with Iron Eyes would bring about the apocalypse[21] and Freemasons were sending demons to kill them.[21]

[edit]

Disorderly conduct

[edit]

On June 28, 2011, in the midst of filming The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Miller was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over in Pittsburgh for a broken brake light; police discovered 20 grams of marijuana in Miller's possession.[52] The actor was initially charged with drug possession, but the charge was later dropped by a judge. They instead faced a penalty of $600 for two citations of disorderly conduct.[24] They later remarked, "I don't feel like there's any need to hide the fact that I smoke pot. It's a harmless herbal substance that increases sensory appreciation."[12]

Choking incident

[edit]

On April 6, 2020, a video surfaced in a since-deleted tweet that appeared to show Miller choking a woman and throwing her to the ground. The video was confirmed by Variety to have taken place at Prikið Kaffihús, a bar in Reykjavík, Iceland, that Miller frequents when in the city.[53][54][55] A bar employee identified the person in the video as Miller, who was escorted off the premises by staff after the incident.[53]

In September 2022, a representative for Miller claimed that the supposed strangulation was a "spontaneous reaction" spurred by "a group of teenagers" taunting Miller over their mixed martial arts skills, and that they did not strangle the woman but "went at her collarbone".[21]

Hawaii incidents

[edit]

In March 2022, Miller was on the island of Hawaii. From March 7 through March 28, Miller was the subject of ten calls to the police because of various minor incidents, such as filming people at a gas station, loitering on a restaurant's sidewalk, and arguing with people. Eventually, Miller was invited to live with a couple at a hostel in Hilo after Miller became acquainted with them at a farmer's market.[56][57]

On March 28, Miller was arrested in Hilo. Police said Miller had a physical altercation with patrons after cursing at customers at a karaoke bar. Miller was charged with disorderly conduct and harassment.[58][59] Miller later claimed that they became enraged after being "accosted by a Nazi", but Hawaii Police Assistant Chief Kenneth Quiocho stated that Miller's outrage was caused by patrons of the bar singing Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's song "Shallow". Miller claimed to have filmed the incident so the footage could later be used as "NFT crypto art". During their arrest, Miller said that they were being "unlawfully persecuted" and, after members of the police misgendered them, accused the officers of intentionally committing a hate crime.[21][57]

Three days later, the couple Miller had been staying with was granted a temporary restraining order against Miller after Miller allegedly threatened the two and stole the wife's passport and the husband's wallet. According to the couple, the threat and theft took place on the same night as Miller's arrest at the karaoke bar, hours after the husband bailed Miller out of jail for $500. The allegation involved Miller barging into the couple's bedroom and threatening "I will bury you and your slut wife."[60][56] Soon after, Miller fled Hilo with a friend to stay in Volcano, Hawaii.[57] The couple later dropped their petition for the order on April 11.[61]

On April 19, Miller was again taken into custody for second-degree assault by Leilani Estates Subdivision police authorities in Pāhoa. According to Midi Libre, they were arrested for throwing a chair, which hit a 26-year-old woman and left a half-inch cut on her forehead, after being told to leave during a private get-together.[62] Miller was arrested 20 minutes after the attack during a traffic stop in Kea'au.[63][64] Within hours of this second arrest, Miller pleaded no contest to the karaoke incident and was fined $500 for disorderly conduct by judge Kanani Laubach.[65][66]

Relationship with Tokata Iron Eyes and messiah claims

[edit]

In June 2022, the Standing Rock Sioux tribal court issued a temporary order of protection against Miller on behalf of 18-year-old activist Tokata Iron Eyes. Her parents, Chase Iron Eyes and Sara Jumping Eagle, said they requested the court order because of Miller's use of "violence, intimidation, threat of violence, fear, paranoia, delusions, and drugs" to hold sway over their child.[1] The relationship between Miller and Iron Eyes, which began in 2016 when Miller was aged 23 and Iron Eyes was aged 12, also included Iron Eyes flying to London in 2017 to visit Miller on the set of The Crimes of Grindelwald. Iron Eyes dropped out of school in 2021, which her parents believe she did to follow Miller. Her parents also stated in court documents that Miller had caused bruises on their child's body, and that Miller has groomed and manipulated her.[67] Text and video responses were later posted on the Instagram account believed to belong to Tokata Iron Eyes, denying her parents' allegations; however, the parents countered by claiming their child did not have control over her social media account. Tokata Iron Eyes stated in a video response that it was her own choice not to have a phone.[68][69][67] Law enforcement were initially unable to locate Miller to serve them with the order.[70] Miller then posted messages, since deleted, on their Instagram account mocking the court's attempts to find them.[71] Iron Eyes's parents later attempted to obtain a permanent order of protection against Miller, but it was eventually dismissed. They also withdrew their request for the custody of Iron Eyes.[21]

In August, Miller's former music collaborator Oliver Ignatius stated that he had witnessed Miller verbally abuse Iron Eyes over her wearing makeup. Iron Eyes defended Miller by referring to the incident as "a catty comment" and a part of "queer dialogue"; she called the allegation of abuse "homophobic".[4] A former resident of Miller's farm in Vermont explained that Miller believed people criticized their relationship with Iron Eyes because she is "an apocalyptic Native American spider goddess" who, along with Miller as Jesus Christ, will bring about an Indigenous revolution. Miller refers to themself as a Messiah to Native Americans. Miller does not have Indigenous ancestry, and their attitude toward the Native American community has been strongly criticized by some within it.[21]

Harassment allegations

[edit]

On June 16, 2022, a mother and her twelve-year-old child were granted a temporary harassment prevention order against Miller in Massachusetts after they said that Miller threatened the woman's family and showed inappropriate behavior towards the child. The child, their mother, and a neighbor corroborated that Miller brandished a gun in anger and behaved inappropriately toward the child, fixating on them, hugging them, and touching their hips.[2][3]

The child's mother told Business Insider that Miller had known the family since February, had taken an interest in the child because of their "style and maturity level", and had offered to start a clothing line with the child and fund their attendance to a design school. The mother also said that Miller considered the child to be a powerful "mystical being" who "would be lucky to have Ezra to guide and protect them." Shortly before the harassment prevention order was granted in June, the mother stated, Miller arrived at the family's house dressed as a cowboy and attempted to buy horses for the child.[4]

No criminal charges were filed and the order was lifted on June 30, 2023. Miller's attorney Marissa Elkins stated that all of the encounters between them and the child were initiated by the mother, that they were never alone with the child and they only interacted twice for a short while in front of other adults. She also denied that Miller had brandished a gun and stated that they had been unable to come to court to defend themselves when the order was issued.[72]

Vermont farm incidents

[edit]

As reported by Rolling Stone, Miller had been housing a mother they met in Hilo, Hawaii, and her three young children on Miller's farm in Stamford, Vermont, since mid-April 2022. Multiple sources, including the children's father, alleged that guns and ammunition are easily accessible to the children and that the one-year-old put a loose bullet in her mouth. The mother claimed that Miller was offering them a shelter from her ex-husband, whom she alleged was abusive. Further claims include assault rifles being propped up on piles of the children's stuffed animals, and "heavy marijuana use", with people smoking marijuana in front of the children in rooms without proper ventilation, including a witness stating that he "saw Miller blow marijuana smoke in the baby's face and use their arm to waft more smoke in the baby's direction."[4] Rolling Stone also published that Miller has been running a large, unlicensed marijuana cultivation operation.[73]

On the weekend of August 6, 2022, Vermont State Police approached Miller's residence and "repeatedly attempted to serve the mother an emergency care order that demanded the children's removal from her care and the home over fear for their safety."[74] Police and social workers were unable to locate the children or the mother. Miller told police that the woman and her children do not live there, and had not "for the past two months".[74] Contradicting Miller, the DCF caseworker, in her affidavit to the Court, presented evidence that up until late July 2022, the woman had been regularly posting images on social media that confirm that she was living with Miller.[74] The Vermont State Attorney's office stated that Miller's response "seemed like an attempt to 'evade service'" of the order.[74]

Burglary charge

[edit]

On August 7, 2022, Miller was charged with felony burglary in Stamford, Vermont, stemming from what the police report indicated was theft of bottles of alcohol from a private home in May 2022, according to Vermont State Police.[75] According to the report, Miller was identified by police via video surveillance footage. Miller was due to be arraigned in court on September 26, 2022.[75] A week prior to the planned arraignment date, a representative for Miller stated that the home is owned by a former childhood friend of Miller's and that Miller believed that they were welcome to enter the home to obtain rice wine for cooking.[21]

The arraignment was later pushed back to October 17, 2022.[76] Appearing in court remotely on that date, Miller pleaded not guilty to the charges.[77][78] The next hearing on this case was scheduled for January 13, 2023.[78][79] A day before the scheduled hearing, Miller accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to trespassing, with the burglary and petit larceny charges being dropped.[80] On the day of the hearing, Miller's trespassing plea was approved by the court.[81] Miller was handed 12 months probation by Judge Kerry Ann McDonald-Cady at Bennington County Superior Court, Vermont. Miller told the court they believe they can comply with the stipulations of the one-year probation, which included no contact with the victims, continuing their mental health treatment, random alcohol screenings, and not being convicted of a criminal offense, among others.[82]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2008 Afterschool Robert
2009 City Island Vince Jr.
2010 Beware the Gonzo Eddie "Gonzo" Gilman
Every Day Jonah
2011 Another Happy Day Elliot
Busted Walk Jay Short film
We Need to Talk About Kevin Kevin / Teenager
2012 The Perks of Being a Wallflower Patrick
2014 Madame Bovary Léon Dupuis
2015 The Stanford Prison Experiment Daniel Culp / 8612
Trainwreck Donald
2016 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Barry Allen / The Flash Cameo
Suicide Squad
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Credence Barebone
Where's Waldo? Agent Murmur Short
2017 Justice League Barry Allen / The Flash
2018 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Credence Barebone
2019 Hanukkah, O Hanukkah (A Magical Time of Year) Player Short; also producer
Palm: Unstatus Quo Modelling Man Short
2021 Zack Snyder's Justice League[b] Barry Allen / The Flash Director's cut of Justice League
Asking for It[83] Mark Vanderhill Also producer
2022 Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Credence Barebone
Neptune Frost Producer only
2023 Dalíland Young Dali
The Flash Barry Allen / The Flash

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2008 Cakey! The Cake from Outer Space Bully 1 episode
Californication Damien Patterson 5 episodes
2009 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Ethan Morse Episode: "Crush"
2009–2010 Royal Pains Tucker Bryant 5 episodes
2020 Arrow Barry Allen / The Flash Episode: "Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Four"; cameo
2021 The Stand Trashcan Man Miniseries
Invincible D.A. Sinclair Voice, episode: "You Look Kinda Dead"
2022 Peacemaker Barry Allen / The Flash Episode: "It's Cow or Never"; uncredited cameo

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Voice role Notes
2016 Lego Dimensions Credence Barebone DLC

Awards and nominations

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See also

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Explanatory notes

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References

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ezra Miller (born September 30, 1992) is an American actor best known for playing Barry Allen/The Flash in the DC Extended Universe and for roles in We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), whose films have grossed over $3 billion at the global box office.[1][2][3][4] At the 2022 Oscars, fans voted the scene of The Flash (Miller) entering the Speed Force in Zack Snyder's Justice League as the inaugural "Oscars Cheer Moment," where Flash breaks the speed of light to reverse time, edging out contenders including Spider-Man: No Way Home and Avengers: Endgame.[5] After a challenging period in 2022 that resulted in two minor misdemeanor resolutions—with fines and probation but no jail time—and discredited grooming allegations that were withdrawn in August 2024 after the accuser publicly stated they were based on false and recanted information,[6][7] Miller sought treatment for mental-health challenges. In 2025, they made public appearances, including attending the Cannes Film Festival, and began collaborating on a new film with director Lynne Ramsay.[8][9][10]

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Ezra Miller was born Ezra Matthew Miller on September 30, 1992, in Wyckoff, New Jersey.[1] [2] Miller's mother, Marta Koch, is a modern dancer of Dutch and German descent, while their father, Robert S. Miller, served as senior vice president and managing director at Hyperion Books before becoming a publisher at Workman Publishing.[1] [3] The family maintained Ashkenazi Jewish heritage through the paternal line.[4] As the youngest of three siblings, Miller grew up with two older sisters, Saiya and Caitlin, in a household centered in suburban New Jersey.[4] The family environment emphasized artistic pursuits, reflecting the mother's professional background in dance and the father's role in publishing.[5] From an early age, Miller engaged with performance arts, including singing as a child with the Metropolitan Opera and participating in school-based productions.[1] This exposure, beginning around age six with involvement in highbrow theatrical premieres, laid foundational influences amid a supportive familial setting.[5]

Education and initial career pursuits

Miller attended The Hudson School, a private preparatory institution in Hoboken, New Jersey, but dropped out during their junior year at age 16 to pursue acting full-time after the release of their debut film Afterschool (2008).[6][7][8] This decision was inspired by a dream of Ludwig van Beethoven urging artistic sacrifice over academics.[9] At age 6, Miller trained as a boy soprano to overcome a speech impediment[10] and, at age 8, performed in the U.S. premiere of Philip Glass's opera White Raven at the New York State Theater, marking an introduction to high-level stage work.[5] Classically trained as a singer from a young age, Miller's pursuits emphasized vocal and theatrical expression over formal academics.[11] Post-dropout, Miller engaged in initial auditions and preparatory stage activities through immersive learning, observation, and collaboration, without completing any degrees.

Acting career

Early roles and indie breakthroughs (2008–2015)

City Island film poster
Poster for City Island (2009)
Miller made their feature film debut in the 2008 independent psychological drama Afterschool, directed by Antonio Campos, portraying Robert, a withdrawn prep-school student obsessed with online videos who inadvertently captures the overdose death of two classmates.[12] The role showcased an early demonstration of dramatic intensity, with critics noting Miller's ability to convey adolescent alienation and emotional detachment.[13] Following this, Miller appeared in the 2009 family comedy-drama City Island, directed by Raymond De Felitta and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, as Vince Rizzo Jr., the rebellious teenage son harboring personal secrets in a dysfunctional Bronx household.[14] [15] The performance contributed to the film's positive reception for its ensemble dynamics and exploration of hidden family tensions.[16] In television, Miller gained visibility with a recurring role as Damien Patterson, the provocative boyfriend of a main character's daughter, across five episodes of Showtime's Californication in its second season, airing in 2008.[17] This marked an entry into mainstream scripted series, highlighting versatility in portraying edgy, youthful characters amid adult themes of relationships and excess.[18] Expanding into additional independent projects, Miller starred as Eddie "Gonzo" Gilman in the 2010 coming-of-age film Beware the Gonzo and as Jonah in the ensemble drama Every Day, both emphasizing teen angst and relational complexities.[19]
The Perks of Being a Wallflower film poster
Poster for The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) featuring Ezra Miller
Miller earned breakthrough acclaim in 2011 as the sociopathic teenager Kevin Khatchadourian in Lynne Ramsay's We Need to Talk About Kevin, opposite Tilda Swinton. The performance, praised for its chilling authenticity across multiple life stages, garnered a British Independent Film Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.[20][21] That year, Miller also featured as the volatile teen Elliot in Another Happy Day, a dysfunctional family drama directed by Sam Levinson. In 2012, they delivered a charismatic yet introspective turn as Patrick in Stephen Chbosky's coming-of-age adaptation The Perks of Being a Wallflower, based on the 1999 novel. The role earned the Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor and an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Performance.[22][23] In 2015, Miller portrayed real-life participant Daniel Culp (Prisoner 8612) in Kyle Patrick Alvarez's psychological drama The Stanford Prison Experiment, a recreation of Philip Zimbardo's infamous 1971 study. Their harrowing breakdown performance contributed to the film's Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at Sundance.[24]

Mainstream success and genre versatility (2016–2021)

Ezra Miller in period costume as Credence Barebone in a crowded urban scene
Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
In 2016, Miller achieved mainstream prominence with supporting roles in two major blockbusters. They portrayed Credence Barebone, a troubled orphan harboring dark magical secrets, in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, directed by David Yates, which grossed $234 million domestically and contributed to a worldwide total exceeding $800 million against a $180 million budget.[25][26] Critics noted Miller's ability to convey Credence's simmering intensity and vulnerability, drawing parallels to their earlier dramatic work in We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011), where they earned praise for embodying psychological turmoil.[27] That same year, Miller debuted as Barry Allen / The Flash in a brief but memorable cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, directed by Zack Snyder, appearing in a time-travel sequence to warn Bruce Wayne of future events; the film earned $874 million worldwide.[28] This role marked Miller's entry into the superhero genre, showcasing quicksilver physicality and youthful energy in contrast to their more introspective indie performances.[29] Miller reprised Credence in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), delving deeper into the character's obscured lineage and emotional fractures amid the franchise's escalating fantasy intrigue, with the sequel grossing over $650 million globally despite mixed reviews on plot complexity.[30] Their performance was highlighted for adding layers of pathos to the wizarding world's expansion, demonstrating versatility in blending high-stakes action with character-driven subtlety across fantasy and emerging superhero formats.[27] These roles underscored Miller's shift from indie acclaim to commercial viability, with films collectively surpassing $1.5 billion in worldwide earnings during the period.[25]

The Flash in the DC Extended Universe

Ezra Miller first portrayed Barry Allen / The Flash in a brief cameo during the "Knightmare" sequence of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, released on March 25, 2016, where the character time-travels to warn Bruce Wayne of a dystopian future dominated by Superman.[31][28] The role expanded in Justice League (2017), initially directed by Zack Snyder until his departure due to a family tragedy, after which Joss Whedon oversaw reshoots and final edits, resulting in a theatrical cut released on November 17, 2017; Miller's performance depicted Barry as a socially awkward, speed-enhanced forensic analyst who joins the superhero team to combat Steppenwolf.[32] A director's cut, Zack Snyder's Justice League, premiered on HBO Max on March 18, 2021, restoring Snyder's vision with additional footage filmed remotely, emphasizing Barry's growth into a more confident hero capable of manipulating the Speed Force to reverse catastrophic events.[33] Miller starred as Barry Allen in the standalone film The Flash, directed by Andy Muschietti and released on June 16, 2023, following a development timeline initiated in 2013 with multiple script revisions and director changes, including initial attachments to Seth Grahame-Smith and Rick Famuyiwa before Muschietti's involvement in 2016.[34] Production faced significant delays from script rewrites, the COVID-19 pandemic, and extensive reshoots extending into 2022, contributing to a reported production budget exceeding $200 million before marketing costs.[35] The narrative centered on Barry's multiversal time-travel exploits, incorporating elements from the "Flashpoint" comic storyline, with Miller performing dual roles as the protagonist and an alternate, younger Barry. Critics delivered mixed assessments of Miller's lead performance, praising the actor's conveyance of Barry's manic, youthful energy and humor—particularly in speedster action sequences and comedic timing reminiscent of comic book iterations—but faulting the portrayal for lacking emotional depth and maturity in exploring the character's grief and isolation.[36] Director Andy Muschietti described working with Miller as “definitely one of my best experiences with an actor in my whole career,” citing their commitment, discipline, and emotional depth.[37] The film holds a 63% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 439 reviews, with consensus noting visual spectacle overshadowed by narrative inconsistencies.[38] Box office results reflected underperformance, grossing $108 million domestically and $163 million internationally for a worldwide total of $271 million against a $220 million production budget plus over $100 million in marketing, marking it as one of Warner Bros.' lower-returning DC releases.[39][40]

Career developments and upcoming projects (2022–present)

Following the June 16, 2023, release of The Flash, in which Miller reprised the role of Barry Allen / The Flash, the actor's career entered a prolonged hiatus marked by the absence of new film or television commitments.[41][42] Warner Bros. Discovery promoted the film with limited emphasis on Miller's involvement, focusing instead on multiverse elements and returning actors like Michael Keaton as Batman, amid the production's reported $200–220 million budget and eventual $271 million worldwide gross, which fell short of expectations for a tentpole superhero entry.[41][42] From mid-2023 through early 2025, Miller secured no verified roles in major studio projects, though DC Extended Universe director Andy Muschietti expressed in May 2023 no immediate plans to recast the Flash character for potential sequels.[43] By late 2024, DC Studios co-head James Gunn signaled a broader reboot under the DC Universe banner, effectively sidelining Miller's iteration of the character without explicit recasting announcements tied to the actor.[44] In May 2025, director Lynne Ramsay disclosed development on an untitled vampire film, with Miller attached to star in the lead role and co-write the script, marking their first confirmed collaboration since We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011).[45][46] Ramsay described the project as in early stages during a Los Angeles Times interview, emphasizing Miller's central involvement without a specified production timeline or distributor.[45]
Ezra Miller on red carpet at film festival
Ezra Miller at the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival in June 2025
Miller publicly addressed a potential acting resumption in June 2025 interviews at the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival and following their Cannes Film Festival appearance—their first red-carpet event in nearly two years—stating intentions for a "tentative" Hollywood return while expressing "a lot of remorse" for unspecified past actions.[47][48] No additional projects beyond the Ramsay film have been greenlit or cast as of October 2025, and representatives have issued no updates on agency commitments.[47][49]

Personal identity and beliefs

Gender identity, pronouns, and public presentation

Miller publicly identified as queer in an August 2012 interview with Out magazine, stating, "I'm queer" and describing attractions beyond strict heterosexual or homosexual categories, while noting a fluid approach to gender expression that included past experimentation with makeup and attire typically associated with femininity.[50]
Ezra Miller seated wearing a long green skirt, green turtleneck, and long green coat with an apple on their leg
Ezra Miller in a gender-fluid outfit from a GQ photoshoot
In November 2018 interviews, Miller rejected binary gender labels, telling The Hollywood Reporter, "Queer just means no, I don't do that. I don't identify as a man. I don't identify as a woman. I barely identify as a human," and expressing comfort with all pronouns amid a self-described gender fluidity.[51] By early 2020, Miller specified use of they/them pronouns as a "pointed refusal to be gendered," per reporting in GQ Britain, aligning with public non-binary self-identification.[52] This shift drew media accommodations, such as revised reporting on past events, though some outlets and commentators highlighted apparent inconsistencies, including Miller's earlier self-references with he/him and portrayals of unambiguously male characters like Barry Allen in the DC Extended Universe films.[53]
Ezra Miller in a long black pinstripe gown holding a stick with a sculpted head prop on pink carpeted stairs
Ezra Miller wearing androgynous attire featuring a gown and unique accessory at a major public event
Miller has appeared in public wearing androgynous attire blending traditionally masculine and feminine elements, such as lace, skirts, and jewelry, including at the 2019 Met Gala, which Miller described as personal expression rather than activism.[54] In a 2018 GQ profile, Miller described gender-blind clothing selections drawn from diverse influences, reinforcing a presentation unbound by norms.[53] During a May 2022 arrest in Hawaii, body-camera footage captured Miller insisting on they/them usage by officers.[55]

Personal Life

Ezra Miller and Zoë Kravitz at the Tribeca Film Festival
Ezra Miller and Zoë Kravitz together at the Tribeca Film Festival
Ezra Miller's documented romantic relationships have been limited and infrequently publicized, with early associations including a brief romance with actress Zoë Kravitz in 2010 while co-starring in Beware the Gonzo.[56]

Mental health and substance use

Self-reported mental health issues and treatment

Following 2022 arrests in Hawaii and Vermont, Ezra Miller publicly acknowledged on August 15, 2022, experiencing "complex mental health issues" and beginning outpatient treatment. Representatives cited these issues in statements about the incidents. By June 2025, Miller expressed "a lot of remorse," describing the actions as part of a personal crisis used for growth.

2022 Hawaii Incidents (No Convictions)

Ezra Miller booking photograph from Hawaii arrest
Booking photograph of Ezra Miller following arrest in Hilo, Hawaii
The included booking photograph reflects an arrest only and does not indicate guilt or a criminal conviction. In March and April 2022, Ezra Miller was arrested twice in Hilo and Pāhoa, Hawaii. No convictions resulted from either case. Prior to the first arrest, Hawaii police received 10 calls regarding minor ("manini") incidents involving Miller since March 7, including filming people at a gas station, refusing to leave a sidewalk outside a restaurant, and arguing with others. On March 28, 2022, Miller was arrested for disorderly conduct and harassment after an altercation at a karaoke bar. They posted $500 bail and were released the same day. The case was resolved with a no-contest plea to disorderly conduct, a $500 fine, and a bar-avoidance order; the harassment charge was dismissed. On April 19, 2022, Miller was arrested for suspected second-degree assault after allegedly throwing a chair that struck a woman. They posted $500 bail and were released. Prosecutors closed the case in March 2023 without filing charges, citing insufficient evidence. Public booking photographs from the Hilo arrests are available in public sources. This summary focuses solely on the documented resolutions (no convictions resulted).

2022 Vermont misdemeanor unlawful trespass (reduced from initial burglary charge)

On May 1, 2022, Miller was charged with felony burglary in Stamford, Vermont, after allegedly entering a neighbor’s home without permission and removing several bottles of alcohol.[81][82]
Ezra Miller during a virtual court appearance
Ezra Miller appearing remotely in court for proceedings related to the Vermont burglary charge
Following a plea agreement accepted on January 13, 2023, the felony was reduced to misdemeanor unlawful trespass; Miller received one year of probation, a $500 fine plus fees, a suspended 89–90-day jail sentence, a no-contact order with the victims, and conditions for continued mental health treatment.[84][73][86] No incarceration resulted.

2022 dismissed or unsubstantiated civil allegations

2022 Grooming Allegations: Fully Discredited, Withdrawn, and Retracted by Accusers

In June 2022, Chase Iron Eyes filed a complaint accusing Miller of grooming his 18-year-old child, Tokata Iron Eyes, who was an adult at the time. Tokata Iron Eyes denied the allegations, stating that they were "a disgusting and irresponsible smear campaign" against Miller, and that Miller "in multiple cases has done the right thing and stood in protection of others."[57] The allegations originated from information provided by Lauren Ren Turner (known online as Vintage.Devil), who in a 2022 interview admitted providing lies and speculation without proof to Iron Eyes intending to harm Miller. Miller had obtained a 2018 protective order against the stalker Lauren Turner in an Indiana court for harassment. Iron Eyes withdrew the filings in August 2024, stating that “when I filed a petition and claimed that Ezra appeared to have ‘groomed’ Tokata,” it was on the basis of bad information, explaining the family was attempting to move forward and citing recanted witness information.[58][59]

2022 Massachusetts Chapter 258E Civil Order (dismissed June 2023 after petitioner failed to appear; no allegations or charges)

The order did not contain any allegations against Miller.[60] In June 2022, Shannon Guin obtained a temporary ex parte Chapter 258E Civil Order against Miller on behalf of her 12-year-old child. Miller denied any wrongdoing, calling the claims false.[61] The order was dismissed in June 2023 after Guin failed to appear at the extension hearing. Miller welcomed the outcome, stating it halted an “egregious misuse of the protective order system” and criticized media for spreading “false claims”.[62][61]

2022 Vermont farm child-welfare concerns amid mother's flight from domestic abuse

In mid-2022, reports alleged Miller temporarily housed a mother and her three young children (ages 1–5) on a Vermont farm where unsecured firearms and marijuana were reportedly accessible.[63][64] The mother, identified as Ana Rosa, who had court-documented domestic-violence history with the children’s father and legal custody granted after filing multiple abuse charges against him, described the farm as a safe refuge and stated that guns were securely stored in an inaccessible area.[63][65] In the same June 26, 2022, interview with Cabana do Leitor, she denied the endangerment claims, stating her children "have never had access to any weapons," calling the bullet-in-mouth allegation "not true" and a "lie" from a malicious anonymous source amid custody issues, and affirming "none of it is [true]. Not one single thing." She further described Miller as "the angel & the hero in this whole situation," stating "People owe Ezra an apology for the next 100 years," and emphasized that Miller provided a safe refuge and caring support for her and her children while fleeing domestic abuse.[65] A May 2022 welfare check found no immediate concerns; no charges or custody orders resulted.[64][66]

Professional repercussions and public response

Impact on film projects and industry standing

Warner Bros. released Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore on April 15, 2022, shortly after Miller’s March 28, 2022 arrest in Hawaii for disorderly conduct and harassment. As of November 2025, no fourth or fifth instalments in the franchise have been announced.
The Flash character in red suit with lightning effects
Promotional image of The Flash from the 2023 film
The Flash was released on June 16, 2023, opening to $55 million domestically on a reported $200–220 million production budget and grossing $271 million worldwide.[67] The film served as the conclusion of the prior DC Extended Universe continuity; the subsequent DC Universe reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran features new actors for Superman, Batman, and other roles, and no further projects starring Miller have been announced. Miller did not participate in promotion for Dalíland (2022) and has had no major-studio films announced since 2023. In 2025, Miller began collaborating with director Lynne Ramsay on a new vampire film project, co-writing the script and starring in a lead role, signaling tentative industry re-engagement following personal recovery.[68]

Media coverage biases and accountability debates

2022 Penske Media Coverage and Subsequent Debunkings

In 2022, Penske Media outlets (Variety, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter) published over a dozen rapid-fire exposés on Ezra Miller, alleging grooming of Tokata Iron Eyes since age 12 through drugs, gifts, and cult-like control (based on a discredited parental protective order), alongside arrests and other harassment claims. All major allegations were later debunked or withdrawn:
  • A second arrest occurred on April 19, 2022, for suspected second-degree assault (throwing a chair that struck a woman). Prosecutors closed the case without charges in March 2023, citing insufficient evidence.
  • Tokata Iron Eyes (2022) denied any grooming or abuse, calling it a “disgusting smear campaign.”[57]
  • Chase Iron Eyes (Aug 2024) fully retracted the 2022 tribal petition, admitting his accusation of grooming relied on a recanted witness and there was “no evidence” of wrongdoing by Ezra Miller.[69]
  • In June 2022, a Massachusetts mother obtained a temporary Chapter 258E Civil Order against Miller on behalf of her 12-year-old child, citing suspicions over persistent gift offers (including a horse); the order itself contained no allegations against Miller. It was dissolved in June 2023 after the petitioner failed to appear; Miller's team called the claims fabricated.[91][92]
  • In mid-2022, Penske Media reports alleged Ezra Miller housed Ana Rosa and her three young children (ages 1–5) on a Vermont farm with unsecured firearms and marijuana accessible. Ana, who had escaped domestic violence and gained custody after filing abuse charges, denied the claims, stating the farm was a safe refuge, guns were securely stored, and her children never accessed weapons. She called the allegations (including a bullet-in-mouth claim) lies from a malicious source amid custody issues, praised Miller as “the angel & the hero,” and said people owe him an apology for the next 100 years. A May 2022 welfare check found no concerns.[65]
  • Criminal cases ended in minor misdemeanors or dismissals (no felony convictions).
As of March 2026, none of the original Penske Media articles have been retracted or updated to reflect these retractions and exonerations.

Perspectives from Miller and Associates

Ezra Miller and their legal representatives have described the extensive media coverage—particularly from outlets owned by Penske Media Corporation, including Variety, Rolling Stone, and The Hollywood Reporter—as a "smear campaign" fueled by unsubstantiated claims that were later debunked or withdrawn. Miller has accused the media of "recklessly spread[ing] false claims and failed to accurately report the truth" in pursuit of clicks, arguing that they were "unjustly and directly targeted" amid personal struggles.[70] Their attorney has echoed this, contending that "unscrupulous media" amplified false accusations during Miller's mental health challenges, resulting in "terrible damage to their reputation and career."[71] These views align with third-party statements, such as Tokata Iron Eyes' characterization of the grooming allegations from her father as a "disgusting and irresponsible smear campaign."[57] They are further supported by Ana Rosa, the mother who housed with her children on Miller's Vermont farm amid her own documented escape from domestic violence. In a June 2022 interview, she directly called the allegations against Miller (including the bullet-in-mouth claim) "lies" from a "malicious" anonymous source tied to ongoing custody issues with her ex-partner. She affirmed that "none of it is [true]. Not one single thing," described the farm as a safe refuge, and praised Miller as “the angel & the hero in this whole situation,” adding that "People owe Ezra an apology for the next 100 years."[65]

Media coverage and commentary (2022–2025)

Ezra Miller’s 2022 controversies produced sharply divided commentary, with debates persisting into 2025 amid Miller's tentative return to Hollywood, including an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival.[72] Conservative outlets (OutKick Jun 2023, Hollywood in Toto Oct 2022, Independent Women’s Forum Feb 2023) argued that mainstream media heavily publicized allegations that were later retracted or resolved as minor offenses yet issued almost no corrections, viewing the outcome as evidence of inconsistent post-#MeToo standards.[73][74][75] Progressive and LGBTQ+-aligned commentators stressed the absence of felony convictions, the 2024 full retraction by Chase Iron Eyes (“no evidence”), and Miller’s mental-health treatment, regarding persistent negative coverage as selective.[76][77][69] The case is regularly cited as an example of perceived double standards in celebrity accountability and the media’s handling of withdrawn allegations, as scant follow-up on resolutions has perpetuated public misconceptions of Miller as a felon or predator despite no such convictions or evidence.

Resolutions, plea deals, and 2023–2025 updates

Legal matters stemming from 2022 incidents concluded by 2024 with minor fines, probation, and dismissals of higher charges, with no felony convictions or incarceration, as detailed in the Legal incidents and controversies section. No additional arrests or legal proceedings against Miller have been reported from 2023 through 2026.[78] Miller maintained a low public profile during this period, limiting appearances and engaging sporadically on social media with posts on music collaborations and personal reflections rather than professional activities.[79] In June 2025 interviews, Miller expressed "remorse and lamentation" for prior wrongdoings and stated being "really grateful" for the lessons derived from the controversies, framing them as catalysts for personal insight into unreliable relationships and self-awareness.[80][81]

Filmography and recognition

Key film and television roles

Miller gained critical acclaim for portraying the sociopathic teenager Kevin Khatchadourian in the 2011 psychological thriller We Need to Talk About Kevin, directed by Lynne Ramsay, a role that marked their breakthrough in independent cinema and earned praise for its unsettling intensity.[82] Earlier television work included a recurring role as the hemophiliac teenager Tucker Bryant on the USA Network series Royal Pains from 2009 to 2010, appearing in episodes that highlighted medical drama elements.[83]
Ezra Miller as The Flash running with lightning effects
Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash in an action scene from The Flash
In the fantasy franchise Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) and its sequels, including Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022), Miller played the enigmatic Credence Barebone, revealed as Aurelius Dumbledore, serving as a pivotal anchor in the J.K. Rowling-inspired series with a focus on obscured magical heritage and internal conflict.[18] Their portrayal extended to the DC Extended Universe as Barry Allen / The Flash, debuting in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and culminating in the lead role in The Flash (2023), a multiverse-spanning superhero film that emphasized high-speed action and emotional vulnerability despite production challenges.[4] Miller's career trajectory reflects a transition from introspective indie roles emphasizing psychological depth, such as in We Need to Talk About Kevin, to high-stakes blockbuster spectacles in superhero franchises like Fantastic Beasts and The Flash, where commercial scale often diverged from critical reception—evident in the former's acclaim for character nuance versus the latter's mixed box office performance relative to budgets exceeding $200 million.[77] Additional voice work included voicing characters in the animated Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018), contributing to ensemble comedic takes on DC heroes.[4]

Awards and nominations overview

Ezra Miller in front of the Another Happy Day film poster
Ezra Miller at a promotional event for the film Another Happy Day
Miller's awards and nominations are concentrated in the early 2010s, reflecting breakout performances in independent dramas rather than mainstream blockbusters or sustained critical acclaim. Key recognitions include a win for Breakthrough Performer at the 2011 Hamptons International Film Festival for the role in Another Happy Day, acknowledging emerging talent in festival circuits.[84] Similarly, the Boston Society of Film Critics awarded Best Supporting Actor for The Perks of Being a Wallflower in 2012, one of few outright victories amid predominantly nomination-heavy tallies. Nominations spanned genre awards like the MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Performance in 2013 for the same film, but lacked conversions to wins in broader categories.[23] No major awards or nominations have been reported after 2021, aligning with a career pivot toward franchise roles and subsequent personal controversies from 2022 onward. This contrasts with contemporaries in superhero and fantasy genres, such as those in DC or Marvel ensembles, who accumulated multiple nods from bodies like the Saturn Awards or Critics' Choice during comparable periods—e.g., over a dozen for select peers in the 2010s alone—highlighting Miller's relatively limited formal peer validation beyond initial indie breakthroughs. Festival and critics' circle wins remain sparse, with totals under 10 documented victories against 15+ nominations, underscoring a peak in pre-franchise recognition rather than enduring industry honors.[85]
YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
2011Hamptons International Film FestivalBreakthrough PerformerAnother Happy DayWon[84]
2011British Independent Film AwardsBest Supporting ActorWe Need to Talk About KevinNominated[84]
2012Boston Society of Film Critics AwardsBest Supporting ActorThe Perks of Being a WallflowerWon[23]
2013MTV Movie AwardsBreakthrough PerformanceThe Perks of Being a WallflowerNominated[23]

References

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